PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S10338)
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Mar 14, 1997
Victims' Rights Clarification Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit a United States district court from ordering the exclusion of any victim of an offense from the trial of the accused defendant on the basis that the victim may, during the sentencing phase: (1) make a victim impact statement or present any victim impact information in relation to the sentence; or (2) testify as to the effect of the offense on the victim or the victim's family. Specifies that the fact that a victim attended or observed the trial in accordance with applicable statutes, rules, or other provisions of law shall not be construed to create a danger of creating unfair prejudice, confusing the issues, or misleading the jury. Makes this Act applicable to pending cases.
People & committees
Sen. Nickles, Don [R-OK] · R–OK
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S10338)
Introduced in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 28.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2330)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 21, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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