A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to protect the rights of victims of crimes.
Committee on Judiciary. Hearings held.
Congressional Research Service
Official summary
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Apr 22, 1996
Constitutional Amendment - Grants victims of violent crimes the following rights: (1) to be informed of, and present at, every proceeding in which the rights to liberty, justice, and due process are extended to the accused or convicted offender; (2) to be heard at any proceeding involving sentencing and to object to a previously negotiated plea or a release from custody; (3) to be informed of any release or escape; (4) to a speedy trial, a final conclusion free from unreasonable delay, full restitution from the convicted offender, reasonable measures of protection from violence or intimidation by the accused or convicted offender; and (5) to notice of such rights. Grants the several States and the Congress the power to implement further this amendment by appropriate legislation.
Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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