Survivor Rights Act : Sign the Petition
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The Survivor Rights Act - 1st Senate Amendment
Currently, the enforcement of crime victims' rights to be informed, present, and heard throughout the criminal justice system remains unenforceable. The 1st senate amendment proposes to amend the Victims and Witnesses of Violent Crimes Act to make victims' rights enforceable by:
- Allowing crime victims the right to file a cause of action for damages and attorney's fees against offending agencies or officials found to have violated their rights as stated in the law. Also deletes provision that denies victims the right to appellate relief.
- Requiring training for law enforcement officers to effectively communicate and provide crime victims with information on their rights and compensation at the crime victim's initial contact with the criminal justice system. Also, requires law enforcement officers to furnish crime victims with a sign-off sheet to verify crimes victims received said rights.
- Requiring crime victims to be informed of their right to hire an attorney to represent them as though they are a named party in the case, at their own expense, and provides a right for victims to file a motion with the court to assert their rights.
On May 31, 2011 the senate filed a second and third amendment which does not provide crime victims
with any redress when victims' rights are violated, nor does it promote compliance among law
enforcement authorities or States attorneys with victims' rights obligations. While victims'
rights remain unenforceable in Illinois and victims of violent crimes remain significantly
underserved, the 1st senate amendment to enact The Survivor Rights Act will result in a stronger
system of justice.
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