Dianne Feinstein: “We take it to be common ground that the Constitution should never be amended merely to achieve short-term, partisan, or…”

“We take it to be common ground that the Constitution should never be amended merely to achieve short-term, partisan, or purely policy objectives. Apart from a needed change in governmental structure, an amendment is appropriate only when the goal involves a basic human right that by consensus deserves permanent respect, is not and cannot adequately be protected through State or Federal legislation-- I think we have shown why that can't happen-- would not distort basic principles of the separation of powers among the Federal branches or the division of powers between the national and state governments or the balance of powers between government and private citizens with respect to their basic rights. The proposed Victims Rights Amendment meets these demanding criteria. It would protect basic rights of crime victims, including their rights to be notified of and present at all proceedings in their case and to be heard at appropriate stages in the process.”