Political Quotes

“Congress must follow the lead of 32 States, including my home State of Ohio, and pass the ``Victims' Rights Constitutional Amendment.'' This amendment will empower crime victims by allowing them to confront their assailants in a courtroom and at sentencing and parole hearings. It will also protect victims by requiring that they be notified about the release or escape of the perpetrator from custody. Finally, the amendment will restore victims by guaranteeing them the right to seek restitution from their attackers. For far too long, victims of crime in this country have had to stand on the courthouse steps with meaningful justice just beyond their reach: not allowed to view proceedings in person sometimes, not permitted to speak out on behalf of a murdered loved one, not even notified when a violent abuser is turned loose. Crime victims deserve to be treated better. They deserve to be treated with dignity in our criminal justice system. With the adoption of this amendment, we will finally fortify an important truth, that victims must have their own inalienable rights under our Constitution.”