Oklahoma authorities discuss rights under Marsy's Law
Authorities and victims’ rights advocates gathered Thursday with prosecutors, court representatives and mental health professionals for a training session on rights under Marsy’s Law, which supporters say gives crime victims a greater voice in the legal system. Hosted by the state attorney general’s office and District Attorneys Council, the daylong regional training session held at the Norman Investigations Center covered victims’ compensation, privacy laws and victims’ rights during various stages in the criminal justice process.
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The Oklahoman
March 6, 2020
“The attorney general’s office can help anybody who calls to navigate the system,” said Kim Moyer, state director for Marsy’s Law for Oklahoma. “If victims feel like they’re not getting the help that they need from different entities, the attorney general’s office can make some calls.”
In 2018, Oklahoma voters passed Marsy's Law, or State Question 794, to add certain rights for crime victims to the Oklahoma Constitution.
Proponents say the law ensures that victims of crime are informed of their rights, notified of court proceedings and developments in their cases, and are heard in court.
They also say the Marsy’s Law ensures victims are treated with respect and dignity throughout criminal proceedings.
“All of us are working together to build a better culture of serving victims,” Moyer said.
Law enforcement agents who respond to a reported crime must notify the crime victims of their rights in writing. If the local district attorney's office chooses to prosecute an alleged criminal, victims again must be notified of their rights by the district attorney.