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Marsy's Law Amendment Gets Approval from N.H. Senate Committee

Ellen Grimm for NHPR

A constitutional amendment designed to give crime victims more rights is leaving a Senate committee with a positive recommendation.

The amendment, known as Marsy’s Law, would give crime victims constitutional rights in the criminal justice system.

Supporters envision it as a parallel to the Miranda rights of the accused. Opponents argue it could interfere with due process for criminal defendants.

On Tuesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee signed off on the amendment by a 4 to 1 vote. It’s expected to get a vote by the full Senate this Thursday.

To pass, the amendment needs the support of three-fifths in both houses as well as two-thirds of voters.

The campaign for Marsy’s Law in New Hampshire is part of a national effort funded by a California tech billionaire. At least a dozen other states are currently considering similar amendments.

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Jason Moon is a senior reporter and producer on the Document team. He has created longform narrative podcast series on topics ranging from unsolved murders, to presidential elections, to secret lists of police officers.
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