WASHINGTON, April 16 (UPI) -- President George W. Bush on Tuesday called for a new constitutional amendment that would provide federal protections to millions of victims of violent crimes.
"As we protect the rights of criminals, we must take equal care to protect the rights of the victims. Many of the victims of crime have gotten a crash course in the complications and frustrations of our criminal justice system," Bush said.
Bush announced his support for the measure sponsored by Sens. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., during a speech delivered at the Department of Justice in Washington. The measure would provide constitutional protections for people impacted by violent crime.
The bill calls for provisions allowing victims reasonable and timely notice of public proceedings involving the crime. It would provide victims with information on the release or escape of the accused and the right to be heard at hearings regarding public release, plea, sentencing, reprieve and pardon, and decisions that could affect the victim's safety.
"The Feinstein-Kyl Amendment was written with care, and strikes a proper balance. Our legal system properly protects the rights of the accused in the Constitution. But it does not provide similar protection for the rights of victims, and that must change," Bush said.
The White House estimates Americans were victims of 6.3 million violent crimes in 2000 alone. Bush had supported adding a victims' rights amendment during his presidential campaign. Texas is one of 32 states with a state constitutional amendment guaranteeing rights for victims.
"The key is to balance rights," said Steve Siegel, treasurer of the National Victims' Constitutional Amendment Network, a grassroots organization dedicated to passage of the legislation. Siegel told United Press International criminals currently have rights guaranteed in the Constitution, but those of victims typically are provided through statutes.
"It's the right to be informed, the right to be present and the right to be heard," said Seigel, a Denver deputy district attorney. He pointed out that Colorado was the sixth state to pass a victims' rights amendment. The measure passed the state legislature there in 1991 with more than 80 percent support.
While the measure has bipartisan support, typically lawmakers are wary about making such changes to the Constitution. Congress last amended the Constitution in 1971 when it allowed 18-year-olds the right to vote.
