Discussion: Prop 9

Daniel Brezenoff and Dennis C. Smith on Prop 9, below:

Daniel Brezenoff

What it does: Amends California Constitution. Reduces parole hearings, opens hearings to more people. Requires written notice of rights to victims of crimes.

Pros: Being a victim of crime does not mean the justice system and police suddenly become warm and friendly. This bill might offer some sense of order and humanity to victims as they navigate the legal bureaucracy in their time of grief and transition.
Cons:  I’m not a fan of delayed hearings and extended pretrial detention. Victims already have most of the rights in this bill. Among the new rights are the incoherently vague (“finality”) and the vaguely unconstitutional (refusal to be confronted as a witness).

How I’m voting:  It’s going to have be no, but keep trying. Crime victims are often treated poorly and that’s got to change.

Will it pass? Too close to call. But with law enforcement split on supporting it, I’d bet it won’t.

Trivia: What rights do the victims of victimless crimes have?

*

Dennis C. Smith

Prop 9: Criminal Justice System. Victim’s Rights. Parole. Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute.  Requires notification to victim and opportunity for input during phases of criminal justice process, including bail, pleas, sentencing and parole.  Frankly I am concerned the guidelines of this proposition are not already in effect.  My vote is Yes on Prop 9.