H 3101 Session 109 (1991-1992)
H 3101 Joint Resolution, By S.S. Wofford
A Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to Article I of the Constitution of
South Carolina, 1895, relating to declaration of rights, so as to provide for
the Victim's and Witnesses' Bill of Rights.
12/27/90 House Prefiled
12/27/90 House Referred to Committee on Judiciary
01/08/91 House Introduced and read first time HJ-65
01/08/91 House Referred to Committee on Judiciary HJ-65
A JOINT RESOLUTION
PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE I OF THE
CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO
DECLARATION OF RIGHTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE
VICTIMS' AND WITNESSES' BILL OF RIGHTS.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. It is proposed that Article I of the Constitution of this
State be amended by adding:
"Section 24. This section is known as the `Victims' and
Witnesses' Bill of Rights' and is further defined by law. Victims and
witnesses of crime have the right to:
1. be treated with dignity and compassion;
2. protection from intimidation and harm;
3. be informed concerning the criminal justice process;
4. reparations;
5. preservation of property and employment;
6. due process in criminal court proceedings;
7. special recognition and attention by all criminal justice,
medical, and social agencies if the victim or witness is very young,
elderly, handicapped, or has special needs."
SECTION 2. The proposed amendment must be submitted to the
qualified electors at the next general election for representatives. Ballots
must be provided at the various voting precincts with the following
words printed or written on the ballot:
"Must Article I of the Constitution of this State be amended so
as to provide for a victims' and witnesses' bill of rights?
Yes []
No []
Those voting in favor of the question shall deposit a ballot with a check
or cross mark in the square after the word `Yes', and those voting against
the question shall deposit a ballot with a check or cross mark in the
square after the word `No'."
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