Marsy's Law Approved by Ohio Voters
COLUMBUS - The following statements can be attributed to the Marsy's Law for Ohio campaign:
"What an exciting victory tonight for crime victims from all across the Buckeye State. Marsy and I were born in Ohio, and to be able to bring enforceable constitutional rights for crime victims to a place so close to my heart is truly special. Tonight’s vote was the result of nearly a year of hard work by the Marsy’s Law team, and a clear demonstration of the continuing strength of our movement. Ohioans from all walks of life came out to support crime victims, and we thank them from the bottom of our hearts."
- Dr. Henry T. Nicholas III, a native Ohioan and founder of Marsy's Law for All.
"This is a great victory for all Ohioans. Marsy’s Law will ensure that victims are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect throughout the criminal justice system."
- Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine
"What a great night this is for crime victims and their families in Ohio. As a longtime advocate for crime victims, I have long dreamed of equal, enforceable rights for all in my state. Tonight’s historic vote is a huge step forward for all Ohioans, and the result of years of hard work by crime victim advocates. We thank Dr. Henry Nicholas, Marsy’s brother, for finally bringing equal rights for crime victims to our state."
- Cathy Harper Lee, director of the Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center
Background information:
Ohio becomes the sixth state to pass Marsy’s Law joining California, Illinois, Montana, North & South Dakota.
Marsy’s Law for Ohio was endorsed by more than 375 elected officials including Governor John Kasich, Attorney General Mike DeWine, State Auditor Dave Yost, 16 county prosecutors, nearly two dozen county sheriffs, and state lawmakers from both sides of the aisle.
Under the Marsy’s Law for Ohio amendment, crime victims will have the right to notification of all proceedings as well as be guaranteed the right to be heard at every step of the process. Victims will have the right to have input on all plea deals for offenders as well as the right to restitution resulting from the financial impact of the crime. Additionally, crime victims will also have the right to a hearing before a judge if they feel their rights are being violated.
The Marsy’s Law movement began in 1983, when Marsy Nicholas was stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend in California. Only a week after her murder, Marsy’s mother and brother, Henry T. Nicholas, walked into a grocery store where they saw the accused murderer. The family, who had just visited Marsy’s grave, had no idea the accused murderer had been released on bail.
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