Thirty-three states have added a victims' rights amendment to their state constitutions. S.J.Res. 1/H.J.Res. 48/H.J.Res. 10 would add a victims' rights amendment to the United States Constitution. The amendment is identical to proposals offered in the 107th Congress (S.J.Res. 35/H.J.Res. 88/H.J.Res. 91) and has been endorsed by the President. Similar proposals date back to the 104th Congress. The proposed amendment grants the victims of state and federal violent crimes the right: - to reasonable and timely notice of public proceedings relating to the crime; - to reasonable and timely notice of the release or escape of the accused; - not to be excluded from such public proceedings; - reasonably to be heard at public release, plea, sentencing, reprieve, and pardon proceedings; and - to adjudicative decisions that give due consideration to victims' interests in their safety, in avoiding unreasonable delay and to consideration of their just and timely claims for restitution from the offender. The rights may not be restricted except to the extent dictated by a substantial interest in public safety or the administration of criminal justice or by compelling necessity. Only victims and their representatives may enforce the rights, but they may not do so through a claim ...

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