Local

The push begins to enact ‘Marsy’s Law’ in Oklahoma

TULSA — A state question that would amend the Oklahoma constitution to codify the rights of crime victims will be on the ballot in November, but so far the issue hasn’t gotten a great deal of attention.

Advocates of the measure are part of a movement to enact what they call “Marsy’s Law” across the country.

So far, they’ve been successful in five states, and 11 more are considering the change.

Currently, the rights of criminal defendants are specified and protected, but for victims and their families, the journey through the justice system can leave them feeling victimized a second time.

Lauren Layman came to Tulsa earlier this week to participate in the taping of a public service announcement supporting SQ794.

She told KRMG her journey through the system began when she tried getting an update from investigators on the 20-year-old cold case involving her great-grandmother's murder (hear our full interview by CLICKING HERE, or using the audio player below).

“I had no rights,” she said. “I mean they say I have rights, but my rights were not enforced.”

When it comes to the process of trying, incarcerating, and possibly paroling a defendant, she added, “a lot of victims are in the dark.”

The amount of information victims and their families can get varies greatly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, and often depends on the resources available to law enforcement or prosecutors, as well their those departments own internal policies and procedures.

SQ794 would change that, by mandating the types of information available to victims.

Oklahoma will vote on the measure November 6th.

Listen

news

weather

traffic




mobile apps

Everything you love about krmg.com and more! Tap on any of the buttons below to download our app.

amazon alexa

Enable our Skill today to listen live at home on your Alexa Devices!