HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 4-d - Resolution in Support of Better Protections and Safeguards to Victims
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: March 20, 2018
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-d
SUBJECT: Resolution in Support of Better Protections and Safeguards to Victims
DEPARTMENT: County Manager
ATTACHMENT(S):
Resolution in Support of Better Protections
and Safeguards to Victims
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Bonnie Hammersley, 245-2300
PURPOSE: To consider a Resolution in Support of Better Protections and Safeguards to
Victims.
BACKGROUND: At the March 8, 2018 Board meeting, the Board voiced an interest in
considering a Resolution in Support of Better Protections and Safeguards to Victims.
Commissioner Renee Price drafted the attached resolution
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) recent report, “Crime in the United
States”, in 2013, a total of 33,700 North Carolinians were the victims of Violent “Index Crimes”
including: murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft and
arson.
Voters in California passed the Victim’s Bill of Rights Act of 2008, also known as Marsy’s Law,
and other states are enacting similar laws to guarantee victims’ rights and provide victims with a
voice.
House Bill 551/Senate Bill 595, a bill to amend the Law and Constitution of North Carolina, has
been introduced in the North Carolina General Assembly in the spirit of Marsy’s Law to provide
better protections and safeguards to victims of crimes.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with considering the resolution.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following four Orange County Social Justice Goals are
applicable to this agenda item:
• GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND
INEQUITY
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color;
religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or
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ethnic background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential or economic
status.
• CREATE A SAFE COMMUNITY
The reduction of risks associated with vehicle/traffic accidents, childhood and senior
injuries while building a safe, inclusive and loving community.
• GOAL: ENABLE FULL CIVIC PARTICIPATION
Ensure that Orange County residents are able to engage government through voting and
volunteering by eliminating disparities in participation and barriers to participation.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board consider approving the
Resolution, and if approved, authorize the Chair to sign the Resolution in Support of Better
Protections and Safeguards to Victims.
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RES-2018-019
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
RESOLUTION
IN SUPPORT OF BETTER PROTECTIONS AND SAFEGUARDS TO
VICTIMS
WHEREAS, Marsy’s Law For North Carolina and advocacy organizations statewide are
dedicated to guaranteeing victims’ rights and providing a voice; and
WHEREAS, Marsy’s Law For North Carolina supporters agree that victims should always
be treated with fairness and respect throughout the criminal justice process, protected from
the defendant, reasonably heard at public proceedings regarding their case, and given a voice
through the process of the case; and
WHEREAS, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) recent report, “Crime
in the United States”, in 2013, a total of 33,700 North Carolinians were the victims of
Violent “Index Crimes” including: murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary,
larceny, motor vehicle theft and arson; and
WHEREAS, Marsy’s Law for North Carolina will ensure that victims receive the same
rights that are afforded to criminals, and have rights to notification of release, hearings,
appropriate restitution and the right to speak during criminal proceedings; and
WHEREAS, voters in California passed the Victim’s Bill of Rights Act of 2008
[Proposition 9], also known as Marsy’s Law, and other states are enacting similar laws; and
WHEREAS, victims’ rights is a non-partisan, non-political issue, and Marsy’s Law is one
approach to ensuring victims’ rights;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of
Commissioners does hereby stands in support of House Bill 551/Senate Bill 595, a bill to
amend the Law and Constitution of North Carolina to provide better protections and
safeguards to victims of crimes; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of Commissioners
encourages all residents of Orange County, North Carolina, to join in the commitment to
protect the rights of victims of crime in North Carolina.
This 20th day of March, 2018.
___________________________________
Mark Dorosin, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
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