Sunday, September 21, 2008

Proposition 9

Proposition 9 creates some new rights for victims of violent crime. The proponents make some emotional arguments as to why we should change existing standards. The proposal would offer some mandated involvement of victims in various parts of the judicial, including bail decisions, and parole process. The arguments on this proposition are in the voter guide.

This is an ideal issue for a competent legislature to think about. Clearly there are some uncertainties in the current legal system based in part on the inherent balance between the rights of the accused and the rights of victims. But when an issue like this comes up, there are always unexpected glitches in the language that are not clear.

When presented with that kind of choice, I vote NO.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

"This is an ideal issue for a competent legislature to think about."

That's something that California hasn't had for decades. That said, micro-managing by voters hasn't been effective either. If only Californians would realize that they can vote their time-wasting, over-spending legislators out and hold future "representatives" accountable for their actions.