Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we need Marsy’s Law for Tennessee?

Until we provide constitutional protections for Tennessee crime victims, their rights will always be weaker and less protective than those of the criminal who perpetrated the crime against them. We need to remember that they are the person who has suffered from the crime — they deserve to have enforceable rights that are recognized at the highest legal level.

What rights will Marsy’s Law for Tennessee guarantee?

Adopting Marsy’s Law in Tennessee will provide victims with the ability to assert the critical rights to which they are promised including:

  • The right to be treated with fairness for the victim's safety, dignity, and privacy;
  • The right, upon request, to reasonable and timely notice of, and to be present at, all criminal public proceedings and all juvenile delinquency proceedings involving the accused;
  • The right to be heard in any proceeding involving release, plea, sentencing, disposition, and parole, as well as any public proceeding when relevant during which a right of the victim is implicated;
  • The right to be free from harassment, intimidation, and abuse throughout the criminal justice system, including reasonable protection from the accused or any person acting on behalf of the accused;
  • The right, upon request, to reasonable notice of any release, transfer, or escape of the accused or convicted person;
  • The right to full and timely restitution from the offender;
  • The right to a speedy trial or disposition and a prompt and final conclusion of the case after the conviction or sentence;
  • The right, upon request, to confer with the prosecution;
  • The right to be fully informed of all rights afforded to crime victims.