S 0476 Joint Resolution, By McConnell, A.S. Macaulay, S.S. Martschink, O'Dell, 
Passailaigue, Peeler and Washington
 A Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to Article I of the Constitution of
 South Carolina, 1895, relating to declaration of rights, so as to provide for
 the Victims' and Witnesses' Bill of Rights.

   01/15/91  Senate Introduced and read first time SJ-11
   01/15/91  Senate Referred to Committee on Judiciary SJ-11

A JOINT RESOLUTION

PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE I OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO DECLARATION OF RIGHTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE VICTIMS' AND WITNESSES' BILL OF RIGHTS.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1. It is proposed that Article I of the Constitution of this State be amended by adding:

"Section 24. This section is known as the `Victims' and Witnesses' Bill of Rights' and is further defined by law. Victims and witnesses of crime have the right to:

1. be treated with dignity and compassion;

2. protection from intimidation and harm;

3. be informed concerning the criminal justice process;

4. reparations;

5. preservation of property and employment;

6. due process in criminal court proceedings;

7. special recognition and attention by all criminal justice, medical, and social agencies if the victim or witness is very young, elderly, handicapped, or has special needs."

SECTION 2. The proposed amendment must be submitted to the qualified electors at the next general election for representatives. Ballots must be provided at the various voting precincts with the following words printed or written on the ballot:

"Must Article I of the Constitution of this State be amended so as to provide for a victims' and witnesses' bill of rights?

Those voting in favor of the question shall deposit a ballot with a check or cross mark in the square after the word `Yes', and those voting against the question shall deposit a ballot with a check or cross mark in the square after the word `No'."