Prop 9 – CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. VICTIMS’ RIGHTS. PAROLE.

My Summary: Straight from the voter guide…

  • Requires notification to victim and opportunity for input during phases of criminal justice process, including bail, pleas, sentencing and parole.
  • Establishes victim safety as consideration in determining bail or release on parole.
  • Increases the number of people permitted to attend and testify on behalf of victims at parole hearings.
  • Reduces the number of parole hearings to which prisoners are entitled.
  • Requires that victims receive written notification of their constitutional rights.
  • Establishes timelines and procedures concerning parole revocation hearings.

My Opinion: I probably won’t spend a ton of time on any of the remaining props, but I like this one. The reduction in parole hearings sounds like it’s well overdue and could save money. I read this at ballotpedia:

Proposition 9 would save money because under the current system, taxpayers are spending money to fund hearings for criminals who have little chance of release. For example, supporters of Prop 9 argue, “‘Helter Skelter’ inmates Bruce Davis and Leslie Van Houten, followers of Charles Manson, convicted of multiple brutal murders, have had 38 parole hearings in 30 years. That’s 38 times the families involved have been forced to relive the painful crime and pay their own expenses to attend the hearing, plus 38 hearings that taxpayers have had to subsidize.”

I also like the idea of the victim’s families having increased rights during bail and parole hearings.

Bottom Line: Tom McClintock supports this one. Murderers shouldn’t be released on bail without letting the victims family know.

I am voting YES on Prop 9.

Make sure you visit Geeky Weekly for his take on Prop 9.