TN Constitutional Amendment 3, also known as Marsy’s Law, passes

What This Story Is About

• Tennessee voters passed Amendment 3 on Tuesday, which expands the rights afforded to victims of crime during criminal proceedings.

Why It Matters

• The legislation is named for Marsalee Nicholas, the victim in a 1983 murder case out of California. A week after her murder, her family was confronted by her killer in public while he was out on bond. The family claimed they were not aware he had been released.

What Happens Next

• With Tuesday’s results now in, the Tennessee Constitution remains the same.

For Context

• The State Constitution already provides certain rights.

Catch Up

• Marsy’s Law already exists in 11 states. Supporters feel the amendment gives the courts the ability to actually enforce and uphold victims’ rights. Opponents say it further clogs up the court system.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Tennesseans voted to adopt Marsy’s Law/not to adopt Marsy’s Law Tuesday, approving Amendment 3 at the polls on Tuesday.

The amendment pertains to rights for crime victims under Article I, section 35 of the state constitution.

Amendment III outlines the following privileges to victims and their families:

• Fair treatment
• To be informed about and participate in the parole process
• Harassment, intimidation and abuse protection
• To be informed about the minimum sentence the convicted criminal will serve and their scheduled release
• To have their safety, their family’s safety and the public’s safety taken into account before a convicted criminal is released

Furthermore, the amendment clarifies the following privileges:

• To be informed about legal proceedings involving the criminal and all public proceedings
• To be informed of any release, transfer or escape of the criminal
• To talk to prosecutors and make statements about the conviction, sentencing or release process
• Speedy resolution of the case
• Restitution from the convicted criminal
• To be informed of their rights

Amendment 3 is Tennessee’s version of “Marsy’s Law,” which was named in the memory of Marsalee Nicholas, the victim in a 1983 murder case out of California.

A week after her murder, her family was confronted by her killer in public while he was out on bond. They say they did not even know he had been released.

Marsy’s Law is on the books in 11 states, meaning Tennessee is now the 12th state to adopt it.

Amendment 3 was one of three constitutional amendments up for a vote on Tuesday. Here’s a breakdown of the others:

• Amendment 1: A blanket denial of bail for those accused of the most violent crimes - Passed
• Amendment 2: A permanent ban on state-imposed property tax - Passed