Marsy’s Law, a proposed victims’ rights amendment that is set to be voted on by the people of Pennsylvania on Nov. 5, will not take effect immediately to the state constitution due to a ruling today in the state Commonwealth Court.
Judge Ellen Ceisler issued a preliminary injunction on Wednesday, which was requested by voters and the state League of Women Voters, according to the AP.
BREAKING: Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Court has issued an injunction barring Marsy’s Law, a sweeping victim’s rights amendment, from taking effect if voters approve it on November 5th. pic.twitter.com/MPBXf7V0dg
— Katie Meyer (@katieemeyer4) October 30, 2019
Opponents of Marsy’s Law believe that the amendment is “too broad” and would cause “immediate and irreparable harm” to the accused, while supporters believe is is constitutional and will help victims, WITF reports.
Voters will still be able to vote on the amendment on Nov. 5, although the ruling today will prevent election officials from counting the votes while the legal challenge plays out. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star said it’s a process that “could last years.”
Several reactions to Judge Ceisler’s opinion in the PA Marsy’s Law case. That Opinion is here. (1/) https://t.co/Mtg6kXllUN
— Adam Bonin (@adambonin) October 30, 2019
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4 Responses
D.A. Zappala is the loser here. He used Marsy to grandstand and solicit female votes to overcome his personal sexism. Now he has to pursuade women that he is on their side on other issues but his 20 years of past practice and dis-service show otherwise. Ms. Ogeny is his true love.
Good solid opinion. It is amazing this amendment made it this far without being challenged. Kudos to the lobbying team that took it to the one yard line, but probably knew there was a good chance they could not get it over Legislature just needs to tweak and fix
We’ll have to wait until 2028 to vote “no” on her retention.
The law as written is unconstitutional. Closing off discovery to defendant’s counsel infringes on the 6th Amendment. This is a good decision.