A new amicus brief filed by NCVLI has been added to the searchable Amicus Briefs database. State v. Peterson was filed in Orange County Superior Court and discusses a victim's right to have meaningful participation in the criminal justice process in having access to certain information. The brief supports this right which keeps victims appropriately informed and thus able to meaningfully confer with prosecution and fully exercise their right to be heard. The brief also addresses victims' related privacy concerns.

Petitioner, a private investigator whose license was revoked by the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST), sought judicial review of the revocation order, which was based in part on the determination that petitioner—while working for private criminal defense attorneys—interviewed crime victims without disclosing his true identity and role and without informing the victims of their right to refuse defense interviews.  The Oregon Constitution grants crime victims the right to refuse an interview request by a criminal defendant or anyone acting on the behalf of the crimina

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is a time for communities around the country to raise awareness of crime victims’ rights.  It is also a time for the nation to pause and honor the heroes of the victims’ rights movement - victims and those who advocate on their behalf.  As part of this commemoration, every year the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) of the United States Department of Justice recognizes individuals and organizations for outstanding work devoted to crime victims through the National Crime Victims’ Service Awards. 

  OCTOBER 10, 2013