Statement by Jennifer Fennell, Spokesperson for Marsy’s Law for Florida
“Marsy’s Law for Florida today thanks Governor Ron DeSantis for signing the Victims of Crime Bill, which will conform crime victims’ rights language currently in Florida statute to the amended language voters placed in the Florida Constitution in 2018.
This bill will not only further clarify that victims have an absolute right to counsel, but also creates uniformity and accuracy in terms of the information law enforcement agencies provide crime victims regarding their Marsy’s Law for Florida rights. It also makes clear to everyone involved in the criminal justice system the rights crime victims have and when they should be applied.
We thank Governor DeSantis for supporting victims of crime and ensuring their rights are protected. Our deepest appreciation goes to Senator Danny Burgess, Representative Kathleen Burton and the many co-sponsors for championing and guaranteeing rights for all victims of crime in Florida.”
About Marsy’s Law
Marsy’s Law is named after Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas of California who was stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983. Only one week after her death, Marsy’s mother and brother, Henry T. Nicholas, walked into a grocery store where they were confronted by the accused murderer. The family, who had just come from a visit to Marsy’s grave, was unaware that the accused had been released on bail. In an effort to honor his sister, Dr. Nicholas, co-founder of Broadcom Corporation, has made it his mission to give victims and their families constitutional protections and equal rights. He formed Marsy’s Law for All in 2009, providing expertise and resources to victims’ rights organizations nationwide.
