7th Annual Crime Victim Law & Litigation Conference May 30-31, 2008 Portland, Oregon

Ballot Measures 51 & 52 – Vote to Ensure Victims’ Rights

Oregon voters have a chance to protect crime victims’ rights with their vote on May 20th. Ballot Measures 51 & 52 are designed to change what are now illusory crime victims' rights into real and enforceable crime victims' rights. Right now the victims' rights in the Oregon Constitution cannot be enforced. In particular, the existing constitutional language denying stays and preventing judicial review of any ruling of a court make traditional rights enforcement unavailable to crime victims. What this means is that under current law, even when a victim’s rights are clearly violated, a victim can do nothing to remedy the situation. Rights without remedy goes against longstanding legal and constitutional tradition in this state and the country.

Throughout the years, Oregonians have been strong supporters of crime victims' civil rights. What is needed now to achieve meaningful, enforceable rights is the passage of Measures 51 and 52.

For more information about why Ballot measures 51 & 52 are good for Oregon:

Listen to a podcast of Law Professor Doug Beloof and Carol Schrader, Director of the Oregon Crime Victims' Rights Compliance Project, discussing the state of Oregon victim law and the upcoming ballot measures

The Oregonian - “Vote yes to lock in victims' rights"

The Oregonian – “Know your Crime Victims Rights"

Williamette Week – “Voters’ Guide”

The Register Guard – “Make victims’ rights real Measures 51 and 52 Give Teeth to Protections”

May 31, 2008 marks Doug Beloof's last day as Executive Director

At the end of May, Professor Doug Beloof, founder of NCVLI, will be transitioning from his role as NCVLI’s part-time Executive Director to Board Member, continuing to advance victims’ rights through his teaching and legal expertise.

“In the ten years since I founded it, NCVLI has made great strides in advancing the cause of crime victims' rights. But as states across the nation have adopted laws making victims' rights enforceable, and as the victims' rights movement has gained momentum, NCVLI needs a full-time Executive Director,” Professor Beloof said.

NCVLI’s Board of Directors is interviewing candidates for the position now.