Letter: Marsy’s Law will balance scales of justice

When accused criminals navigate our justice system they have constitutional rights that exist to protect them until they are acquitted or proven guilty – as they absolutely should. However, their victims are afforded no constitutional rights and can become re-victimized by the system. Unfortunately, during my 38 years in law enforcement, I have seen this happen all too often.

The reason is that New Hampshire is one of a few remaining states that does not afford victims with constitutional-level protections. Marsy’s Law for New Hampshire would more fairly balance the scales of justice to ensure victims are engaged in the process by establishing victims’ rights in our state constitution. Under Marsy’s Law victims will have the rights to a voice in the process, timely notification of developments in their case, and the right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

As a police officer, I believe victims’ rights should be recognized at the constitutional level. After all, none of us can know when we or a loved one will be made the victim of a crime. When that happens, we should have adequate rights to protect us. The accused certainly do.

DAVID GOLDSTEIN

Franklin

(The writer is chief of the Franklin Police Department.)