NCVLI Joins 22 Other Victim Groups as Co-Amici to Protect a Sexual Assault Victim’s Rights in Pennsylvania Supreme Court
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NCVLI is excited to join the Women’s Law Project and 21 other organizations this week as amicus curiae (“friend of the court”) in a Pennsylvania case. The amici joined together to support a minor victim’s rights in a criminal sexual violence case. In the case the defendant, who is representing himself, wants to directly cross-examine the minor victim. While defendants absolutely have a right of self-representation that right is not absolute. Reasonable limitations that protect victims’ rights to dignity and protection are appropriate. Further, the modest limitation of having standby counsel ask victims’ questions prevents re-victimization of the victim, advances the fair administration of trial, and encourages future reporting of crimes.
To read the case brief, click here. We will keep you updated.
