Oklahoma State Question 674, Victims Rights Amendment (1996)
| Oklahoma State Question 674 | |
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| Election date |
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| Topic Crime victims' rights |
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| Status |
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| Type Legislatively referred constitutional amendment |
Origin |
Oklahoma State Question 674 was on the ballot as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment in Oklahoma on November 5, 1996. It was approved.
A "yes" vote supported establishing and protecting the rights of crime victims and their families, including the rights to information, presence at proceedings, notification of defendant status, and the opportunity to be heard. |
A "no" vote opposed establishing and protecting the rights of crime victims and their families, including the rights to information, presence at proceedings, notification of defendant status, and the opportunity to be heard. |
Election results
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Oklahoma State Question 674 |
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| Result | Votes | Percentage | ||
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1,025,292 | 91.18% | ||
| No | 99,233 | 8.82% | ||
Text of measure
Ballot title
The ballot title for State Question 674 was as follows:
| “ | This measure adds a new section to the State Constitution. The measure deals with the rights of victims of crime. The measure seeks to protect victims' rights that exist under court decisions. It also seeks to insure that victims are treated with respect and dignity in the criminal justice process. To achieve these goals, crime victims and their families would have certain rights, including the following. 1. The right to know the status of the prosecution and investigation. 2. The right to know the location of the defendant from arrest through the serving of a sentence. 3. The right to be present at proceedings where the defendant has a right to be present. 4. The right to be informed when a defendant escapes or is released. 5. The right to be heard at sentencing and parole hearings. The exact nature of these and other rights and the procedures giving them effect would be set up by the Legislature or by the people through initiative or referendum. The Legislature or the people would also prescribe those responsible for following the established procedures. Either the Legislature or the people could extend any victims' rights to youthful offender proceeding. | ” |
Path to the ballot
- See also: Amending the Oklahoma Constitution
A simple majority vote is required during one legislative session for the Oklahoma State Legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. That amounts to a minimum of 51 votes in the Oklahoma House of Representatives and 24 votes in the Oklahoma State Senate, assuming no vacancies. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.
See also
External links
Footnotes
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