Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin Reacts to Dane County Circuit Court Decision
Crime victims constitutional amendment remains in effect protecting victims’ rights pending appeal
MADISON – Today Dane County Circuit Court Judge Frank D. Remington issued a decision in the legal challenge against the crime victims' constitutional amendment, commonly known as Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin.
Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin released the following statement:
“We strongly disagree with today’s decision to subvert the democratic process and nullify the will of more than 1 million Wisconsin voters who overwhelmingly supported Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin this April.
“We are grateful the decision is stayed and the amendment remains in effect pending appeal. In the nearly six months it has been in effect, there are countless examples of Mary’s Law for Wisconsin giving victims a stronger voice in the criminal justice process.
“We fully expect this setback will only be temporary. We are confident that Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin will ultimately be upheld, and that this attack on victims’ rights will be defeated.”
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About Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin
Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin is a grassroots coalition that championed a unique proposal to give victims of crime equal rights in our state, building on Wisconsin’s laws and history of leading on this issue. The crime victims’ rights state constitutional amendment, also known as Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin, was ratified during the April 7, 2020 election with an overwhelming 75 percent of voters in support. 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 has made it his life’s mission to give victims and their families constitutional protections and equal rights.
Victims and supporters interested in sharing their stories can email [email protected].