<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?><section number="Article I, Section 28"><histories></histories><catchline>[Declaration of the rights of crime victims.]</catchline><subsection number="Article I, Section 28(1)">
To preserve and protect victims' rights to justice and due process, victims of crimes have these rights, as defined by law:
<subsection number="Article I, Section 28(1)(a)">
To be treated with fairness, respect, and dignity, and to be free from harassment and abuse throughout the criminal justice process;</subsection><subsection number="Article I, Section 28(1)(b)">
Upon request, to be informed of, be present at, and to be heard at important criminal justice hearings related to the victim, either in person or through a lawful representative, once a criminal information or indictment charging a crime has been publicly filed in court; and</subsection><subsection number="Article I, Section 28(1)(c)">
To have a sentencing judge, for the purpose of imposing an appropriate sentence, receive and consider, without evidentiary limitation, reliable information concerning the background, character, and conduct of a person convicted of an offense except that this subsection does not apply to capital cases or situations involving privileges.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="Article I, Section 28(2)">
Nothing in this section shall be construed as creating a cause of action for money damages, costs, or attorney's fees, or for dismissing any criminal charge, or relief from any criminal judgment.</subsection><subsection number="Article I, Section 28(3)">
The provisions of this section shall extend to all felony crimes and such other crimes or acts, including juvenile offenses, as the Legislature may provide.</subsection><subsection number="Article I, Section 28(4)">
The Legislature shall have the power to enforce and define this section by statute.</subsection></section>
