“Marsy” Opponents Speak Out On Proposed Amendment

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakotans will vote in November on a constitutional amendment that supporters believe will bolster the rights of crime victims in the state.

But opponents say changing the constitution to include the proposal will have unintended consequences. The opponents include groups representing crime victims and defense attorneys and prosecutors. They're holding a press conference in Bismarck Thursday to express their opposition to the so-called Marsy's Law, now in effect in California and Illinois.

The law is named after Marsalee "Marsy" Nicholas, who was killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983. Her brother, Henry Nicholas, is bankrolling a national effort to expand the law into more states, including both Dakotas.

Records show the California businessman has given more than $1 million toward the effort in North Dakota.