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HJRES 48 108th Congress House Crime and Law Enforcement Bail Compensation for victims of crime Congress Congressional powers Constitutional amendments Fugitives from justice Law Legislation Pardons Parole Parties to actions Pleas (Criminal procedure) Sentences (Criminal procedure) Speedy trial Victims of crimes Violence

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to protect the rights of crime victims.

Introduced: April 10, 2003 See on congress.gov
This bill died when the 108th Congress ended
It never became law before the 108th Congress (2003–2004) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 5 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Sep 30, 2003
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
May 5, 2003
Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution.
Apr 11, 2003
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E740)
Apr 10, 2003
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Apr 10, 2003
Introduced in House
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 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that the rights of victims of violent crime, being capable of protection without denying the constitutional rights of those accused of victimizing them, are hereby established and shall not be denied by any State or the United States and may be restricted only as provided in this article.

States that a victim of violent crime shall have: (1) the right to reasonable and timely notice of any public proceeding involving the crime and of any release or escape of the accused; (2) the rights not to be excluded from such public proceeding and reasonably to be heard at public release, plea, sentencing, reprieve, and pardon proceedings; and (3) the right to adjudicative decisions that duly consider the victim's safety, interest in avoiding unreasonable delay, and just and timely claims to restitution from the offender. States further that these rights shall not be restricted except when and to the degree dictated by a substantial interest in public safety or the administration of criminal justice, or by compelling necessity.

States that nothing in this article shall be construed to provide grounds for a new trial or to authorize any claim for damages. Authorizes only the victim or the victim's lawful representative to assert the rights established by this article. Prohibits any person accused of the crime from obtaining any form of relief under this article.

What's happening now September 30, 2003

Subcommittee Hearings Held.

 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 2
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APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.J. Res. 48: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to protect the rights of crime victims.. 108th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/108-HJRES-48/
MLA
"H.J. Res. 48: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to protect the rights of crime victims.." 108th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/108-HJRES-48/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.J. Res. 48, 108th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/108-HJRES-48/.
Markdown link
[H.J. Res. 48: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to protect the rights of crime victims.](https://openamerica.io/bill/108-HJRES-48/)
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