The federal government may expand murder victims’ rights this legislative session.
In many states across the country, the “year and a day rule” prevails. This rule states that murders are not able to be prosecuted if death occurs over a year after the original attack or incident. Georgia does not follow this rule, and prosecutes alleged murders regardless of the time elapsed. Georgia Senator John Ossoff will seek to abolish the “year and a day” policy across the country this legislative session. He recently introduced The Justice for Murder Victims Act along with Republican Senator Chuck Grassely of Iowa.
“Murderers and violent criminals must be held accountable,” Senator Ossoff said of the bill.
The bill has been endorsed by a number of organizations, including the National District Attorney’s Association.
