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Wisconsin Supreme Court: Marsy's Law was valid ballot question, law stands

MADISON, WI (AP)— The Wisconsin Supreme Court has ruled that a constitutional amendment expanding crime victims' rights was properly worded in a statewide referendum and was legally adopted.

Voters ratified the amendment in April 2020. The Wisconsin Justice Initiative sued, arguing that the amendment's scope wasn't fully described on ballots. The court ruled 6-1 on Tuesday that the description was proper.

Nearly a dozen states have adopted similar laws expanding crime victims' rights.

Supporters have dubbed the amendments “Marsy's Law” for California college student Marsalee Nicholas, who was killed by an ex-boyfriend in 1983. Her brother has funded efforts to put the amendments in place across the country.

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