Wendy Kaminer

In the following viewpoint, Wendy Kaminer claims that a victims’ rights amendment is impractical and threatens the rights of defendants. She argues that such an amendment would create numerous problems for prosecutors. In addition, Kaminer argues that the real motive of many supporters of victims’ rights is to decrease the rights of defendants and their ability to receive a fair trial. Kaminer is a lawyer, author, and senior correspondent for the American Prospect.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. In what ways will giving constitutional rights to crime victims impair prosecutions, in Kaminer’s opinion?
2. Why does the author believe victims should not be given rights equivalent to those of the defendants?
3. According to Kaminer, what does it mean to take the presumption of innocence seriously?  

In the...