AB232-SA1,2,2
4950.01 Legislative intent. In recognition of the civic and moral duty of
5victims and witnesses of crime to fully and voluntarily cooperate with law
6enforcement and prosecutorial agencies, and in further recognition of the continuing
7importance of such citizen cooperation to state and local law enforcement efforts and
8the general effectiveness and well-being of the criminal justice system of this state,
9the legislature declares its intent, in this chapter, to ensure that all victims and
10witnesses of crime are treated with dignity, respect, courtesy and sensitivity; and
11that the rights extended in this chapter to victims and witnesses of crime are honored
12and protected by law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and judges in a manner no
1less vigorous than the protections afforded criminal defendants.
Nothing in this
2chapter shall be construed to impair the exercise of prosecutorial discretion.".