ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION No. 167

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

INTRODUCED JUNE 9, 1997

By Assemblywoman TURNER

An Assembly Resolution respectfully requesting the New Jersey Supreme Court to examine the Rules of Court Governing the Conduct of Lawyers, Judges and Court Personnel.

Whereas, The New Jersey Constitution provides that victims and their families have the right to be treated with "fairness, compassion and respect by the criminal justice system"; and

Whereas, The responsibility of attorneys in criminal cases is to zealously represent their clients which may result in attorneys ignoring the right of the crime victims and their families to be treated with compassion, respect and dignity; and

Whereas, In defending Jesse Timmendequas a defense attorney, suggested in her summation that the victim, Megan Kanka, approached the defendant and asked to enter his home; and

Whereas, By insinuating that the victim played a role in her death the defense attorney demonstrated a lack of compassion and respect for the victim's family; and

Whereas, The Rules of Court Governing the Conduct of Lawyers, Judges and Court Personnel, as adopted by the New Jersey Supreme Court, govern the conduct of attorneys; now, therefore,

    Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

    1. That New Jersey Supreme Court is respectfully requested to examine the Rules of Court Governing the Conduct of Lawyers, Judges and Court Personnel and adopt new rules governing the conduct of attorneys which would recognize the right of crime victims and their families to be treated with the respect, dignity and compassion.

    2. Duly authenticated copies of this resolution, signed by the Speaker of the General Assembly and attested by the Clerk, shall be transmitted to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New Jersey.

STATEMENT

    This Assembly resolution respectfully requests the New Jersey Supreme Court to examine the Rules of Court Governing the Conduct of Lawyers, Judges and Court Personnel and adopt new rules governing attorneys which would recognize the right of crime victims and their families to be treated with respect, dignity and compassion.

Requests the New Jersey Supreme Court to examine certain rules governing the professional conduct of attorneys.