Chairman: 'Monumental day' for victims' rights

The leader of an effort that South Dakota voters have approved to establish constitutional rights for crime victims says Tuesday was a "monumental day."

Marsy's Law for South Dakota Chairman Jason Glodt says Constitutional Amendment S was a "matter of fairness."

The amendment establishes constitutional rights for crime victims including privacy, protection from harassment or abuse, and timely notice of trial, sentencing and post-judgment proceedings.

Glodt says "the scales of justice were weighted in favor of the accused" before the measure was approved.

The amendment is patterned after a measure pioneered in California called Marsy's Law.

North Dakota voters also approved the measure Tuesday.

Opponents argued that Marsy's Law would bog down the system for victims while increasing court-related costs. They said many rights included in the amendment are already in law.