Some victims of violent crime feel the need to meet with their attackers, even if they’re on death row.
In Virginia, victims were forbidden to do so, until now.
On Wednesday, Virginia lawmakers approved Gov. Bob McDonnell’s change to a bill that allows such visits with condemned inmates, the Associated Press reported.
The previous bill, approved by the General Assembly last month, allowed victims to meet with offenders, but not those on death row or juveniles.
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Juveniles are still off limits.
The bill takes effect July 1.
Supporters of victims’ rights said they lobbied for the change because the Virginia Department of Corrections routinely refuses to let victims sit down with their attackers, which is allowed in most other states.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
