HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 93-16 ORIGINAL
RESOLUTION NO. q~v---~/g
A RESOLUTION URGING THE GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATURE OF
THE STATE OF TEXAS TO ADOPT AND ENACT LEGISLATION
GUARANTEEING VICTIM RIGHTS; MANDATING IMPROVEMENTS TO
THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM; ENSURING "TRUTH IN
SENTENCING"; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, crime and, especially violent crime, continues to plague our country at
alarming rates; and
WHEREAS, thousands of innocent victims suffer loss of life, physical pain, and untold
millions of dollars in property loss while the perpetrators of these very crimes go unpunished
or receive minimal punishment; and
WHEREAS, the criminal justice system no longer functions as intended but has been
reduced to a cumbersome and ineffectual revolving door process; and
WHEREAS, not only are stiffer penalties desired for those heinous crimes but also
a system that is fair, impartial, and acts without delays; and a penal system which not only
has ample room to properly incarcerate prisoners but also will keep those prisoners for the
amount of time they were actually sentenced; and
WHEREAS, as the conscience of society-at-large, jurors who are selected to serve and
make intelligent, knowledgeable decisions based upon facts are oftentimes confused and
frustrated by an absence of truth in sentencing and no assurance that the punishment they
impose is, in fact, the punishment received;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF THE COLONY, TEXAS, that, on behalf of the citizens of The Colony, the passage of
legislation is hereby strongly encouraged and supported which will:
1. Guarantee victim rights receive consideration above that of a perpetrator;
2. Mandate those necessary adjustments and improvements to ensure that the
criminal justice system functions efficiently and effectively as intended;
3. Ensure "truth in sentencing" whereby perpetrators receive the punishment that
· was imposed (including executions) to be carried out in a timely manner
without lengthy appeals and delays.
Due to the critically-important nature of this matter, other governmental entities at
the local, state and national level are encouraged to join with the City of The Colony and
adopt similar resolutions.
PASSED AND APPROVED THIS THE - AY O 993.
William W. Manning~ Mayor ~x
ATYEST:
Patti A. Hicks, CMC/AAE, City Secretary