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Remarks by Mayor Giuliani at Public Hearing on Local Laws
The next bill before me today is Introductory Number 853, sponsored by Speaker
Vallone, Council Member Warden and twenty-one of their colleagues, in conjunction
with my Administration. The bill, known as the Victims of Violent Crime Protection
Act, will provide an enhanced civil cause of action to victims of violent crime.
This legislation will assist New Yorkers who suffer at the hands of violent criminals to secure justice in the civil courts. Under the Victims of Violent Crime Protection Act, people victimized by violent criminals will be able to sue their assailants not only for punitive and compensatory damages, as is currently permitted, but also for attorneys' fees and injunctive relief. The bill shifts the cost burden for bringing civil suits from the victim to the criminal. By enabling victims to recover attorneys' fees, we will especially assist low-income crime victims to bring actions against their attackers. In addition, this legislation will make it easier for victims to obtain necessary protections from their attackers by allowing them to seek both monetary damages and injunctions, such as orders of protections, in one court action.
In order to further the successful war on crime that we have waged over the past seven years, my Administration is committed to providing the people of this City with every possible tool to combat crime and obtain justice. This legislation will open a new avenue of redress for victims of violent crime. By signing this bill, we will make it easier and more affordable for victims to pursue and obtain justice in the courts.
For the reasons previously stated, I will now sign the bill.