BISMARCK – The North Dakota Supreme Court could soon clarify who is considered a victim under Marsy’s Law, which embedded victim’s rights into the state constitution.
The high court is expected to rule in the upcoming months in a case that uses the 2016 constitutional amendment to dispute restitution to an insurance company.
Justices have heard arguments in the case of Javonne Hunt. The Bismarck man is fighting a judge’s order that he owes Blue Cross Blue Shield $27,500 in restitution for breaking another man’s jaw.
Hunt’s lawyer argues that corporations aren’t victims under Marsy’s Law because the law defines a victim as “a person” and isn’t intended to protect corporations.
Justice Lisa Fair McEvers says corporations can sustain financial harm from crimes.