Attorney
General Patrick Morrisey announced Wednesday that the state had signed on to an
amicus, or friend of the court, brief in the U.S. Supreme Court.
Morrisey
and a bipartisan group of attorneys general filed the amicus brief to give
full effect to the Crime Victims’ Rights Act.
The
Act was passed by Congress to protect victims and ensure they are
able to fully recover the costs and economic losses caused by child
pornography.
The
brief argues that the Act mandates that district courts order people convicted
of child exploitation crimes to pay restitution to the victim to cover any
costs related to medical or psychological services; physical or occupational
therapy or rehabilitation; lost income; transportation, housing or child care
costs; attorneys’ fees; and any other losses suffered by the victim as a result
of the offense.
In
addition, the states argue in the brief that the language in the Act is
clear, and that the purpose of the Act is to ensure that victims of child
pornography receive the full restitution they deserve.
Oral
arguments from all parties in the case are expected to be presented before the
Supreme Court sometime in January.
