Alameda County Ca Finances

The state Supreme Court on Thursday refused to allow a shooting victim to bring suit to prevent a reduced sentence for a convicted defendant who allegedly threatened him further harm. The justices acknowledged that crime victims are entitled to restitution and may speak in court before a sentencing. But permitting them to intervene as a party in such proceedings would have "ominous implications," undermining the authority of prosecutors and disrupting the judicial system, the high court said.

The state Supreme Court on Thursday refused to allow a shooting victim to bring suit to prevent a reduced sentence for a convicted defendant who allegedly threatened him further harm. The justices acknowledged that crime victims are entitled to restitution and may speak in court before a sentencing. But permitting them to intervene as a party in such proceedings would have "ominous implications," undermining the authority of prosecutors and disrupting the judicial system, the high court said.