Justice has no expiration: remove time limits for witness trauma
The Issue
In 2020 I witnessed an intentional fight that ended in the loss of a loved one, an experience that seared itself into my memory and soul. The officer entrusted with the investigation did not act with the diligence and heroism that his badge demanded. Instead, he chose negligence over duty, leaving me with deep mental scars and a lingering fear that justice would never be served. This trauma affects me daily, and I am not alone.
There are countless others who have suffered similarly, enduring the long-lasting effects of witnessing such violent acts. Despite our pleas for accountability, the system continuously fails us, bounded by statutes of limitations that ignore the timeless nature of trauma. The justice system, instead of being a pillar of support during such trying times, stands as an obstacle, further exacerbating our suffering. It's time to act and bring about genuine change.
Witnesses to crimes caused by another human being when the crime is violent and causes death to another should have their cases reopened if the original investigation was mishandled or if new evidence surfaces, regardless of how much time has passed. Trauma doesn’t follow a timeline, and neither should justice.
Moreover, it's imperative to hold police officers accountable for failing to fulfill their sworn duty. With immunity in place for even the grossest negligence, officers have little incentive to thoroughly and diligently investigate crimes. We need to strip this immunity to ensure that every victim and every witness is treated with the respect and seriousness they deserve, and that officers are motivated by justice and responsibility.
Let's urge our State Legislature and Judiciary Committee to enact legislation that addresses these critical issues:
1. Remove the statute of limitations for crimes where victims and witnesses can evidence deep trauma and mismanaged investigations that cause death which is directly caused by another human being in violence.
2. Revoke police immunity in cases of wrongful death and police misconduct related to homicide investigations.
By signing this petition, you are calling for a justice system that stands with the victims and against negligence. Let’s ensure that justice can be pursued without an expiration date and that those who wear the badge are held to the highest standard of accountability.
Please sign my petition for change:
Shelby Young
31
The Issue
In 2020 I witnessed an intentional fight that ended in the loss of a loved one, an experience that seared itself into my memory and soul. The officer entrusted with the investigation did not act with the diligence and heroism that his badge demanded. Instead, he chose negligence over duty, leaving me with deep mental scars and a lingering fear that justice would never be served. This trauma affects me daily, and I am not alone.
There are countless others who have suffered similarly, enduring the long-lasting effects of witnessing such violent acts. Despite our pleas for accountability, the system continuously fails us, bounded by statutes of limitations that ignore the timeless nature of trauma. The justice system, instead of being a pillar of support during such trying times, stands as an obstacle, further exacerbating our suffering. It's time to act and bring about genuine change.
Witnesses to crimes caused by another human being when the crime is violent and causes death to another should have their cases reopened if the original investigation was mishandled or if new evidence surfaces, regardless of how much time has passed. Trauma doesn’t follow a timeline, and neither should justice.
Moreover, it's imperative to hold police officers accountable for failing to fulfill their sworn duty. With immunity in place for even the grossest negligence, officers have little incentive to thoroughly and diligently investigate crimes. We need to strip this immunity to ensure that every victim and every witness is treated with the respect and seriousness they deserve, and that officers are motivated by justice and responsibility.
Let's urge our State Legislature and Judiciary Committee to enact legislation that addresses these critical issues:
1. Remove the statute of limitations for crimes where victims and witnesses can evidence deep trauma and mismanaged investigations that cause death which is directly caused by another human being in violence.
2. Revoke police immunity in cases of wrongful death and police misconduct related to homicide investigations.
By signing this petition, you are calling for a justice system that stands with the victims and against negligence. Let’s ensure that justice can be pursued without an expiration date and that those who wear the badge are held to the highest standard of accountability.
Please sign my petition for change:
Shelby Young
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Petition created on June 5, 2026