Senator Co‑Sponsor Challenges DOJ OLC Opinion Limiting Crime Victims’ Rights Under CVRA

Senator Co‑Sponsor Challenges DOJ OLC Opinion Limiting Crime Victims’ Rights Under CVRA The passage reveals a potential DOJ policy—via an Office of Legal Counsel opinion—that narrows the scope of the Crime Victims’ Rights Act, possibly violating statutory language and binding appellate precedent. It names high‑level officials (Senator Dianne Feinstein, Senator Jim Kyl, Attorney General Eric Holder) and the DOJ, offering a concrete document (OLC memorandum dated Dec. 17, 2010, released May 20, 2011) that could be obtained for verification. While the claim is largely about statutory interpretation rather than illegal financial flows or corruption, it suggests a systematic obstruction of victims’ rights that merits further inquiry, especially regarding pre‑indictment plea negotiations and appellate review practices. Key insights: OLC opinion (Dec 17 2010) restricts CVRA rights to post‑charge phases only.; Senators Feinstein and Kyl argue the statute was intended to be expansive, covering pre‑charge investigations.; Fifth Circuit precedent (In re Dean, 2008) rejects DOJ’s narrow reading.