The law has faced multiple legal hurdles and two votes on the statewide ballot, but a Thursday decision by the state Supreme Court leaves the law in place.
The high court ruled against the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, who had raised issues with how the bill was placed on the ballot for a second time.
The reforms — enacted in states across the country — provide guarantees for crime victims, including the right to be notified and present at court proceedings and reasonable protections from the accused.
Backers say the law is necessary to ensure courts honor crime victims' concerns. Detractors worry the provisions could interfere with defendants' rights.
