[§801D-1]  Legislative intent. 
In recognition of the civic and moral duty of victims and witnesses of crimes
to cooperate fully and voluntarily with law enforcement and prosecutorial
agencies, and in further recognition of the continuing importance of such
citizen cooperation to state and local law enforcement efforts and the general
effectiveness and well-being of the criminal justice system of this State, the
legislature declares its intent, in this chapter, to ensure that all victims
and witnesses of crimes are treated with dignity, respect, courtesy, and
sensitivity and that the rights extended in this chapter to victims and
witnesses of crime are honored and protected by law enforcement agencies,
prosecutors, and judges in a manner no less vigorous than the protections
afforded criminal defendants. [L 1988, c 261, pt of §1]