Expansion of Crime Victim Rights in Recent Ruling in Adnan Syed Case

In September, the Maryland Supreme Court reinstated Adnan Syed's convictions and ordered a new hearing. Syed's conviction gained international attention after the criminal investigation, Syed's representation and the evidence in the case was featured as the subject of the popular Serial podcast. Syed was convicted in 2000 for the 1999 murder of his ex-girlfriend, Hae Min Lee. In 2022, the State held a hearing regarding Syed's conviction, seeking to vacate.

In a 4 to 3 ruling, the Maryland Supreme Court confirmed a lower appellate court's decision that the Lee family's legal rights were violated when they were not given sufficient notice to attend the hearing in person and given a reasonable opportunity to fully participate.

This decision is a notable one for the expansion of crime victim rights, namely the "right to participate", as well as be treated with "dignity, respect and sensitivity."

Syed will remain free while the case remains pending a new hearing, despite the reinstatement of the convictions.