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Convention News Release - 11 November 1997

Texas Constitutional Convention
Robert Kesterson, Publicity and Advertising Chairman - (972) 222-8785

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 11, 1997

Delegates to the Texas Constitutional Convention, meeting November 8-9 in Brownwood, revised wording to the Declaration of Rights, added two sections to Article 3, The Law; adopted Article 2, Limits on Government and approved Part 1 of Article 4, national courts.

New sections added to The Law included provision for arrests while a crime is in progress and the guarantee for the writ of habeas corpus. Limits on Government contains 17 sections defining special restrictions on government action, highlighted by Section 1: "Government shall never infringe the rights of individuals nor modify any governmental duties, responsibilities or forms as specified in this constitution."

National courts will consist of no less than 13 and no more than 30 district courts, with justices elected in geographic districts as defined by the representative branch of government. The supreme court will consist of an appointed chief justice and 12 district justices, with rotating terms on the supreme court. No justice may sit on the supreme court while hearing a case from that court. National courts are limited to jurisdiction on cases related to international disagreements, government (public) officials, military, maritime, disputes between government units or between county governments.

The convention was convened July 4, 1997 at Sherwood and holds sessions monthly on the second weekend at the Gold Key Inn in Brownwood. All Texas Constitutional Convention sessions are open to the public and visitors are encouraged to witness the historic development of this new constitution for Texas. The Seventh Session of the convention opens Saturday, December 13 at 9 a.m.

The purpose of the Texas Constitutional Convention is to write a new Texas constitution, develop a plan for lawful ratification and a transition plan for the peaceful and orderly change of government. The convention is the first since 1836 convened by citizens through the right guaranteed by the 1876 Texas Constitution's Article 1, Section 2:

"All political power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their benefit. The faith of the people of Texas stands pledged to the preservation of a republican form of government, and subject to this limitation only, they have at all times the inalienable right to alter, reform or abolish their government in such manner as they may think expedient." Constitution of Texas, February, 1876.

Other contacts for additional information:
Wesley W. Burnett (806) 495-4135 or (806) 495-2816
Don Henson (915) 587-4616
Convention Updates at: http://colossus.net/wepinsto/txconv/update.html

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