Texas Constitutional Convention Updates
Texas
Constitutional Convention Updates
Texas Constitutional Convention
Robert Kesterson, Publicity and
Advertising Chairman - (972) 222-8785
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 19, 1997
Texans will have simple and direct access to courts with at-random selected juries under a new constitution being developed at the Texas Constitutional Convention. Delegates approved Article 5, Part 1 of the new constitution at the Seventh Session, held December 13-14 in Brownwood at the Gold Key Inn.
Meeting the second weekend monthly in Brownwood, delegates are constructing a constitution to secure individual rights, severely restrict government and return political power to the counties. "The county court system we are proposing is a first step in reclaiming rights of the accused and the accuser," convention chairman Don Henson emphasizes.
Some of the ingredients for the proposed county courts include: (1) a stronger grand jury process, with less government control; (2) randomly selected juries, with challenges to potential jurors coming from the jury pool itself prior to the drawing of juror names; (2) jury members encouraged to ask questions during trials; (3) no government prosecutors; and an appeals process to at least three other county courts in the same or adjacent counties.
"This new system puts the burden of proof on the accuser, and provides real justice through untainted juries," Henson adds. "Individuals will be able to defend themselves, or speak for themselves when charging others with violation of their rights... or they may choose any other person to speak on their behalf at trial. With our emphasis on personal responsibility, and the ability of juries to assess damages to the accuser in cases of frivolous or malicious suits, there will be a lot less litigation," he continues.
The entire document is available for review on the Internet at:
Construction on the new constitution began last July 4 at the Original Irion County Courthouse, and delegates have approved the following: (1) Declaration of Rights; (2) Limits of Government; (3) The Law; (4) Article 4, Part 1, national courts; and (5) Article 5, Part 1, county courts.
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 Eighth Session of the convention opens Saturday, January 10 at 9 a.m.
"We are doing what the state legislature is unable to do," Henson points out. "Only the people have the authority to write a new constitution... and it is significant that we are proceeding lawfully and peacefully without government approval or sanction."
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>
Copyright at Common Law, West El Paso Information Network, 1997
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