Constitutional Revision in Missouri: A Historical Perspective

Jefferson City Lawyers Chapter

Speaker: 

  • Justin Dyer, Professor of Political Science and Director of the Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy

4:00 Keynote by Justin Dyer

4:30 Q & A with Justin Dyer

4:40 Overview of 2018 Ballot Measures by Mid-Mo Attorneys

5:00 Reception

*Approved for 1.0 Hour of Missouri CLE Credit

*Co-Sponsoring Organizations:

Federalist Society – Jefferson City Lawyers Chapter

Show-Me Institute

 

Missouri's current constitution was adopted in 1945. Since then it has been amended over 110 times and has grown to nearly 80,000 words—nearly three times the length of the document ratified in 1945.

Justin Dyer will give a historical perspective on the constitutional convention of 1943-44. He will give an overview of the campaign to win public support for the convention itself, the selection of delegates, the establishment of procedural rules, the consideration and adoption of proposals, and the election in February 1945 ratifying the current constitution. He will provide historical insights on Missouri's initiative, referendum and amendment provisions. Read his recent essay here.

Mid-Missouri Attorneys will then provide a brief overview of the proposals on the November 2018 ballot and what constitutional questions that have been or could be presented as a result of such proposals.