Focusing on Constitutional Reform

Upcoming Talk: "Responding to Constitutional Imperfections: The Theory and Practice of Constitutional Amendment Throughout the United States."

On Tuesday, September 12 at 7.30 pm, Dr. Parshall, Associate Professor of Political Science, will participate in a Constitution Day Panel sponsored by the Canisius College Raichle Pre-Law Center and the Bar Association of Erie County.

The panel will examine how constitutions in the United States—federal and state—are subject to amendment. The history of amendments to the U.S. Constitution, the infrequency of amendments following the Bill of Rights, and recent efforts by state legislatures to convene a federal constitutional convention will be discussed. We will also present an overview of the various ways that state constitutions can be amended, such as through ballot initiative and legislative amendments. Given that the question of whether to hold a convention to revise the New York State Constitution will be on the ballot this November, there will be a focus on the methods by which the New York Constitution can be revised, and the reasons why voters have rejected calls for a constitutional convention in the past. The political obstacles to constitutional amendments, and the role of the legal community in helping voters navigate the competing narratives attending the process will also be considered.

Speakers will include:
Christopher Bopst, chief legal and financial officer, Sam-Son Logistics
Professor James Gardner, University at Buffalo Law School
Lisa Parshall, PhD, associate professor of Political Science, Daemen College
Robert A. Klump, director of the Frank G. Raichle Pre-Law Center, will serve as moderator.

Event Details 

Responding to Constitutional Imperfections: The Theory and Practice of Constitutional Amendment throughout the United States 

Tuesday, September 12, 2017 ~ 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. 

Canisius College, Grupp Fireside Lounge, Richard E. Winter Student Center 

1.5 CLE credits: Areas of Professional Practice (Appropriate for all attorneys): For Information see here at the Erie County Bar Association Website. 

Daemen College Students should identify themselves at the door for free admission (Please bring your student ID).