STUDENTS DEBATE NATIONAL ISSUES AT MOCK CONVENTION

High school students played it tough on crime, calling for constitutional amendments guaranteeing truth in sentencing and limiting appeals of those sentenced to die.

More than 100 high school students from across Southeast Missouri debated issues at a mock U.S. Constitutional Convention Tuesday, held at Southeast Missouri State University.

In one of the hottest debates of the day, students approved a measure limiting death row inmates to three appeals or five years, whichever comes first, before their sentence would be carried out.

"Five years is way too long to wait to see justice served," one student argued. Another added, "I feel convicts, if they get the death penalty, shouldn't sit in there for 50 years while we pay for them."

A youngster likened the amendment to a car warranty: three years or 30,000 miles.

Without much debate, students also approved strict truth in sentencing: prisoners would serve their entire sentence without parole or probation.

The students created a provision that welfare recipients must be actively seeking employment. In addition, social workers would look in on the children of recipients twice a month.

Students also voted to abolish the electoral college, require passage of a literacy test before a high school diploma is issued and mandate that citizens over age 65 retake driving tests every three years to renew driving licenses.

Passing without debate was an amendment that all citizens, regardless of gender, should register for the draft. An amendment limiting abortion only to cases of rape or when the pregnancy causes a threat to the mother's life was defeated.

The mock constitutional convention has been revived after a one-year lapse. Alberta Dugan, chairman of the history department at Southeast Missouri State University, explained that the exercise gives students hands-on experience in a history lesson.

"This gives them a chance to discuss national issues and notice that before the constitution can be changed there really must be a sweeping change in society," Dugan said.

Students from Clearwater High School served as the hosts. Debbie Foster of Clearwater and the moderator, said, "We should be thinking about these things. We will be voting within the next two years."

She added that Tuesday's proceedings took on added importance after U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson asked for a briefing on the results.

"He wanted to know how we felt," Foster said. Becky Burns, also of Clearwater, said the congressman specifically asked them to keep notes on the issues of health care and welfare reform and crime.