Constitution

VI) Judicial

A) Definition and Purpose

1) The Judicial Council exists as an impartial agency through which Student Association members may receive equitable treatment from their peers, faculty and staff and preserve their rights under this Constitution.

B) Rights/Restrictions/Duties

1) The Judicial Council shall mediate, arbitrate, and adjudicate in cases brought before them by Student Government members. In cases where Judicial Council does not have jurisdiction, Judicial Council shall refer the parties to the proper authorities.

2) The Judicial Council shall mediate and/or provide non-binding arbitration in cases brought before them by student organizations other than the Student Government, and in cases brought before them by Student Association members.  In cases where Judicial Council does not have jurisdiction, Judicial Council shall refer the parties to the proper authorities.

3) The Judicial Council shall interpret the provisions of this Constitution.

4) The Judicial Council shall certify voting results for referenda made to the Student Association and for all internal and general Student Government elections.

5) The Judicial Council shall hold meetings at least once per month. These meetings shall be open to the Student Association except where such meetings include a deliberation of or closed hearings for a case brought before the Judicial Council.

6) The Judicial Council shall review, and nullify where necessary, all Student Government legislation and any decisions of the Executive Committee and President’s office and shall have the power of deciding cases involving the Constitution. Its decisions are final, subject only to a referendum to the Student Association or an appeal as provided for by Judicial Council procedures.

7) The Judicial Council shall hold hearings on any dispute referred to it by any recognized student organization, provided that the dispute is within its jurisdiction.

8) Each Justice shall have only one vote on any question brought before the Council.

9) Quorum for Judicial Council, required for the resolution of any question brought before the Council, shall consist of four Justices.

10) A quorum of Judicial Council may call for special meetings of the Judicial Council.

C) Membership

1) Chief Justice

a) Definition and Purpose

i) The Chief Justice is the representative and spokesperson for the Judicial Council.  The Chief Justice exists to administer and mediate the activities of the Judicial Council.

b) Rights/Restrictions/Duties

i) The Chief Justice shall perform all administrative needs of the Judicial Council.

ii) The Chief Justice shall preside at all sessions of the Judicial Council.

iii) The Chief Justice shall attend all Student Government and Executive Committee meetings.

iv) The Chief Justice shall periodically report to the Student Government on the activities of the Judicial Council and make available to the Student Association accurate records of all Judicial Council meetings.

v) The Chief Justice shall fulfill any other duties designated in this Constitution, or deemed necessary and appropriate by Student Government and/or the Student Government President.

vi) The Chief Justice shall not discuss or debate items of business during Student Government meetings.

vii) The Chief Justice shall not hold any other Student Government office.

viii) The Chief Justice may vote on Judicial Council matters.

c) Appointment

i) The Chief Justice is appointed from the members of Judicial Council by the Student Government President with the approval of two-thirds of the Senate.

2) Justices

a) Rights/Restrictions/Duties

i) Each Justice shall have only one vote on any question brought before the Council.

ii) No member of the Judicial Council shall hold any other office within Student Government.

b) Appointment/Removal

i) The Judicial Council of the Student Association shall consist of seven Justices, one of whom is the Chief Justice.

ii) Justices shall be elected in spring term by a majority vote of the Senate for one term beginning the second Monday after Spring final exams.

iii) Vacancies shall be filled by a majority vote of the Senate for the unexpired term. This vote takes place during internal elections as described in the operating rules.

iv) A Justice shall be removed for negligence of duties through a two-thirds vote of the Senate.