VI) Judicial

A) Definition and Purpose

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

B) Rights, Restrictions, and Duties

1) The Judicial Council shall mediate, arbitrate, and adjudicate cases brought before it by members of Student Government. In cases where the Council lacks jurisdiction, it shall refer the parties to the proper authorities.

2) The Judicial Council shall mediate and/or provide non-binding arbitration in cases brought by student organizations or by members of the Student Association. In cases beyond its jurisdiction, the 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 all referenda submitted 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 when deliberating or conducting closed hearings for cases under review.

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

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

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

9) A quorum, required for the resolution of any matter before the Council, shall consist of four Justices.

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

C) Membership

1) Chief Justice

a) Definition and Purpose

i) The Chief Justice serves as the representative and spokesperson of the Judicial Council. The Chief Justice exists to administer, coordinate, and mediate the activities of the Council.

b) Rights, Restrictions, and Duties

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

ii) The Chief Justice shall preside over 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 Judicial Council activities and ensure accurate records of all meetings are accessible to the Student Association.

v) The Chief Justice shall fulfill all duties designated in this Constitution or deemed necessary by Student Government 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 shall be appointed from among the members of the Judicial Council by the Student Government President, with the approval of two-thirds of the Senate.

2) Justices

a) Rights, Restrictions, and Duties

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

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

b) Appointment and Removal

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

ii) Justices shall be elected during the Spring term by a majority vote of the Senate, for a term beginning the second Monday after the conclusion of Spring final exams.

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

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