University of Virginia Library

Judiciary Asks
Constitutional
Alterations

By SUZY LAWSON

"Those with a great interest in the
Judiciary Committee may be able to serve
more than one term," according to
committee chairman Lindsay Dorrier.

This, along with five other changes,
will take effect if approved in the
referendum question which is to appear
on the ballot for Judiciary Committee
elections next week.

This referendum passed in the fall
elections, but because a sufficient number
of the student body did not vote, the
decision was not binding. The Judiciary
Committee Constitution states, "It shall
be necessary that a majority of those
voting shall approve the amendment and
the 40 per cent of the full-time student
body vote."

Once the 40 per cent majority of
students approves the constitutional
changes, they will go into effect.

Another change regards the statement
in procedures which reads, "Any student
or faculty member may show good cause
for re-opening a case." If the referendum
is approved, the statement will read,
"Any member of the University
community may show good cause for
re-opening a case." This gives a broader
scope and includes such people as the
administration, said Mr. Dorrier.

Two of the alterations involve
terminology. One of these changes
"...maintenance of discipline and
gentlemanly and ladylike conduct of
University of Virginia students." to
"...maintenance of discipline and conduct
of University of Virginia students."

Also to avoid the use of vague terms a
change will be made in "...whether or not
the accused is guilty of ungentlemanly or
unladylike conduct and for conduct
bringing discredit upon the University."
If passed, it will read, "..whether or not
the accused is guilty of misconduct."

The last change will also be in the
procedures. It will be "On appeal from a
special judicial body, the Committee in a
de novo hearing shall apply the
substantive rules and regulations of the
special judicial body. In all cases on
appeal the Judiciary Committee shall
determine if the accused was accorded in
the original proceeding a fair hearing."
The change will be to "In accepting cases
on appeal the Judiciary Committee shall
determine if the accused was accorded in
the original proceeding a fair hearing. On
appeal from a special judicial body, the
Committee in a de novo hearing shall
apply the rules and regulations of the
Judiciary Committee."

Elections will be held April 26 and 27.