University of Virginia Library

Judiciary Referendum
Continues To Wednesday

By Rick Pearson
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

Because of a poor turnout and
evidence that many students may not
have voted due to a lack of information,
the Judiciary Committee has extended
the voting period for the referendum for
a new Judiciary Constitution through
Wednesday.

Last spring, the Judiciary Committee
wrote the draft of the document which
would govern that body, and it was then
placed before the student body for ratification.

Constitution Approved

At that time, a majority of the students who
voted approved the constitution, but it was
required that 60 per cent of the total student
body vote, and for this reason, the document
fated to be ratified.

Last week's election, therefore was the
second attempt at passage, and again an
overwhelming majority of the students voted
for ratification. But, as in last year's referendum,
the required number of students did not
turn out to vote, despite the fact that this
number has been lowered to 40 per cent.

In the first three days of voting, 2210
students cast votes. Of this total, 1493 voted
for the new constitution, 466 against, and 251
abstained. Since 9642 students are eligible to
vote, a total of 3857 votes is needed for
ratification.

Although last week's turnout would normally
result in failure of the constitution, the
Judiciary Committee felt there was evidence
that this was not a valid count. Therefore, the
members decided to extend the voting period
until Wednesday, with ballot boxes open all
day.

Considerable Confusion

Apparently, there was considerable confusion
over the exact nature of the election.
While the voting was taking pl, two other
elections were being held, and many students
reportedly were unsure what each election was
about.

Confusion resulted from the fact that the
first-year class was voting at the same time on
their own Judiciary and Legislative constitutions,
and the fourth-year class was electing
their officers. Students apparently noticed the
fourth-year election and felt that they were
ineligible to vote for the Judiciary Constitution.

New Constitution

The new constitution makes several changes,
including giving women the right to membership
on the committee. Also, the Dean of
Student Affairs would have a lesser power of
review of Judiciary decisions, being able to veto
such decisions only in extraordinary cases.

Finally, the new constitution expands the
original jurisdiction of thy committee to
include sex offenses and creates a new appellate
jurisdiction over decisions of lesser bodies like
the IFC.