Honor Council

Join the Honor Board

1. Why should I join the Honor Board?

We are fortunate to have a student-run honor system at the University of Memphis Law School, and as a council member you will help maintain the honor and integrity of the law school student body. You will investigate and adjudicate suspected honor violations within the framework of the Honor Code, which is excellent statutory, prosecutorial, and trial experience.
Our objectives are to ensure that the procedures are conducted fairly and objectively, that the regulations are followed, that suspected students are afforded due process, and that confidentiality is maintained throughout the process.

The legal profession values the importance of giving back to the community. Serving on the Honor Council demonstrates a commitment to pro bono work as much as participating in a clinic or public interest program. Membership gives you the opportunity to work closely with faculty members, and is a prestigious item to have on your resume.

2. What does the Honor Council actually do?

The Honor Council investigate alleged Honor Code violations, and works to improve the Law School’s honor system. Specifically, the council gives presentations during orientation, conducts plagiarism discussions with the incoming classes, and updates the Honor Code. The Honor Council also forms committees that focus on ways to improve the honor system and increase students’ awareness of it.

3. When are the meetings held?

Honor Council meetings are held periodically throughout the school year.

4. How does the investigation process work?

The entire procedure, including the appeals process, is spelled out in detail in the Honor Code.

5. What is formal adjudication?

If the student-defendant does not want to accept an informal resolution, they can request a formal hearing on the merits of the case (similar to a bench trial).

6. How will I know what to do on my first investigation?

If possible, there will be training for new members. In addition, you can ask questions of the Chief Justice, the Presiding Officer, or the Honor Council’s faculty advisor. You may also talk to other Council members about the procedural issues as long as you do not discuss the substance of the case or reveal any identities.

It cannot be stressed enough that confidentiality is of the utmost importance. Even if a case is dismissed, you must never discuss it with anyone who is not on the Honor Council, and you must never reveal the identity of any student discussed within the process to anyone outside the Honor Council.

7. How much time does Honor Council membership require?

Investigating and adjudicating cases is our most crucial responsibility, and requires significant time and attention. Depending on how a case progresses, it can take a few days to several months to conclude. As a council member you should expect to serve on cases, to attend meetings unless there is a genuine conflict, and to perform committee work. Members who do not actively participate may be removed from the Honor Council.

New Councils takes over on the day following graduation each year, and you could be asked to participate in an investigation any time after that date. When setting meetings, the Honor Council will take genuine conflicts into account. Also, unless there are exigent circumstances, the Honor council proceedings are tolled during final exam periods.

8. What are the qualifications for membership?

Those students wanting to apply must be in good academic standing.

9. How do I apply?

Applications for the Honor Council are available from the Hnor Council and from the Student Bar Association. Simply, pick up and application, fill it out and submit it to the Honor Council mail box in the student lounge. From those that apply, the candidates will be narrowed to five and an election will then be held in which the entire student body will vote for whom they believe will best serve the students, the school, and the Honor Council.

10. What should I do to prepare?

Visit the Honor Council webpage. Read and become familiar with the Honor Code. Think of ways that the system can be improved, and how the number of incidents of academic dishonesty can be reduced.

posted by SBA Board @ 6:08 AM