Honor Council

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Honor Code?

A: The Honor Code is the system by which University of Memphis Law School sets out the standards of honesty and fairness in academic and professional pursuits inherent in the community of trust. The purpose of the Code is to promote and secure academic, extracurricular, and professional opportunities in an atmosphere of dignity and trust for each student in the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. The Code applies to all Memphis Law students and extends to all academic, extracurricular, and professional pursuits undertaken by students in or from the Law School. The touchstone of the Honor Code is self-regulation. Accordingly, all students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that will promote the purposes of the Code. Students have the burden to inquire of the Honor Council as to whether their conduct might constitute a violation of the Honor Code.


Q: What is the Honor Council?

A: The Honor Council is the elected body which administers the Cecil C.. Humphreys School of Law Honor Code. This includes conducting investigations, hearings, and trials for alleged Honor Code violations; adopting procedures which enforce and supplement the Honor Code; and issuing policy statements which interpret the Honor Code.


Q: How is the Honor Council elected?

A: Each of the first, second, and third-year classes is allocated three seats on the Honor Council for a total of 9 seats. Every year, each class votes for council members of its own class. The three members of each class who are elected with the highest number of votes serve a one-year term. The rising Council elects from its members the Honor Council officers.


Q: What constitutes a violation of the Honor Code?

A: Violations of the Code include, among other things, plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration on an examination or assignment, use of materials not authorized by the instructor, and the theft or destruction of materials needed by another student for a specific academic endeavor.


Q: How can law school students approach Honor Council members to inquire about the Honor Code, including what constitutes a violation and how to address a possible violation by another student?

A: The Honor Council holds itself out as open to inquiries regarding the Honor Code or the Honor Council. The names and email addresses of Council members will be posted prominently on this webpage, as well as on the Honor Council bulletin board. A student who approaches a Council member is assured of confidentiality. On an inquiry by a student, the Council member approached will direct the student to the appropriate section(s) of the Code that the member believes governs the student’s problem or question.

Confidentiality extends to a student who is considering reporting a possible Code violation by another student: the Honor Council will not act on a possible violation until the inquiring student formally agrees to report the violation and to cooperate in the ensuing investigation. Talking with a Council member about a possible violation WILL NOT by itself initiate the investigation process. Complete confidentiality is assured as to both the person making the inquiry and the person accused of a possible violation. Once the formal accusation is made, however, the student is bound to cooperate in the ensuing investigation and cannot renounce the charge.


Q: What are the possible penalties for a student found guilty of an Honor Code violation?

A: Possible penalties for those found to have committed an Honor Code violation are expressed within the Code.


Q: Are Honor Council meetings open to the public?

A: Yes. Students are encouraged to sit, listen, and voice concerns at any and all full Honor Council meetings. However, Hearings, Trials, and any other proceeding that implicates another student’s right to confidentiality are not open to the public (excepting those cases where an Accused opts for a public Trial).



* Questions and answers are derived from the Vanderbilt University website as we have yet to experience any potential questions as to date.

posted by SBA Board @ 6:46 AM 0 comments

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 0 comments