Third-year College student Adam Boyd's Oct. 19 honor trial is the newest chapter in the storied history of one of the University's rarest events -- the open honor trial.
Boyd's trial will be the first open trial since the spring of 2000, as the vast majority of accused students elect to keep their trial private.
"I feel there is an injustice being done here and I wanted it to be made public so it could be in the eyes of students and faculty," Boyd said. "I didn't do this; if I did, then maybe I would want a closed trial."
Open trials have historically been well-attended by community members. The Honor Committee trial room in Newcomb hall, where Boyd's trial will occur, has a maximum capacity of 96. After the roughtly 22 trial participants are seated, officials will allow in about 74 observers.
Because of expected high demand, the Committee will distribute tickets to interested parties several weeks from now.
Committee Chairman Chris Smith explained the tickets will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis unless there is a tremendous outpouring of interest. In such a situation, a lottery system could be used.
Though trials make up only one side of the Committee, open trials remain one of the most visible parts of the system. Committee members explained that open trials and the interest they generate are key.
"Because they are one of the most high-profile parts of the system, they provide an opportunity for people not normally interested in the honor system to get involved," said Brad Robinson, Committee vice chairman for trials.
Smith agreed that open trials provide an important opportunity for the University community.
"It's an excellent opportunity for students interested in honor to see a trial first hand," he said. "It's one of the best forms of honor education."
Because most trials are closed, very few students get a chance to experience the inner workings of the honor system first hand.
"According to juror feedback, students often come away very impressed with the process," Robinson said. "It's a shame only 12 students get to take part each time."
Historically, open trials have provided a forum for review and discussion of honor and its procedures. Committee members expressed hope that this trial will provide such a forum for the University community.
"I think a lot of people have misconceptions about the honor system, that it is somehow separate from their daily lives," said Christie Graham, vice chairwoman for investigations. "This is a good way for them to gain perspective"
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