The constitutions of both the United States and the University Judiciary Committee guarantee those who have been charged with committing a crime the right to a speedy trial.
But some accused students at the University -- particularly first years -- have to wait several weeks, or even months, before their cases go to trial because of postponements and other delays.
In order to expedite the process of hearing cases, UJC members are working on a proposal which would change the hearing panel process within the First-Year Judiciary Committee.
Currently, an accused student can avoid a trial by opting to go before a hearing panel. In order to do so, the student must be a first-time offender, must admit guilt and must have committed a minor offense.
The case then goes before a hearing panel composed of three judges who read an investigator's report and decide on a sanction. Neither the accused nor the complainant addresses the panel in person.
The new proposal would send all minor first-year cases directly to a modified hearing panel -- tentatively called "first-year boards" -- while the more serious cases would go before the FYJC as regular trials, UJC Chair Angela Carrico said.
The accused and complainant would write a statement of what happened in their own words, sign it and turn it over to the first-year board. Both sides then would be permitted to go before the board and present their case.
Currently, accused students are assigned to a counselor to advise them through the trial process. With the new proposal, accused students would not be assigned to a counselor but rather would have access to one if they wanted advice.
"It would make these students have more accountability and put more work into the cases and not sit back and let the counselor figure everything out," Carrico said.
Most of the cases the FYJC deals with are minor ones involving drug and alcohol offenses committed in first-year dormitories. Carrico estimated that 75 to 80 percent of the cases are substance abuse issues that "don't have the same severity" as some of the other cases the FYJC hears.
On average, most trials take three to five weeks to begin, but some may take months, Carrico said. This is a problem because the student does not immediately have to deal with the consequences of his actions and it gives the student time to commit more offenses, Carrico said.
Amber Turner, UJC vice chair for first years, said having minor substance abuse issues go to trial is not the most efficient way to handle the cases and "tends to back things up."
"It's something we don't want a student to have hanging over his head," Turner said. "We see it as a way to improve our system."
UJC members will convene at a workshop in the next few weeks to iron out the details, and a formal proposal could be ready by January, Carrico said.
Read More
Weighing their place in U.Va. presidential search, students hope for leader with integrity
By Mia Tan | YesterdayWith the search for the University’s 10th president underway, students are voicing cautious hopes for a leader who will prioritize transparency, integrity and the needs of the University community
Honor Committee discusses potential changes to its sanctioning process
By Bertie Azqueta | 3 days agoAny changes to the role of counsel could significantly affect how sanctioning is pursued by the reporter and the University community against those who committed Honor offenses.
Blocked Youngkin Board appointees are not allowed to serve, judge rules
By Ford McCracken | 3 days agoThe ruling is a major development in the ongoing battle between Senate Democrats and the state Republicans and officials at three universities.
