The University Judiciary Committee welcomed 17 new judges to the First-Year Judiciary Committee last week.
The new judges subsequently elected first-year College students Jamin An and Merriam Mikahil, as their chair and vice chair, respectively.
According to UJC officials, the FYJC operates by the same trial procedures as the UJC, but its jurisdiction is limited to cases involving first years.
"The First-Year Judiciary Committee hears cases of violations of Standards of Conduct that occur within first-year residential areas," outgoing FYJC vice chair Ben Cooper said. "That includes areas such as the Quad but doesn't extend to areas like the Lawn."
While UJC and FYJC cases are separate, the UJC hears appeals from the first-year body.
The FYJC held its first meeting Wednesday, but the first-year judges officially joined the Committee Sunday night.
"On Sunday, they were essentially sworn in and signed that they would uphold the bylaws of the Constitution," UJC Chair Tim Ormsby said.
Unlike the UJC judges, FYJC members do not represent a specific school within the University but instead represent the entire first-year class, Cooper said.
The selection process for the judges included a test and two rounds of interviewing. The first round included a group interview in which the potential judges were provided with a hypothetical case situation and carried out mock deliberation, Ormsby said.
Raleigh Anne Blank, UJC Vice-Chair for First Years, said she believes the new first years will be a great addition to the UJC.
"They are all very excited about the Committee, and that is one of the things you really need to have," Blank said.
Ormsby also said he was impressed by the newcomers' competence and enthusiasm.
An, who was appointed FYJC Chair, said he saw involvement in the FYJC as a way to connect with the University and is excited about his leadership role.
"It seemed like something that would be fun and would allow me to make a large impact [on] the University community early on in my college career," An said. "It seemed like a unique opportunity. I am extremely honored to have my fellow judges elect me as the Chair, and I am hoping we will be able to make sure we have fairness on trials."
FYJC Vice-Chair Mikhail said working with the UJC is not only a way to contribute to the University, but also a tryout for a potential profession.
"Personally, I want to become a judge one day and work with juvenile justice," Mikhail said. "So, I am definitely excited to hear cases and see if this is what I want to do as a career. With the UJC, we can help keep the judicial system of the University fair."
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