The University Judiciary Committee held a mock trial last night to educate newly elected judges.
In a fictitious accusation, current UJC chair Tim Ormsby stood accused of stealing a keg from Theta Delta Chi fraternity while intoxicated. After being apprehended by a University police officer, he gave the officer a fake ID. In so doing, he allegedly violated University standards three, six, eight, 10 and 12.
These standards respectively deal with breaking and entering on University property, violations of University policy, incidents of disorderly conduct on University property, breaking federal and state law and "failure to comply with directions of University officials acting under" other UJC standards.
Following the introduction of the case, the accused was advised of his or her rights and the trial for guilt commenced. The first witness was called by the counsel for the "complainant," Richard Rose.
Rose called Dean "J.J. Kasper" to the stand to testify about the case. Kasper was the dean on call during the incident. Following cross-examination by counsel for the accused Scott Jones, judges were given the opportunity to question each witness.
Following testimony in an actual trial, all parties but the judges would leave the room while the trial panel deliberated the guilt of the accused.
"Every case is going to be different," Ormsby told the new judges, "but this case is not too atypical."
Ormsby was found not guilty on standards three and eight because of lack of evidence that Theta Delta Chi is University property but guilty on standards 10 and 12.
Jones reminded the panel that there is no precedent in UJC cases.
"You can find him guilty on Monday and not guilty on Tuesday," Jones said.
Following these deliberations, a trial for sanction was held. Both parties gave testimony concerning appropriate sanctions, including actions taken to rectify the accused's behavior.
Ormbsy reminded judges that sanctions ought to be both "punitive and educational."
The panel ultimately decided to require the accused to work three weekend-night Safe Ride shifts, write an essay about his experiences and also send a letter of apology to the University Police officer involved.
"This [mock trial] was for the purpose of training our new judges," Ormsby said. "We throw out as many difficulties to our new judges as possible
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