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Resolution 41: Creation of the University Student Supreme Court (2)

Sponsored by: Ulysses Smith ‘13

Whereas, the Student Assembly has a tradition of handling its own judicial affairs and adjudicating matters related to the legislation it is charged with creating and enforcing;

Whereas, this leads to an inevitable conflict of interest that puts the concerned student body at a disadvantage;

Whereas, there is no method for the student body to object to the actions or decisions of the SA;

Be it therefore resolved, that Article III, Section 4 of the Student Assembly Charter be amended to read as follows:

Article III, Section 4:

  • C) Objection of SA Actions by the Student Body — If the student body (in the form of any general student or SA member) objects to an action of the SA, the matter will be resolved by a hearing before the University Student Supreme Court. The Court shall be the final source in all matters concerning the interpretation of the Student Assembly’s Charter, bylaws, governing documents, and legislation.

If the Court chooses to overturn the action/decision of the Student Assembly, the decision is final and then must be challenged through a new piece of legislation that meets the requirements as set forth in the decision of the Court.

If the Court chooses to uphold the action/decision of the Student Assembly, the decision is final. The court can, however, refer the case to another unit of the University if it deems it appropriate.

Respectfully Submitted,

Shiva Bhargava ‘13
Committee Member

Eliza Kuzmenko ‘17
Committee Member

Elsie Liaros ‘14
Committee Member

Elaine Lin ‘13
Committee Member

Scott Seidenberger ‘16
Committee Member

Rebecca Sharma ‘13
Committee Member

Gillian Trimber ‘13
Committee Member

Nicholas Vasko ‘15
Committee Member

Ulysses Smith ‘13
Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion

(Reviewed by: Residential & Community Life Committee, 3/5/2013)

Contact SA

109 Day Hall

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY 14853

ph. (607) 255—3715

studentassembly@cornell.edu