The Hearing

During the school year, hearings are conducted Monday through Thursday, generally in the early evening. The hearing is comprised of two phases: the Verdict Hearing and the Sanctions Hearing (if necessary). These two hearings typically are held on the same night if possible.

The Verdict Hearing

At the verdict hearing, six Council members serve as the panel. These individuals are charged with reviewing the evidence, asking questions during the hearing, and determining whether the student has violated the Code. The accused student, the accuser, witnesses, the PA, the ICC, the Student Council or Conduct and Honor Advisor (if requested), and the Chair are also present in the hearing. The ICC will conduct initial questioning of all involved parties. The accused student is also permitted to make brief opening and closing statements. All parties may be questioned during the hearing, but there is no cross-examination as you would find in a court of law.

The Sanctions Hearing

If the panel finds the student guilty, it moves immediately into a sanctions hearing. The only parties involved in this hearing are the Chair, the panel of six members, the accused student, the PA and the accused student's character witnesses, if any.

The accused student is allowed up to two character witnesses and/or letters written on the behalf of the accused. At this hearing, the panel is attempting to determine the appropriate sanction for the student. In accomplishing this, the panel reviews the student's prior record (if any) and the circumstances of the accused student and those surrounding the offense.

See our FAQ section for more information.