Student Jurors
In the Spring of 1980, over 80% of the student body voted by
referendum to allow randomly selected students to serve as jurors in
Honor Trials. The change allowed an accused student who requested
trial the choice of a jury panel composed of all Honor Committee
members or a mixed panel of Honor Committee members and randomly
selected student jurors. In providing this right, students also
accepted the responsibility to serve as jurors when requested. In
1990, the student body voted in favor of allowing an accused student
to have the option of an all randomly selected student panel.
After a student chooses to have a mixed or random student panel,
the Honor Committee obtains from the University Registrar a random
listing of students. A letter is sent to potential jurors informing
them of the time of an orientation session. At the orientation, the
trial procedures are briefly explained and the potential jurors
answer a series of questions designed to reveal any disqualifying
biases. They also sign-up for one upcoming trial date on which they
are free to serve jury duty. Eight to twelve jurors are selected to
serve on each panel.
Trials are held on the weekends and generally last one full day.
The Trial Chair provides knowledge of the Honor System and trial
experience. The randomly selected jurors ensure that a decision
reflects the views of the student body. By devoting one day as a
trial juror to the operation of the Honor System, each student can
guarantee that the Honor System remains a vital and responsive aspect
of University life.
If you have any questions regarding serving on a jury panel,
contact Mary White, Executive Secretary to the Honor Committee via
e-mail at mtwhite@virginia.edu or by phone at 924-7602.
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