Student Defense - Emory University Law School

Accusations of academic misconduct at Emory University Law School don't just jeopardize a student's career at that law school. Students who face these accusations may not be able to take the Bar exam in any state where they wish to practice, though each case is considered individually.

It is essential, then, for students and their families to be well informed when going into academic misconduct hearings at Emory University. Students who reach out to legal advisors for guidance can better understand the intricacies of these cases and, in turn, craft defenses that may help them protect their future careers.

Emory University Student Code of Conduct and Academic Dishonesty

The Emory University Student Code of Conduct details the university's understanding of academic misconduct,noting that each of the following instances may merit sanctions if a student is accused and convicted:

• Finding, purchasing, or utilizing answers to an exam without appropriate authorization.
• Aiding another student in the finding, purchasing, or utilizing of answers to an exam.
• Plagiarism and self-plagiarism, be it intentional or not.
• Providing another student with assistance on an exam or assignment when collaboration isn't permitted.
• Misusing, hiding, or purposefully damaging university property, including library books.
• Deliberately preventing another student from achieving academically by stealing that student's notes, books, or any materials needed to attend and complete a course.
• Providing representatives of the law school or fellow students with false information in an attempt to improve one's academic success.
• Intentionally violating those administrative policies set forth by the law school in any and all of its available programs with the goal of gaining some manner of academic advantage.

Emory University breaks these offenses down into minor and major offenses, depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident. The designation of one incident over any others will fall to representatives in the Office of Academic Affairs, be that party the Associate Dean or another designee.

Emory University's Academic Misconduct Hearings

Emory University Law School addresses accusations of academic misconduct at the law school level through the following means:

1. A party who believes they witnessed an incident of academic misconduct must file a report noting as such with the Office of Academic Affairs.
2. The Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and affiliated parties must assess the report and determine whether or not the incident in question violates Emory University's student code of conduct.
3. If the incident does fall within the bounds of university policy, then the Office of Academic Affairs will launch an investigation into the incident with help from the Professional Conduct Court. This court is made up of five members including representatives from law school faculty, law students, and representatives from the Emory Law Advisory Board.
4. The Associate Dean will guide the Office of Academic Affairs through an investigation into the accused student's behavior at the time of the incident in question.
5. The accused student will receive a notice detailing the charges on which they are being held.
6. If the Associate Dean believes that the incident in question is a) in direct violation of Emory University's student code of conduct, and b) not a minor incident that can be discussed one-on-one with the accused student, then the process will move into its hearing stage. A 3L student will serve as a prosecutor during the hearing, though the accused student is also encouraged to seek aid from an extracurricular advisor.
7. Both the accused and the accusers will bring their arguments before the court. The accused has the option, at this stage, to admit to the charge or to see the hearing through. If the accused does not choose to submit an acceptance, then all involved parties will present their cases via witnesses and evidence.
8. An accused student may be convicted if four of the five members of the court believe them to be in violation of the Emory University student code of conduct. Accused students are acquitted if fewer than four members of the court agree on the nature of their violation.

Students do have the opportunity to appeal a summary sanction by presenting a report to the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs. These appeals must reach the Dean of Academic Affairs within ten days of a student's court conviction, or else the student will have to face the sanctions leveled against them by the court.

Only the dean considers the written appeal and has the power to overturn a conviction leveled against a student. A dean's decision in this manner may not be appealed, meaning that whatever ruling this party puts forth is the one that the student in question must abide by.

Sanctions at Emory University Law School

The consequences a student may face when convicted of academic misconduct can vary based on the severity of the incident at hand. These sanctions are determined either by the Court by which the student is convicted or by the Dean of Academic Affairs during an initial interview or during the appeal process.

Sanctions throughEmory University Law School include:

• A verbal warning.
• Termination from positions around campus and within the law school.
• A failing grade in the course in which the alleged incident occurred.
• A written warning shared with the student and placed on that student's permanent record. Written warnings are reported to the Bar exam, regardless of the state it is in which the student wishes to practice.
• Delayed graduation.
• Suspension for at least one semester and up to four semesters.
• Expulsion from the university.

All sanctions that go beyond a verbal warning from the Dean of Academic Affairs will involve the inclusion of a written warning on a student's permanent record.

No matter what, the Bar will receive notice of that warning when or if the student in question chooses to pursue a career in the field of law. In turn, the Bar exam and its affiliated may decide whether or not to allow the student in question to participate in the exam based on their supposed history of misconduct.

Go Into an Academic Misconduct Hearing With an Advisor

Attorney Joseph D. Lento and Lento Law Firm can help students and families trying to understand the intricacies of an academic misconduct hearing at Emory University Law School. No student or family should go it alone - Law school disciplinary proceedings are a unique animal, characterized by intense and rigorous proceedings unlike most other academic institutions. Too much is at stake to not have the best possible representation and attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm have unparalleled experience in defending accused law students at Emory University and throughout the United States. Attorney Lento and his team have a proven track record of successfully resolving law school issues and concerns which can literally have life-altering consequences if not favorably rectified.

For a case consultation, concerned parties can call 888-535-3686 or share a case's details via the firm's online form.