The University of Idaho College of Law (UI College of Law) is a public law school established in 1909. The college has two locations in Idaho: Moscow and Boise. UI College of Law is part of the University of Idaho complex, with students from over 18 states and countries in attendance. The college offers four areas of emphasis for students. It is the only law school in the state that enjoys full accreditation by the ABA. After students graduate, they can establish themselves in multiple legal career opportunities and flourish. However, they must also demonstrate the highest principles of academic integrity to stay enrolled and graduate on time.
As a law student, you undoubtedly know how exciting and challenging being in college is – including the pressure to succeed. To stay ahead and keep in tandem with the progress of your peers, you must study hard and ensure that you don't commit academic misconduct violations. And although your professors understand that college is a time when students must make mistakes to learn, some errors are more egregious than others. UI College of Law imposes harsh sanctions for students that violate principles of academic integrity. If you face allegations of academic misconduct, you need an attorney-advisor who understands what's at stake.
Honor Code at UI College of Law
According to the Honor Code at UI College of Law, students must maintain and develop a high sense of “honor, integrity, responsibility, self-discipline, confidence, and trust.” These principles are ethics that embody their future careers. Going against them leads to harsh sanctions that set students back and delay their progress and graduation date. In more severe cases, law students face permanent dismissal, causing them to forgo their dreams of becoming attorneys permanently.
As per the code, the following actions constitute violations of academic integrity at UI College of Law:
- Plagiarism: This violation includes copying another author's work verbatim or paraphrasing an idea without citations.
- Improper Conduct Concerning a Course: Students must maintain appropriate conduct while in the classroom. Students may not use sources prohibited by their instructor, record the class, or submit the same work to multiple professors.
- Improper Conduct Concerning an Examination: Students must follow instructions provided by faculty members during a test. They must also avoid cheating or informing other students about the contents of an exam before they take it.
- Breach of Anonymity: In some courses, instructions grade exams anonymously. In these cases, students may not attempt to identify themselves to faculty members or face severe consequences.
- Interference with Property: Law students must not take, destroy, or deface law school or library property and materials.
- Deceptive Communication: Law students may not furnish faculty members or the university with misleading information. Omitting specific data is also prohibited, as is forging documents and trying to gain an unfair advantage.
- Breach of Confidentiality: Law Students must not breach the confidentiality of academic materials imposed by a professor.
- Impeding the administration of the Honor Code: law students must refrain from committing actions that interfere with justice, such as making false accusations or failing to report a violation.
- Attempts: Even if a student is unsuccessful in their attempts to commit a violation, they still face the consequences if caught.
Due to the extensive list of actions that constitute honor code violations, accused students must speak to a professional attorney-advisor immediately after learning of the charges. Although they mistakenly assume that they can take on an honor court and hearing by themselves, it is a difficult task to accomplish. Without a strong defense strategy and the guidance of an advisor, their chances of a fair and favorable outcome decrease significantly.
Hearing Process at UI College of Law
Any member of the college of law who believes that a student committed a violation must report the issue to the College Counsel. Upon receiving the complaint, the council investigates the matter to determine whether probable cause exists. If there is, it sends the Honor Court a written charge of the violation and schedules a conference with the student before the hearing.
During the hearing, the honor court examines the evidence, statements, and witnesses to determine whether a violation occurred. If they find that it did, the court convenes a sanctions hearing. The court determines the appropriate penalties for the offense unless the accused appeals. Accused students may send their request to the Dean or their designee seven days after receiving notice of the sanctions.
Possible Sanctions for Honor Code Violations
UI College of Law imposes multiple sanctions on accused students depending on the severity of the allegation and the student's overall behavioral history. According to the code, the following penalties may apply to violators:
- A verbal or written reprimand
- Public service
- Remedial education
- Restitution
- Probation
- Disciplinary suspension for a specified period
- Indefinite suspension
- Permanent Dismissal
- Denial of the award of the Juris Doctor degree
Due to the gravity of sanctions such as suspension, expulsion, and denial of a degree, students must act fast when they learn of allegations.
Contacting an Attorney-Advisor
When you face a hearing or sanctions at UI College of Law, you must act quickly to reduce the likelihood of a negative case outcome. Contacting an attorney-advisor who understands what is at stake is one of the best decisions to make during a crisis.
Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento specializes in student defense. With years of experience working with students nationwide, advisor Lento knows how hearing processes work and deals with panels and their members. Whether the issue is bias, lack of evidence, or a procedural error, advisor Lento helps you seek justice, especially when the matter threatens your future career.
Being a college student is an enjoyable time of your life. Don't let a mistake or lapse in judgment end your dream of becoming a licensed attorney.
If you or a loved one faces allegations of academic misconduct or honor code violations at UI College of Law, don't wait before it's too late. Contact the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 for a discreet consultation.
