The University of Illinois Chicago School of Law is among the most respected and storied law schools in the nation. Founded in 1899, the school is consistently ranked among the top programs in the country, especially for part-time students. Students at John Marshall Law School are held to incredibly high academic and ethical standards. Each new student is require to electronically affirm the following oath:
As a student entering the Law School, I understand I am joining an academic community and embarking on a professional career. The Law School community and legal profession share important values that are reflected in the Law School's Honor and Professionalism Code. I have read this Code and will conduct my academic, professional, and personal life to honor the values reflected in it.
If the school accuses you of violating their Honor Code, it's normal to feel anxious about how to proceed. With your dream career in sight, one mistake could take away all you've worked for.
The Honor Code at John Marshall Law School
The UIC John Marshall Law School's Honor and Professionalism Code is enforced by the Career Services Office. The official Standards of Conduct states that no student shall “engage in conduct, including but not limited to acts involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation, that is prejudicial to the operation of the law school.”
Examples included in the official Honor and Professionalism Code include:
- Cheating
- Improper collaboration
- Taking unfair academic advantage
- Deception or misrepresentation
- Electronic dishonesty
- Plagiarism
How John Marshall Law School Handles Accusations of Student Misconduct
When a student at John Marshall Law School is accused of misconduct, institution officials follow the protocol outlined in the UIC Student Disciplinary Policy. The process begins with a determination of a potential violation. Honor code investigators meet with the Dean of Students to ascertain whether an investigation is necessary. They may contact students about their alleged involvement and communicate with staff about the allegations.
Report to Vice Dean for Academic Affairs
Students and professors are encouraged to file written complaints about student misconduct with the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs. Filing a charge initiates a discipline proceeding. A faculty member serving as the honor code investigator will review the complaint.
Investigations and Administrative Disposition
Should the honor code investigator decide that there is indeed evidence of misconduct, an investigation will be launched. The student in question will be notified in writing about the commencement of the investigation. For less serious cases, the investigator may offer the student an administrative disposition in lieu of an Honor Council Hearing.
Honor Council Hearings
If there is enough evidence uncovered during the investigation, officials may recommend a hearing with the Honor Council. The council of five members consists of law students and faculty members who are elected annually to serve. At the hearing, the student may question witnesses called by the Council, as well as respond to any allegations made against them. Students may have a support representative whom they consult with throughout the disciplinary process but may not speak on their behalf during the hearing. They can, however, advise the student on breaks during the proceedings.
Honor Council Decisions
After the hearing commences, the Council will determine whether the student in question violated the Honor and Professionalism Code. In the event that a violation cannot be substantiated, a report will be issued to the student within two weeks of the hearing. If a violation did indeed occur, the Council will recommend appropriate consequences to the Dean.
Possible Sanctions
Law students at the John Marshall Law School face the following potential sanctions for academic misconduct:
- Written warning
- Probation
- Discretionary sanctions
- Disciplinary suspension
- Disciplinary expulsion
- Revocation of degree
Appeals Procedures
UIC students have the right to appeal Honor Council actions and decisions through the official school Academic Grievance process. They have 40 days after the Council's decision to file a grievance with the Administrative Officer. It's up to this official to grant or deny the remedy sought. Their decision must be made within ten days of receiving the grievance. In some cases, they may recommend a secondary hearing in the matter. These are only typically granted for instances when the initial hearing didn't follow proper procedure or when new information about the allegations has come to light.
The Role of a Student Defense Attorney-Advisor
There's no denying the complexity of the procedures associated with academic misconduct allegations at John Marshall Law School. In order to craft a solid defense strategy, you've got to first fully understand the school's policies. Wading through these policies and procedures can be a challenge. If you're eager to nip potentially career-ending allegations in the bud, you'll want an experienced student defense advisor by your side throughout the entire process.
An attorney-advisor that specializes in law student defense can help you chart the best course forward. They'll help you gather exonerating materials, ensure the school respects your rights, and guarantee you don't miss out on critical details you might have otherwise overlooked. Attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm have helped hundreds of law students throughout the country address and overcome their misconduct allegations. If your future as a lawyer is in jeopardy over such allegations, reach out to the Lento Law Firm today by calling 888-535-3686.
