New members are being accepted for the Judicial Review Board, but some members have served on the board for years.
Corey McCarty, 23, senior criminal major from Spring Hill, W.Va., is about to complete his third year as a justice for the board.
"If you're interested in getting more involved at Marshall, this is a great stepping stone for someone to get their foot in the door, to get involved, meet people and make connections," McCarty said.
McCarty joined the review board after reading an article about the requirements in The Parthenon during his sophomore year at Marshall. He said the position caught his interest because of his major and his plans to attend law school.
"He's shown great interest and devotion," said Prudy Barker, director of Judicial Affairs.
The role as a justice is to work on the review board, hear cases and decide whether a student is guilty for violating a student code, McCarty said. If the student is found guilty, the members of the board decide on a fair punishment.
"Honestly, you have the student's future in your hand," McCarty said. "We feel all students deserve a second chance because we are a learning community."
McCarty said he has recently taken position as hearing officer. The role as hearing officer includes keeping order in the court and deciding if new evidence may be submitted.
During his first case as a hearing officer, McCarty said he had to remove an advocate who arrived late and was argumentative.
"Corey did a good job at executing the role (as hearing officer)," Barker said.
Hearing officers require experience from working on the board, Barker said. "Corey excelled as a justice and was always dependable."
The purpose of serving on the review board is to help educate and to help students know right from wrong, Barker said.
"(Being on the board) has helped me learn the role of a lawyer when helping a client," McCarty said. "It also helps show what judges deal with as far as problems in the court."
Barker said McCarty has volunteered his personal time to work in her office. In addition to serving as a justice and hearing officer, he also designs the Judicial Affairs Web site.
"With what I've done with Judicial Affairs, it helps me get ready for what I'll do (after I graduate) and work with the public," McCarty said.
McCarty said he would recommend joining the review board to any student interested in law, especially those majoring in criminal justice, pre-law, sociology or psychology.
Students may pick up applications to become a justice or advocate in the Judicial Affairs office, located at 2W38 Memorial Student Center. Applications will be accepted through today, Barker said.
Whitney Johnson can be contacted at johnson253@marshall.edu.
Be the first to comment on this article!