The Judiciary Branch is one of three branches of the Student Government Association. It consists of seven Justices, including the Chief Justice and Associate Chief Justice. These are elected by a majority vote of the Justices at the start of each term. The Judiciary Branch has the power to review actions by officers of the SGA and issue either a mandamus, to order any agent of the SGA to perform a task, or an injunction, to order any agent of the SGA to cease a practice that is found to be in violation of the SGA Constitution and By-Laws.
The roles of Student Justices within the SGA are very similar to the roles of Supreme Court Justices within the Federal Government. Therefore, having an understanding of the legal system is preferable, but not mandatory, for students interested in the Judiciary Branch. Student Justices in the Judiciary Branch participate in a unique process of Judicial Review of Student Leader actions. It is a helpful experience for students interested in Law, because they actively read and interpret the SGA’s governing document, preside over Hearings, and write opinions summarizing their findings.
If you are interested in being a Student Justice in the Judiciary Branch, please e-mail the Student Attorney General, Sarah Morgan, at sga.ag@stuaf.umass.edu. If positions are available, you will need to submit a formal letter of interest in the position and a resume. Please include any legal, or otherwise relevant experience, including majors and minors, classes taken, and year of graduation.