The SGA Judiciary1
The JudiciaryFelix TitreChief Justice
Aryan GautamJustice
Katherine ZhuJustice
2
What do we do?Review Formal ComplaintsAccept petitions for writs of certiorari from eligible students.Interpret Governing DocumentsApply the SGA Constitution, Bylaws and other relevant governing documents to the disputeIssue Binding DecisionsEstablish precedent that guides future SGA actions.Final Avenue of AppealHear appeals from SGA-related matters after other remedies are exhausted.Emergency InjunctionsWhen immediate action is needed to protect students' rights.3
How are petitions evaluated?The Senate creates legislation but its actions must comply with the Constitution and Bylaws. The Judiciary reviews actions when a student demonstrates:Actual InjuryA concrete harm caused by the actionCausationThe action directly caused the harmRedressabilityA ruling can fix the problemExhaustionOther appeals were tried firstThe Senate or Executive Branch may also request a non binding advisory opinion before acting to prevent unconstitutional measures from moving forward.4
What do we do?Advisory OpinionsProvide nonbinding guidance to SGA branches and affiliated organizations.Receive Query from SGAConcern regarding a bill, action or legislation’s constitutionalityInterpret Governing DocumentsApply the SGA Constitution, Bylaws and other relevant governing documents to the dispute5
ENFORCEMENTActions of the JudiciaryBinding OpinionsSGA and its subsidiary bodies must implement our rulings.Emergency Injunctions & StaysOrder actions to stop or continue; pause lower-body decisions during appeals.Overturn & ModifyReverse or adjust decisions by the CSE and other SGA bodies.Set PrecedentEstablish rules that the CSE and SGA must follow going forward.Our authority applies to SGA and entities under its jurisdiction, not directly to university departments.6
Internal AccountabilityCollective Decision-MakingAll members participate, so no single justice controls outcomes.Majority RulingsDecisions require a majority, ensuring broad consensus.RecusalsMembers recuse themselves when conflicts of interest arise.Public Written OpinionsEvery ruling is documented, published, and open to scrutiny, including concurrences and dissents.7
CSE RELATIONSHIPHow We Work with the CSEThe CSE administers and initially enforces election rules. The Judiciary serves as the final appellate body, so students must raise complaints with the CSE before appealing to us.On Appeal, We Can:Review whether the CSE correctly applied election rulesStay a CSE decision before results are certifiedAffirm, modify, or overturn the CSE's rulingEstablish binding precedent for future CSE casesFile with CSESubmit complaint for initial enforcement and ruling.CSE InvestigationCSE reviews facts and issues an initial decision.Appeal to JudiciaryRequest final review after exhausting CSE remedies.Judicial OutcomeJudiciary may stay, affirm, or overturn and set precedent.The Judiciary is also responsible for appointing members of the CSE8
Contact UsEmailSGAjudiciary@jh.eduftitre1@jh.eduagautam3@jh.edukzhu36@jh.edu
Petition for Writ of Certiorari9