Honor Principle

student couch reader imageThe Judicial Board


The judicial board (J-board) hears cases concerning alleged violations by members of the student body of the honor principle, community rules or college policies, rules, regulations or contracts. Generally, the J-board hears cases brought by current or former members of the Reed community against any individual who has allegedly committed a violation while a member of the student body. The final authority in judicial matters is vested in the president of the college.

Students, faculty and staff are asked to participate in the judicial system. For the purposes of the judicial board code, the Reed College community shall be defined as consisting of all currently employed faculty members, staff members, and student body members who are either currently enrolled, registered, on leave, or have made arrangements with the business office to pay tuition and fees.

The J-board consists of nine full-time students. Five J-board members hear each case, with a sixth member acting as a procedural aide. The student senate appoints J-board members once a year and during semesters if needed.

During periods in which the college is not officially in session or the J-board is unable to convene, the president of the college shall appoint a temporary hearing board composed of four members of the appeals board including the chair, who shall serve as chair of the temporary hearing board.

Complaints against a student must be submitted in writing to the chair of the J-board, who shall file a copy of the complaint with the dean of student services before the case is heard. The written complaint must state:

  1. the grounds on which the complainant(s) believes that a violation of the honor  principle or college rules has occurred;
  2. a brief description of the actions that the complainant(s) believes do constitute a violation;
  3. a list of the names of the persons believed to have committed a violation, if the names of such violators are known to the complainant(s);
  4. a list of witnesses with information pertinent to the case; and
  5. a statement of why informal mediation was unsuccessful or did not occur.

The J-board reserves the right to recommend mediation to parties to a case as specified in Article IV sec. 1 of the community constitution. J-board hearings, and all information regarding honor cases, are strictly confidential. Neither the complainant nor the respondent may contact their own witnesses, nor may they discuss matters pertinent to the case outside of the hearing. Members of the honor council are available for informal mediation or consultation before an honor case is brought to the J-board.