Court Opinions

The following Union Judiciary cases are available in their entirety in PDF format. Summaries are provided as a guide only and are non-binding, the full cases should be consulted for all legal matters.

Phillips v. Berlin (1997)

Held that the Allocations Board may not use allocations funds "for its own purposes," such as purchasing food during Marathon. Imposed punitive damaages of $70 against the Allocations Board.

Read the case: Phillips v. Berlin (1997)

Yu v. Phillips (1997)

Upheld the decision of the Elections Commissioners to not allow Yu to be a candidate for office.

Read the case: Yu v. Phillips (1997)

Phillips v. Election Commissioners (1997)

Held that study abroad students are considered "inactive" by the University and may not run for Union office. Recommends that the Senate act to clarify eligibility for Union office.

Read the case: Phillips v. Election Commissioners (1997)

Schakow v. Election Commissioners (1997)

Held that verbal electioneering includes more than simply spoken word and that, as such, Schakow did not violate election rules and could not be disqualified from the race for Class of 2001 Senator.

Read the case: Schakow v. Election Commissioners (1997)

Sugarman v. Elections Commissioners (1997)

Read the case: Sugarman v. Elections Commissioners (1997)

Ezring v. Commissioners (1998)

Held that Ezring did not violate the Candidates' Rules of Conduct by appearing in polling places on election day in the course of his normal daily routine. Recommends that candidate meetings be recorded and the election rules be clarified.

Read the case: Ezring v. Commissioners (1998)

Israel v. Commissioners (1999)

Held that Spring 1999 elections, specifically the rules dealing with club endorsements, were correctly held in accordance with the "old" constitution, as provisions of the new constitution would not be effective without the whole of the constitution, which could not take effect until new officers were sworn in. Recommends that the issue of club endorsements be the first item of business under the new constitution, and further that copies of the constitution always be available for review by Union members in the Student Union office.

Read the case: Israel v. Commissioners (1999)

Abbet v. Commissioners (1999)

Held that when an officer election does not have more then twice the number of candidates as positions, the primary round of balloting shall also be the final round.

Read the case: Abbet v. Commissioners (1999)