Upcoming Constitutional Interpretation
Dear Students,
Please consider this a formal notice of a Constitutional Interpretation which will be held no earlier than Wednesday, April 16th at a time and date to be announced shortly.
Questions Posed
That the Judicial Council provide an interpretation of “Society or Corporation event” as stated in 8.2.10 of the Constitution.
That the Judicial Council make a ruling on whether 8.2.10 applies to the Engineering Society Orientation-Week events.
That the Judicial Council determine whether EngSoc submitting their own content to the AMC undermines the editorial autonomy of the AMS Media Centre as guaranteed by section 8.2.8.
Nature of Hearings
All hearings of Constitutional Interpretations are open to the public, and students-at-large (who have paid their AMS membership fees) can make verbal statements directly to Judicial Council on the subject matter of the interpretation. The Judicial Council may limit verbal submissions to ensure efficiency. Students at large may also make written submissions through the Judicial Affairs Office (see below).
Think you know the answer? Please make a written submission!
Transparency and student voice is integral to properly functioning governance proceedings. If you have an opinion on the interpretation and/or would like to submit a statement for consideration, please email by Tuesday, April 15th at 12:00 PM. Statements should focus on the subject matter (aka questions posed) and include analysis that is backed by research and/or policy of the Alma Mater Society, legislation or any other appropriately published resources. While there is no specific guideline on the sources that can be used, statements should not be solely focused on your “opinion” or “feelings.” Statements by students should be well reasoned, and supported by an analysis of the constitution, or other policies and sources.
All statements will be compiled by the Judicial Affairs Office, who serves as a neutral facilitator of submissions by students-at-large. The JAO will not write, edit or provide an opinion to anyone, except to the extent of ensuring the statement adhered to the requirements mentioned above.
Agenda of the Meeting
The meeting will follow regular proceedings of the Council. If you choose to attend, you can expect to hear statements from:
- Statement by the affected party(s) as determined by the Secretary
- Statement of the Secretary
- Statement of the Expert Advisors (if applicable)
- Statement of the Judicial Affairs Office on behalf of students-at-large who have made written submissions
- Statements by students (limited to 5 minutes each)
THE SECRETARY – The Secretary of Internal Affairs is vested with the authority to initiate a Constitutional Interpretation at any time. The Secretary of Internal Affairs, through the Office of the Secretariat, acts as an impartial advisor on all matters pertaining to policy and compliance.
ABOUT – The Judicial Council is the adjudicative branch of the student body and is the sole and final authority on interpretations of the Constitution, which is the highest governing document affect undergraduate student life at Queen’s University. Constitutional Interpretations are a method by which questions about the meaning or proper application of the Constitution can be raised to the Council. Constitutional Interpretations are initiated by members of the Internal Affairs Office or Assembly upon request or on behalf of a member of the Society, or a recognized group.
If you would you like to submit a statement, please email . Any other questions can be directed to the Secretariat at .