University of Denver: Chapter Constitution
UNIVERSITY OF DENVER MOCK TRIAL
University of Denver: Chapter Constitution
TA B L E O F CONTENTS I N T R O D U C T I O N!
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A R T I C L E I : N A M E & L O G O! !
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A R T I C L E I I : M I S S I O N S T A T E M E N T!! ! M I S S I O N! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! A R T I C L E I I I : M E M B E R S H I P! ! ! ! S E C T I O N I! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
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H I S T O RY!
N A M E! L O G O!!
SECTION SECTION SECTION SECTION
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A R T I C L E V I I I : H O N O R A RY M E M B E R S! ! ! S E C T I O N I! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
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SECTION SECTION SECTION SECTION SECTION
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S E C T I O N I I!! S E C T I O N I I I! S E C T I O N I V!
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A R T I C L E V I : A M E N D M E N T S! ! S E C T I O N I! ! ! ! ! ! !
S E C T I O N I I!!
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A R T I C L E V I I : C O M P E T I T I O N! ! S E C T I O N I! ! ! ! ! ! !
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S E C T I O N I I!!
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I N T RO D U C T I O N
H I S T O RY The American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) was founded in 1985 by Dean Richard Calkins of Drake Law School. AMTA serves as the governing body for intercollegiate mock trial competition. Through engaging in trial simulations in competition with teams from other institutions, students develop critical thinking and public speaking skills, as well as a knowledge of legal practices and procedures. AMTA sponsors regional and national-level competitions, as well as providing interesting and complex case materials for academic use.
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A RT I C L E I : NAME & LOGO NAME Under the official affiliation of the University of Denver and the American Mock Trial Association this sponsored organization shall be entitled the “University of Denver Mock Trial Program,” or simply “DUMT” for shorthand. This organization is the charter chapter at the University of Denver and will receive specific recognition from the Business Ethics and Legal Studies Department at the Daniels College of Business.
LOGO The following displays the official logo for affiliation and marketing purposes involving this organization:
MISSION
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A RT I C L E I I : M I S S I O N S TAT E M E N T The University of Denver Mock Trial Program (DUMT) is a Chapter of the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA), which assists students in the development of critical thinking and public speaking skills, and knowledge of legal practices and procedures, through engaging in trial simulations in competition with teams from other institutions. In addition to furthering the mission of the AMTA, our DUMT Chapter’s mission is to enhance students’ understanding of the rights and privileges of citizenship through immersion in the trial-related aspects of our legal system.
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A RT I C L E I I I : MEMBERSHIP SECTION I Membership shall be limited to undergraduate, full time students attending the University of Denver who share the organization’s mission.
SECTION II Membership and eligibility shall be free from discrimination on any basis, including but not limited to national origin, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation or physical disability.
SECTION III Levels of membership with voting abilities include: 1. Honorary– advisors, university sponsors, community volunteers, and former students 2. Competitors– undergraduate students at the University of Denver who attend 75% of practices 3. Captains– elected competitors of each chapter team who will represent the team during competition
SECTION IV In order for members to vote and participate within the organization, they must attend at least 75% of meetings, events, activities, and other sponsored obligations. All decisions regarding team dynamics and competition must be voted and agreed upon unanimously amongst all team competitors.
SECTION V A member can be expelled from the organization if he/she fails to best represent DUMT while neglecting the mission statement. This includes but is not limited to: habitual misbehavior at attendance/events after two warnings, breaking the university Honor Code, and disrespecting other DUMT affiliates. A member may only be expelled from the organization if 2/3 of all membership votes so.
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A R T I C L E I V: T RY O U T S / C A P T A I N S SECTION I DUMT will hold university auditions for the Mock Trial Program at the beginning of every Fall Quarter, no later than September. This process will consist of two weeks: one for general informational meetings open to the campus and one for actual Tryouts.
SECTION II All current competitors, captains, and honorary members will decide the format and intake of the specific year, depending upon the expansion or contraction of teams. DUMT will annually sponsor competitive teams consisting of between 6 to 10 traveling members each.
SECTION III The selection committee during Tryouts will consist of honorary members and captains, and will be open to all current competitors. Only the honorary members can decide upon the final intake and formation of specific teams according to their proposed timeline. Captains and competitors can give recommendations.
SECTION IV Once accepted into the program, a competitor can remain active for the duration of their undergraduate career if he/she chooses to, unless specifically violating a clause in Article III. If a competitor resigns from the program before completion of his/her first season, then the competitor must audition again to join DUMT.
SECTION V Each team will elect its own captain or co-captains based upon nomination and open voting. 2/3 of team votes is required to install a captain.
SECTION VI The captain shall uphold the Constitution of the organization.The main responsibility is to establish and maintain a strong and positive reputation for DUMT within the university and Denver communities. He/ She shall accomplish this by generating an unique presence for the organization, preventing misunderstandings through good communication, and collaborating with other organizations. Specific responsibilities include:
-Secretary of practices -Treasurer for minimal purchases not involving competition -Liaison between teams and the Undergraduate Student Government -Official team spokesperson during competition
If the captain falls to fulfill any of these duties, the team can unanimously vote to replace the captain at any point during the season. Captaincy must be renewed with new teams every season as well
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A R T I C L E V: FINANCES SECTION I The team captains and honorary members are responsible for all funds and the ethical allocation of those funds under the guidelines of the Undergraduate Student Government and Daniels College of business. Captions and honorary members must present appropriations to all members at request.
SECTION II Only the team captains can write checks and sign reimbursement forms regarding Undergraduate Student funds. All financial transactions with outside vendors/contractors must be approved by the Advisor and University of Denver. 2/3 members must agree on expenses spent for any circumstance.
SECTION III DUMT can designate/sponsor funds for events promoting inclusive excellence or the organization mission statement if two-thirds of members approve. Sponsorships to organizations outside the University of Denver directly from USG funding must be approved by the University of Denver and USG.
SECTION IV If members wish to be reimbursed for any personal expenses in regards to DUMT, he/she must provide original copies of receipts to the team captain. Fundraisers and other funding events must be approved by the university and 2/3 of members.
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A RT I C L E V I : AMENDMENTS SECTION I Amendments to the Constitution can be proposed by any member of DUMT. All proposals must be submitted to the advisor for review one week prior to voting. Amendments must be ratified by 2/3 of all eligible voting assembly.
SECTION II Amendments to the Constitution can only alter one “Section” or its equivalent at a time within a single proposal. Major changes beyond a single “Section” within an amendment must be approved by the organization advisor. In addition, all text presented in “XXXXXXX” font can only be amended with advisor approval as well. Upon successful ratification, a captain shall add or delete the necessary changes to the Constitution and present the new document to all constituents.
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A RT I C L E V I I : COMPETITION SECTION I Logistics, such as time and location, for practices shall be decided by the entire organization quarterly. Practices shall follow a biweekly pattern (twice every week), but is subject to change if necessary. The captains and honorary members reserve the right to call unscheduled meetings in the event that they are necessary.
SECTION II All DUMT competitors and members must abide by appropriate federal, state, and university laws when traveling for competition. In addition, members cannot consume alcohol or participate in Advisor disapproved activities when off the University of Denver campus.
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A RT I C L E V I I I : H O N O R A RY M E M B E R S SECTION I The University of Denver advisor for DUMT shall be a university faculty or staff member who serves as a resource and mentor, providing leadership and assistance to the organization and its members. This advisor holds the interest of the university and shall present the organization with campus resources. Attorney mentors for DUCF shall be a foundation representative who provides guidance and focus in fulfilling the organization’s mission statement. This advisor holds the interest of the public and will mentor legal mentorship throughout the year. All administrative decisions should be collaborated by all honorary members, and the final decision must be communicated by the Chapter Advisor. All advisors will serve one academic year.
SECTION II Responsibilities for the advisors include but is not limited to: 1. Correlating information and offering advice when assisting in the administration of the organization. 2. Modeling leadership by providing resources and contacts to the organization. 3. Keeping the captains focused on the goals of the organization. 4. Attending practices and providing advise.
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University of Denver: Chapter Constitution
TA B L E O F CONTENTS I N T R O D U C T I O N!
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1
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1
A R T I C L E I : N A M E & L O G O! !
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!
!
2
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! !
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! !
2 2
A R T I C L E I I : M I S S I O N S T A T E M E N T!! ! M I S S I O N! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! A R T I C L E I I I : M E M B E R S H I P! ! ! ! S E C T I O N I! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
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3
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4
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4 4 4 4 4
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H I S T O RY!
N A M E! L O G O!!
SECTION SECTION SECTION SECTION
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I I!! I I I! I V! V! !
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A R T I C L E I V: T RY O U T S / C A P T A I N S! ! ! S E C T I O N I! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
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5
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A R T I C L E V: F I N A N C E S! ! ! S E C T I O N I! ! ! ! !
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A R T I C L E V I I I : H O N O R A RY M E M B E R S! ! ! S E C T I O N I! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
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SECTION SECTION SECTION SECTION SECTION
I I!! I I I! I V! V! ! V I!
S E C T I O N I I!! S E C T I O N I I I! S E C T I O N I V!
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A R T I C L E V I : A M E N D M E N T S! ! S E C T I O N I! ! ! ! ! ! !
S E C T I O N I I!!
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A R T I C L E V I I : C O M P E T I T I O N! ! S E C T I O N I! ! ! ! ! ! !
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S E C T I O N I I!!
S E C T I O N I I!!
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I N T RO D U C T I O N
H I S T O RY The American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) was founded in 1985 by Dean Richard Calkins of Drake Law School. AMTA serves as the governing body for intercollegiate mock trial competition. Through engaging in trial simulations in competition with teams from other institutions, students develop critical thinking and public speaking skills, as well as a knowledge of legal practices and procedures. AMTA sponsors regional and national-level competitions, as well as providing interesting and complex case materials for academic use.
Page 1
A RT I C L E I : NAME & LOGO NAME Under the official affiliation of the University of Denver and the American Mock Trial Association this sponsored organization shall be entitled the “University of Denver Mock Trial Program,” or simply “DUMT” for shorthand. This organization is the charter chapter at the University of Denver and will receive specific recognition from the Business Ethics and Legal Studies Department at the Daniels College of Business.
LOGO The following displays the official logo for affiliation and marketing purposes involving this organization:
MISSION
Page 2
A RT I C L E I I : M I S S I O N S TAT E M E N T The University of Denver Mock Trial Program (DUMT) is a Chapter of the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA), which assists students in the development of critical thinking and public speaking skills, and knowledge of legal practices and procedures, through engaging in trial simulations in competition with teams from other institutions. In addition to furthering the mission of the AMTA, our DUMT Chapter’s mission is to enhance students’ understanding of the rights and privileges of citizenship through immersion in the trial-related aspects of our legal system.
Page 3
A RT I C L E I I I : MEMBERSHIP SECTION I Membership shall be limited to undergraduate, full time students attending the University of Denver who share the organization’s mission.
SECTION II Membership and eligibility shall be free from discrimination on any basis, including but not limited to national origin, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation or physical disability.
SECTION III Levels of membership with voting abilities include: 1. Honorary– advisors, university sponsors, community volunteers, and former students 2. Competitors– undergraduate students at the University of Denver who attend 75% of practices 3. Captains– elected competitors of each chapter team who will represent the team during competition
SECTION IV In order for members to vote and participate within the organization, they must attend at least 75% of meetings, events, activities, and other sponsored obligations. All decisions regarding team dynamics and competition must be voted and agreed upon unanimously amongst all team competitors.
SECTION V A member can be expelled from the organization if he/she fails to best represent DUMT while neglecting the mission statement. This includes but is not limited to: habitual misbehavior at attendance/events after two warnings, breaking the university Honor Code, and disrespecting other DUMT affiliates. A member may only be expelled from the organization if 2/3 of all membership votes so.
Page 4
A R T I C L E I V: T RY O U T S / C A P T A I N S SECTION I DUMT will hold university auditions for the Mock Trial Program at the beginning of every Fall Quarter, no later than September. This process will consist of two weeks: one for general informational meetings open to the campus and one for actual Tryouts.
SECTION II All current competitors, captains, and honorary members will decide the format and intake of the specific year, depending upon the expansion or contraction of teams. DUMT will annually sponsor competitive teams consisting of between 6 to 10 traveling members each.
SECTION III The selection committee during Tryouts will consist of honorary members and captains, and will be open to all current competitors. Only the honorary members can decide upon the final intake and formation of specific teams according to their proposed timeline. Captains and competitors can give recommendations.
SECTION IV Once accepted into the program, a competitor can remain active for the duration of their undergraduate career if he/she chooses to, unless specifically violating a clause in Article III. If a competitor resigns from the program before completion of his/her first season, then the competitor must audition again to join DUMT.
SECTION V Each team will elect its own captain or co-captains based upon nomination and open voting. 2/3 of team votes is required to install a captain.
SECTION VI The captain shall uphold the Constitution of the organization.The main responsibility is to establish and maintain a strong and positive reputation for DUMT within the university and Denver communities. He/ She shall accomplish this by generating an unique presence for the organization, preventing misunderstandings through good communication, and collaborating with other organizations. Specific responsibilities include:
-Secretary of practices -Treasurer for minimal purchases not involving competition -Liaison between teams and the Undergraduate Student Government -Official team spokesperson during competition
If the captain falls to fulfill any of these duties, the team can unanimously vote to replace the captain at any point during the season. Captaincy must be renewed with new teams every season as well
Page 5
A R T I C L E V: FINANCES SECTION I The team captains and honorary members are responsible for all funds and the ethical allocation of those funds under the guidelines of the Undergraduate Student Government and Daniels College of business. Captions and honorary members must present appropriations to all members at request.
SECTION II Only the team captains can write checks and sign reimbursement forms regarding Undergraduate Student funds. All financial transactions with outside vendors/contractors must be approved by the Advisor and University of Denver. 2/3 members must agree on expenses spent for any circumstance.
SECTION III DUMT can designate/sponsor funds for events promoting inclusive excellence or the organization mission statement if two-thirds of members approve. Sponsorships to organizations outside the University of Denver directly from USG funding must be approved by the University of Denver and USG.
SECTION IV If members wish to be reimbursed for any personal expenses in regards to DUMT, he/she must provide original copies of receipts to the team captain. Fundraisers and other funding events must be approved by the university and 2/3 of members.
Page 6
A RT I C L E V I : AMENDMENTS SECTION I Amendments to the Constitution can be proposed by any member of DUMT. All proposals must be submitted to the advisor for review one week prior to voting. Amendments must be ratified by 2/3 of all eligible voting assembly.
SECTION II Amendments to the Constitution can only alter one “Section” or its equivalent at a time within a single proposal. Major changes beyond a single “Section” within an amendment must be approved by the organization advisor. In addition, all text presented in “XXXXXXX” font can only be amended with advisor approval as well. Upon successful ratification, a captain shall add or delete the necessary changes to the Constitution and present the new document to all constituents.
Page 7
A RT I C L E V I I : COMPETITION SECTION I Logistics, such as time and location, for practices shall be decided by the entire organization quarterly. Practices shall follow a biweekly pattern (twice every week), but is subject to change if necessary. The captains and honorary members reserve the right to call unscheduled meetings in the event that they are necessary.
SECTION II All DUMT competitors and members must abide by appropriate federal, state, and university laws when traveling for competition. In addition, members cannot consume alcohol or participate in Advisor disapproved activities when off the University of Denver campus.
Page 8
A RT I C L E V I I I : H O N O R A RY M E M B E R S SECTION I The University of Denver advisor for DUMT shall be a university faculty or staff member who serves as a resource and mentor, providing leadership and assistance to the organization and its members. This advisor holds the interest of the university and shall present the organization with campus resources. Attorney mentors for DUCF shall be a foundation representative who provides guidance and focus in fulfilling the organization’s mission statement. This advisor holds the interest of the public and will mentor legal mentorship throughout the year. All administrative decisions should be collaborated by all honorary members, and the final decision must be communicated by the Chapter Advisor. All advisors will serve one academic year.
SECTION II Responsibilities for the advisors include but is not limited to: 1. Correlating information and offering advice when assisting in the administration of the organization. 2. Modeling leadership by providing resources and contacts to the organization. 3. Keeping the captains focused on the goals of the organization. 4. Attending practices and providing advise.
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