Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International • International Constitution & By-laws • page 1
P h i A l p h a D e l t a
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Revised August 2002
S e r v i c e t o t h e S t u d e n t , t h e S c h o o l ,
t h e P r o f e s s i o n , a n d t h e C o m m u n i t y
International
Constitution
and By-Laws
Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International • International Constitution & By-laws • page 2
ARTICLE I & II ...... 5
ARTICLE I - NAME ...... 5
ARTICLE II - DECLARATION OF PURPOSE ...... 5
ARTICLE III - Membership ...... 5
Sec. 1. Composition ...... 5
Sec. 2. Eligibility ...... 5
Sec. 3. Election and Initiation ...... 5
Sec. 4. Dual Membership ...6
Sec. 5. Termination of Membership ...... 6
Sec. 6. Suspension of Membership ...... 7
ARTICLE IV - INTERNATIONAL CHAPTER ...... 7
Sec. 1. Composition ...... 7
Sec. 2. Conventions ...... 7
Sec. 3. Emergency Conventions ...... 7
Sec. 4. Delegates ...... 7
Sec. 5. Rules ...... 8
Sec. 6. Officers ...... 8
ARTICLE V - INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD ...... 8
Sec. 1. Composition ...... 8
Sec. 2. Meetings ...... 8
Sec. 3. Attendance at Meetings ...... 8
Sec. 4. Minutes of Meetings ...... 8
ARTICLE VI - International Tribunal ...... 9
Sec. 1. Composition ...... 9
Sec. 2. Meetings ...... 9
ARTICLE VII - FRATERNITY POWERS ...... 9
Sec. 1. Vesting of Supreme Powers...... 9
Sec. 2. Exercise of Supreme Powers ...... 9
Sec. 3. Judicial Decisions and Review ...... 9
Sec. 4. District Powers ...... 9
Sec. 5. Chapter Operations ...... 9
ARTICLE VIII - INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS ...... 10
Sec. 1. Composition ...... 10
Sec. 2. How Elected ...... 10
Sec. 3. Vacancies ...... 10
Sec. 4. Voting Procedure .10
ARTICLE IX - INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD ...... 11
Sec. 1. Composition ...... 11
Sec. 2. Duties ...... 11
Sec. 3. Chairperson ...... 11
ARTICLE X - DISTRICTS AND DISTRICT JUSTICES ...... 11
Sec. 1. Districts ...... 11
Sec. 2. District Justice .....11
Sec. 3. Replacement ...... 11
ARTICLE XI - LAW SCHOOL CHAPTERS ...... 11
Sec. 1. How Formed ...... 11
ARTICLE XII - ALUMNI CHAPTERS ...... 12
Sec. 1. Formation and Charter ...... 12
ARTICLE XIII - PRE-LAW CHAPTERS ...... 12
Sec. 1. Formation and Charter ...... 12
ARTICLE XIV - DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CHAPTER ...... 12
Sec. 1. Establishment ...... 12
Sec. 2. Eligibility of Membership ...... 12
Sec. 3. Membership...... 12
International Constitution and Bylaws
Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International • International Constitution & By-laws • page 3
ARTICLE XV - SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF CHAPTER CHARTER ...... 13
Sec. 1. Suspension of Charter ...... 13
Sec. 2. Revocation of Charter ...... 13
Sec. 3. Cause for Suspension or Revocation of Charter ...... 13
ARTICLE XVI- REMOVAL OF ELECTED OFFICERS ...... 13
ARTICLE XVII - RITUAL ...... 13
Sec. 1. Ceremonies ...... 13
Sec. 2. Amendments ...... 13
ARTICLE XVIII - DISSOLUTION ...... 14
ARTICLE XIX - AMENDMENTS ...... 14
Sec. 1. By Whom Proposed ...... 14
Sec. 2. Procedures ...... 14
Sec. 3. Adoption of Amendment ...... 14
International Bylaws
CHAPTER I - MEMBERSHIP ...... 15
Sec. 1. Certificates of Membership ...... 15
Sec. 2. Transfer of Membership ...... 15
Sec. 3. Dual Membership .15
Sec. 4. Association Provisions ...... 15
CHAPTER II - EXPULSION PROCEDURES ...... 15
Sec. 1. Violations and Unworthy Conduct ...... 15
Sec. 2. Failure to Pay Financial Obligations ...... 16
Sec. 3. Failure to Repay Endowment Fund Loan ...... 17
Sec. 4. Appeals ...... 17
CHAPTER III - LAW SCHOOL AND ALUMNI CHAPTER REQUIREMENTS, CHARTERS, FEES AND
ALUMNI ADVISORY COUNCIL ...... 17
Sec. 1. Law School Chapters - How Formed ...... 17
Sec. 2. Law School Chapter - Investigation and Name ...... 17
Sec. 3. Law School Chapter Petitions - How Submitted ...... 18
Sec. 4. Initiation Fees ...... 18
Sec. 5. Alumni Chapter - Formed in Community, City or County ...... 18
Sec. 6. Alumni Chapter - Formed in State ...... 18
Sec. 7. Multiple Alumni Chapter Membership ...... 18
Sec. 8. Alumni Chapter - Charters ...... 18
Sec. 9. Alumni Chapter Charter Fee ...... 18
Sec. 10. Alumni Chapter Annual Fee ...... 18
Sec. 11. Alumni Dues ...... 18
Sec. 12. Official Action ....19
Sec. 13. Uniformity ...... 19
Sec. 14. Duties and Responsibilities ...... 19
Sec. 15. Chapter Officers 19
Sec. 16. Duties of Law School Chapter and Alumni Chapter Officers ...... 19
Sec. 17. Duties of Alumni Chapter Officers ...... 20
Sec. 18. Chapter Funds ...20
Sec. 19. Official Reports ..20
Sec. 20. Books and Papers ...... 21
Sec. 21. Placement Committee ...... 21
Sec. 22. Chapter Advisors ...... 21
Sec. 23. Duties of Alumni Advisor and Faculty Advisor ...... 21
Sec. 24. Payment of Funds ...... 21
Sec. 25. Alumni Advisory Council ...... 21
CHAPTER IV - PRE-LAW CHAPTERS AND ADVISORY COUNCIL ...... 22
Sec. 1. Pre-Law Chapter Charter, Fees and Procedures ...... 22
Sec. 2. Chapter Officers ..22
Sec. 3. Pre-Law Advisory Council ...... 22
CHAPTER V - DUTIES OF THE INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS ...... 22
Sec. 1. The International Justice ...... 22
Sec. 2. The International Vice Justice ...... 22
Sec. 3. The International Advocate ...... 22
Sec. 4. The International Secretary ...... 23
Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International • International Constitution & By-laws • page 4
Sec. 5. The International Treasurer ...... 23
Sec. 6. Board Member-at-Large ...... 23
Sec. 7. The Chief Tribune ...... 23
Sec. 8. The Associate Tribunes ...... 23
Sec. 9. Other Duties ...... 23
Sec. 10. Elimination of Conflicts ...... 23
Sec.11. Minutes of International Executive Board Meeting...... 23
CHAPTER VI - CONVENTIONS...... 24
Sec. 1. Delegate Selection 24
Sec. 2. Selection of At-Large Alumni Delegates ...... 24
Sec. 3. Seating of Delegates ...... 24
Sec. 4. Delegate’s Expenses ...... 24
Sec. 5. Convention Standing Committees ...... 25
Sec. 6. At-Large Delegates Appointed For Only One Convention ...... 25
Sec. 7. Information Furnished Committees ...... 25
Sec. 8. Reports of Credentials Committees ...... 25
CHAPTER VII - BUDGET MATTERS ...... 25
Sec. 1. Executive Director and Employees ...... 25
Sec. 2. Budget ...... 25
Sec. 3. Expenses ...... 25
Sec. 4. Fiscal Year ...... 26
CHAPTER VIII - RECALL OF OFFICERS...... 26
Sec. 1. How Instituted .....26
Sec. 2. Procedures ...... 26
Sec. 3. Appeal ...... 27
CHAPTER IX - INTERNATIONAL TRIBUNAL JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURES ...... 28
Sec. 1. Original Jurisdiction ...... 28
Sec. 2. Appellate Jurisdiction ...... 28
Sec. 3. Procedures ...... 28
CHAPTER X - INTERNATIONAL ENDOWMENT FUND ...... 28
Sec. 1. Administration of the International Endowment Fund ...... 28
Sec. 2. Sources of the International Endowment Fund ...... 29
Sec. 3. Use of the International Endowment Fund...... 29
CHAPTER XI - INTERNATIONAL BUILDING FUND ...... 29
Sec. 1. Administration of the International Building Fund ...... 29
Sec. 2. Sources of the International Building Fund ...... 29
Sec. 3. Disposition of International Building Fund ...... 30
CHAPTER XII - DISTRICT CONFERENCES ...... 30
Sec. 1. District Conferences ...... 30
Sec. 2. District Justice to Supervise ...... 30
Sec. 3. Financial Aid for District Conferences ...... 30
Sec. 4. Special District Conference Fund ...... 30
Sec. 5. Joint District Conferences ...... 30
CHAPTER XIII - FRATERNITY INSIGNIA ...... 31
Sec. 1. Coat-of-Arms ...... 31
Sec. 2. Seal ...... 31
Sec. 3. Color ...... 31
Sec. 4. Jewelry ...... 31
Sec. 5. Flower ...... 31
Sec. 6. Song...... 31
Sec. 7. Flag ...... 31
Sec. 8. Design ...... 31
CHAPTER XIV - PUBLICATIONS ...... 32
Sec. 1. Publications ...... 32
Sec. 2. Publication of Constitutional and By-Law Amendments ...... 32
CHAPTER XV - COUNCIL OF DISTINGUISHED MEMBERS ...... 32
CHAPTER XVI - AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS ...... 32
Sec. 1. By Whom Proposed ...... 32
Sec. 2. Submittal Procedures ...... 32
Sec. 3. Convention Action ...... 33
Sec. 4. Mail Ballot ...... 33
Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International • International Constitution & By-laws • page 5
ARTICLE I & II ______
ARTICLE I - NAME
The name of this Fraternity shall be
PHI ALPHA DELTA LAW FRATERNITY, INTERNATIONAL
ARTICLE II - DECLARATION OF PURPOSE
The purpose of this Fraternity shall be to form a strong bond uniting students and teachers
of the law with members of the Bench and Bar in a fraternal fellowship designed to advance
the ideals of liberty and equal justice under law; to stimulate excellence in scholarship;
to inspire the virtues of compassion and courage; to foster integrity and professional
competence; to promote the welfare of its members; and to encourage their moral,
intellectual, and cultural advancement; so that each member may enjoy a lifetime of
honorable professional and public service.
ARTICLE III - Membership ______
Sec. 1. Composition
There shall be four categories of membership in this Fraternity; Law School, Alumni,
Honorary and Pre-Law.
Sec. 2. Eligibility
Eligibility for membership shall be as follows:
a. Law School Member
Any person who is in attendance and in good standing at any law school where a
chapter of this Fraternity is chartered. Membership in the William McKinley Chapter of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity is open to all students currently enrolled, and in good standing at The Ohio State University--Moritz College of Law. Discrimination on the basis ofage, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual preference, or veteran status will not be tolerated.
b. Alumni Member
Any person who has been licensed to practice law in, and is in good standing with, any
jurisdiction recognized by the International Chapter or by the International Executive
Board; any duly initiated law school member upon graduation from law school who is
not the subject of any disciplinary proceedings resulting in temporary or permanent
cessation of his or her license to practice law; any law graduate who is a member of
the faculty of any law school; and any judge who qualified in any of the preceding
categories prior to becoming a judge.
c. Honorary Member
Any person who has attained unusual distinction in the legal profession or in the
field of law at least a statewide basis shall be eligible for honorary membership. The
term “field of law” shall embrace any person elected or appointed to a legislature or
engaged in the execution, administration, or enforcement of the law, whether or not
such person is a member of the legal profession.
d. Pre-Law Member
Any member of the administration, faculty or any student in good standing at any
institution of higher learning where a pre-law chapter of this Fraternity is chartered.
Sec. 3. Election and Initiation
a. Law School members shall be elected and initiated only by law school chapters, and
alumni and honorary members shall be elected and initiated by either law school or
alumni chapters, except however citizens of countries other than the United States
of America who are also residents of that country may be elected to membership by
the International Executive Board and initiated thereafter by the International
Executive Board or its authorized representative. Eligible persons shall be elected to
Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International • International Constitution & By-laws • page 6
membership upon approval by the majority vote of all members present and voting at
a lawful meeting. All persons so elected shall be promptly initiated in accordance with
the Ritual of the Fraternity. Election of honorary members shall be subject to Subsection
c. of this Section.
b. Persons elected to law school chapter membership, pursuant to this Sec. 3, shall be
“associates” until their initiation and enrollment as law school chapter members,
with such obligations and privileges as may be specified in chapter By-Laws, consistent
with this Constitution and International By-Laws. Associate status shall be conferred
in accordance with Article XVII except that any law school chapter may upon twothirds
(2/3) vote of all members present and voting at a lawful meeting waive such
formality. No persons shall be an associate for more than three (3) months after the
law school chapter is regularly in session except that upon petition approved by two
thirds (2/3) vote of all law school chapter members present and voting at a lawful
meeting. The International Executive Board may waive this limitation. Such petition
shall first be submitted to and reviewed by the District Justice who shall commend
approval or disapproval. Unless an extension of associate status is granted for a good
cause shown, any associate who is not initiated within three (3) months while the
law school of the chapter is regularly in session following election to membership
shall be disassociated and shall not again be considered for membership until after
the expiration of twelve (12) months after the following date of such association. The
election to membership of any associate may be, and, upon the petition of at least five
(5) chapter members in good standing, shall be, reconsidered at any time prior to the
initiation. Upon such reconsideration, an associate shall be disassociated unless his
election to membership is approved by two-thirds (2/3) vote of all members present
and voting at a lawful chapter meeting.
c. Persons eligible for honorary membership under Sec. 2 (c) of this Article, shall be
elected pursuant to this Sec. 3, provided, however, that such election shall be subject
to ratification by the International Executive Board. Ratification shall be based on a
petition for honorary membership submitted by a chapter through the District Justice
who shall recommend approval or disapproval. No person shall be invited to become an
honorary member unless the election is ratified by the International Executive Board.
For the purpose of this subsection the term “chapter” shall be deemed to include a