William S. Richardson School of Law Hawaii Law Schools
đď¸ William S. Richardson School of Law â Overview
Location: University of Hawaiâi at MÄnoa, Honolulu, Hawaiâi
Established: 1973
Type: Public law school
Focus: Environmental law, Native Hawaiian rights, Pacific-Asia legal studies, social justice
Degrees: JD, LLM in Native Hawaiian Law, LLM in Pacific Islander Law
Academic Structure and Internal Legal Framework
1. Curriculum & Academic Policies
The school offers:
Core 1L courses: Civil Procedure, Contracts, Criminal Law, Property, Torts, Legal Research & Writing
Specializations reflecting Hawaiâi's unique culture and geography: Native Hawaiian Law, Environmental Law, Ocean Law
Internal Academic Policies:
Grading system (e.g., letter grades with GPA thresholds)
Attendance and participation requirements
Exam procedures and academic integrity policies
2. Internal Governance & Student Rights
The Faculty Committee on Academic Standards (CAS) handles academic performance reviews, probation, and dismissal.
The Student Bar Association (SBA) represents student interests.
The Deanâs Office manages administrative and academic policy enforcement.
đ Hypothetical Internal Case Law Examples
Since you requested explanations without external law, hereâs a constructed internal legal framework with hypothetical case rulings within Richardson Law School:
âď¸ Hypothetical Case #1: In re Student Academic Probation Appeal
Facts:
Student B was placed on academic probation after earning a GPA below the schoolâs minimum requirement. Student B claims extenuating circumstances and requests exemption from probation.
Issue:
Does the student have the right to appeal probation under internal school policies?
Internal Policy:
Students may appeal probation by submitting documentation to CAS within 30 days.
Appeals must include evidence of extenuating circumstances (medical issues, family emergencies).
Hearing:
The CAS reviews the appeal, interviews Student B, and examines documentation.
Ruling:
CAS finds Student B provided credible evidence of medical hardship. CAS grants probation with the condition that Student B attends mandatory academic counseling.
Legal Principle (Internal):
The schoolâs academic probation policy includes due process elementsânotice, right to appeal, evidentiary reviewâmirroring procedural fairness principles internally.
âď¸ Hypothetical Case #2: Honor Code Violation â Plagiarism
Facts:
Student C is accused of plagiarism in a final paper.
Process:
Allegation submitted to the Honor Committee.
Student C given notice, right to counsel, and a hearing.
Committee evaluates evidence (similarity reports, testimony).
Outcome:
Committee finds violation.
Sanctions imposed: grade reduction, mandatory academic integrity seminar.
Internal Legal Reasoning:
The Honor Code emphasizes academic integrity and prescribes sanctions proportionate to offenses. Studentsâ rights to defense and appeal are upheld.
âď¸ Hypothetical Case #3: Clinic Admission Dispute
Facts:
Student D applied to the Environmental Law Clinic but was rejected. The selection criteria included GPA, experience, and commitment to environmental issues. Student D alleges bias in the selection process.
Policy:
Clinic applications must be transparent; selections based on merit, diversity, and student interest.
Internal Review:
Deanâs Office investigates. Finds no bias; decision based on holistic review.
Ruling:
Admission process upheld, but recommendation issued to improve transparency by publishing detailed criteria and feedback.
Institutional Legal Processes (Internal Law)
Academic Probation & Dismissal: Students monitored for GPA, with processes for probation, appeals, and reinstatement.
Honor Code & Disciplinary Hearings: Govern cheating, plagiarism, and misconduct.
Clinic & Externship Admissions: Governed by published criteria and fair selection practices.
Student Grievances: Formal complaint procedures exist for unfair treatment.
Summary
The William S. Richardson School of Law functions as a mini legal system with:
Internal academic policies governing grades, progression, and probation
Honor codes and disciplinary processes enforcing academic honesty
Student rights to due process through appeals and hearings
Transparent governance for clinical program admissions and grievance procedures
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