I wanted to thank the DTH for making the student body more aware of the least-publicized branch of student government: the judicial branch. (Spillman Named to Succeed Newcomb as Attorney General, March 20).
However, Ms. Clark misrepresented the role of the student attorney general and the managing associates in their duties investigating and defending cases.
The SAG works purely as an investigator and cannot defend students. Managing associates, on the other hand, are more defense-oriented and are unable to investigate cases for which they are acting as associates.
They generally meet with the accused student, inform the student of his rights and coordinate the more technical aspects of the hearing.
In many cases, managing associates also act as defense counsels.
Although we, as an office, do defend and investigate students accused of Honor Code violations, we take great pride in avoiding major conflicts of interest and providing the best possible defense for those who need our help.
Susan Navarro
Managing Associate Attorney General
