Student Court
About the Student Court
The Student Court exists to mediate any disputes that may arise between members of the Student Government Association. The Court also serves as the Traffic Appeals Court, which hears student appeals of traffic and parking citations issued by LUPD.
General inquiries about the Student Court may be directed to sgacourts@liberty.edu.
Student Court Suits/Appeals
In most cases, disputes between members of the Student Government Association resolve themselves before judicial action is necessary. Community and understanding are two of the values that SGA seeks to foster, and the members of SGA have been exemplary in demonstrating those qualities.
However, in the event of a suit/appeal from a member of SGA, the Court will take every step to ensure a fair and impartial hearing for all parties involved.
If you have an issue to bring to the Court’s attention, please submit your suit/appeal through the links provided.
- File a Petition for a Ruling if you are seeking a ruling on the permissibility of an action already committed under a governing document within the Court’s jurisdiction (and any associated relief).
- File a Certified Question if you are seeking the Court’s interpretation of a governing document within the Court’s jurisdiction. Note: this form should not be used regarding any actual case or controversy.
- File a Petition for the Creation of an Investigative Committee if you believe that a member of the Executive or Legislative Branches has violated the Constitution or Code of Ethics and that such a behavior merits discipline up to impeachment. (Please refer to the Code of Ethics procedures on dispute resolution before submitting a Petition for the Creation of an Investigative Committee.)
If the issue is related to Judicial misconduct, please reference the Constitutional guidance on judicial impeachment and submit your complaint to the appropriate committee in the House or Senate.
Click here to view the Student Court Bylaws (PDF).
As with any professional writing, the Court recommends that your written submission be concise.
Justices and Counsel
Chief Justice
Ava Edwards
Hello! My name is Ava Edwards, and I’m a senior from Richmond, Virginia, majoring in Law & Policy: Pre-Law, with minors in Government and Psychology. In my free time, I enjoy drinking coffee, spending time with my friends and family, and going on adventures. In the future, I hope to become an attorney, as I’m passionate about being a light for those in need. I’m honored to be able to serve as an Chief Justice on the Student Court this year.
Associate Justices
Ellie Shoemaker
Associate Justice
sgacourts@liberty.edu
Jude Borchers
Associate Justice
sgacourts@liberty.edu
Makayla Johnson
Associate Justice
sgacourts@liberty.edu
Hello! My name is Makayla Johnson, and I am a senior from Cary, North Carolina. I am pursing a degree in law and policy with minors in youth ministry and Christian leadership. I am passionate about finding intersections between government, policy, and religion, and truly love that I get to do that at Liberty. In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors, reading, and spending time with my friends and family. I look forward to serving Liberty University through the role of associate justice!
Benjamin Snyder
Associate Justice
sgacourts@liberty.edu
Hello! My name is Ben Snyder, and I am a junior from Carlisle, Pennsylvania. I am a B.S Law and Policy: Pre-Law major with minors in Criminal Justice and Strategic and Intelligence Studies. In my free time I enjoy biking, skiing, and motorsports. I am excited to be an advocate for the student body as I serve as an Associate Justice this year!
Clerk of the Court
Cassie McBride
Clerk of the Court
sgacourts@liberty.edu
Hey! My name is Cassidy McBride. I am originally from Dallas, Texas but now live in Lynchburg. I am currently a sophomore majoring in Pre- Law and minoring in Politics and Policy. I am very passionate about the law and bringing justice to those who may not be able to speak for themselves. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my friends, family, and my dog Oakley. I am excited and grateful for this opportunity to serve on the Student Court!
Serving on the Student Court
The Court is made up of four Associate Justices, a Chief Justice, and a Clerk of the Court.
Responsibilities include collaborating with other Justices in reviewing cases, conducting hearings, and developing rationales.