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.
View the Student Court Bylaws (Doc).
As with any professional writing, the Court recommends that your written submission be concise.
Justices and Counsel
Benjamin Snyder
Chief Justice
sgachiefjustice@liberty.edu
Hello! My name is Ben Snyder, and I am a senior from Carlisle, Pennsylvania. I am a B.S Law and Policy: Pre-Law major with minors in Criminal Justice, Government, and Strategic and Intelligence Studies. In my free time, I enjoy motorsports, cars, and hiking. This is my second year on the Student Court. I am excited to be an advocate for the student body as I serve as Chief Justice this year! Please feel free to stop by during my office hours or email to schedule an appointment if you have any questions or concerns!
Benjamin’s Office Hours
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
- Tuesday, Thursday: 9:00am – 11:00am
Cassidy McBride
Associate Justice
sgacourts@liberty.edu
Hey! My name is Cassidy McBride. I am originally from Dallas, Texas, but now live in Lynchburg. I am currently a senior 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!
Jude Borchers
Associate Justice
sgacourts@liberty.edu
Hello, my name is Jude Borchers, and I am a senior from Topeka, Kansas. I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in government as well as an associate’s degree in history. Outside of class, I spend much of my time training and competing with Liberty’s cycling team. I look forward to my second year serving the university and my peers as a part of the Student Court.
Sarah Cannon
Associate Justice
sgacourts@liberty.edu
Hello! My name is Sarah Cannon. I am a Sophomore from Virginia Beach, VA. I am pursing a B.S. Law and Policy: Pre-Law, as well as a B.S. INDS Languages and Communication, with minors in Government and Criminal Justice. In my free time, I love to hang out with my friends, hike, and go to the beach. I am excited for what God has for SGA this year and could not be more grateful to serve on the Court as an Associate Justice!
Vera
Associate Justice
sgacourts@liberty.edu
Hey y’all! My name is Beverly Swem, but I go by Vera, and I’m a sophomore from Browns Summit, North Carolina! I’m double majoring in National Security & Intelligence and International Relations: Politics & Policy, with a minor in Computer Science. In my free time, I enjoy going on runs with friends, finding new coffee shops, having movie nights, and reading. I’m excited to represent the student body in this role, and I look forward to what God has in store for the Court this year!
Clerk of the Court
Dwight Bishop
Clerk of the Court
sgacourts@liberty.edu
Hello, my name is Dwight Bishop, and I am from Pawnee, Oklahoma. I am currently a sophomore majoring in Politics and Policy and minoring in International Relations. I am very passionate about law, international relations, history, and most things government. In my free time I enjoy hanging out with friends and family, being outside, and reading. I am excited and thankful to serve as the Clerk of the Court for 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.