There are a few points that deserve clarification and further discussion concerning the honor system and the Independent Defense Counsel in regards to the Sept. 26 letter submitted by Aaron Hiller and Tony Larson.
One of the most important aspects of the judicial process in the United States is the adversarial system, which is designed to protect individual rights. In the U.S. both sides work independently to make the best possible case for their party.
This helps ensure a fair trial for the defendant. The honor system at UNC lacks this adversarial environment and comes up short in its protection of students' rights.
Honor is an important and enduring concept that should be held in the highest respect and treated with utmost importance, but not at the expense of the rights of the individual.
Hiller and Larson's only defense of this problem was that IDC had not handled enough cases to be "experienced." For the record, IDC has existed for three semesters, not three years as inaccurately stated by Hiller and Larson.
We at IDC just want to help students by fighting for their interests in Honor Court and protecting their rights. Our organization may be new, but we passionately believe that the best defense comes from a representative whose loyalty is clearly to their client and to their own conscience.
Ashlee Smith
IDC Member
