Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity
Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity
Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity
PhiAlphaDelta
LawFraternity,International
345 N. Charles Street • Baltimore, Maryland 21201
410-347-3118 • 410-347-3119 Fax
www.pad.org Website
Revised August 2002
ServicetotheStudent,theSchool,
theProfession,andtheCommunity
International
Constitution
and By-Laws
Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International • International Constitution & By-laws • page 2
ARTICLE I &
II ............................................................................................................................ 5
ARTICLE I - NAME ..............5
ARTICLE II - DECLARATION OF
PURPOSE ......................................................................................................5
ARTICLE III -
Membership ........................................................................................................... 5
Sec. 1. Composition ...........5
Sec. 2. Eligibility ................5
Sec. 3. Election and
Initiation ..........................................................................................................................5
Sec. 4. Dual Membership ...6
Sec. 5. Termination of
Membership ..................................................................................................................6
Sec. 6. Suspension of
Membership ...................................................................................................................7
ARTICLE IV - INTERNATIONAL
CHAPTER .................................................................................... 7
Sec. 1. Composition ...........7
Sec. 2. Conventions ...........7
Sec. 3. Emergency
Conventions ........................................................................................................................7
Sec. 4. Delegates ................7
Sec. 5. Rules ......................8
Sec. 6. Officers ...................8
ARTICLE V - INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE
BOARD ........................................................................ 8
Sec. 1. Composition ...........8
Sec. 2. Meetings .................8
Sec. 3. Attendance at
Meetings .........................................................................................................................8
Sec. 4. Minutes of
Meetings ..............................................................................................................................8
ARTICLE VI - International
Tribunal ....................................................................................... 9
Sec. 1. Composition ...........9
Sec. 2. Meetings .................9
ARTICLE VII - FRATERNITY
POWERS ........................................................................................... 9
Sec. 1. Vesting of Supreme
Powers...................................................................................................................9
Sec. 2. Exercise of Supreme
Powers .................................................................................................................9
Sec. 3. Judicial Decisions and
Review .............................................................................................................9
Sec. 4. District Powers ......9
Sec. 5. Chapter
Operations ...............................................................................................................................9
ARTICLE VIII - INTERNATIONAL
OFFICERS ................................................................................ 10
Sec. 1. Composition .........10
Sec. 2. How Elected .........10
Sec. 3. Vacancies .............10
Sec. 4. Voting Procedure .10
ARTICLE IX - INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY
BOARD ....................................................................... 11
Sec. 1. Composition .........11
Sec. 2. Duties ...................11
Sec. 3. Chairperson .........11
ARTICLE X - DISTRICTS AND DISTRICT
JUSTICES ...................................................................... 11
Sec. 1. Districts .................11
Sec. 2. District Justice .....11
Sec. 3. Replacement ..........11
ARTICLE XI - LAW SCHOOL
CHAPTERS ...................................................................................... 11
Sec. 1. How Formed .........11
ARTICLE XII - ALUMNI
CHAPTERS ............................................................................................. 12
Sec. 1. Formation and
Charter ........................................................................................................................12
ARTICLE XIII - PRE-LAW
CHAPTERS .......................................................................................... 12
Sec. 1. Formation and
Charter ........................................................................................................................12
ARTICLE XIV - DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
CHAPTER .................................................................... 12
Sec. 1. Establishment ......12
Sec. 2. Eligibility of
Membership ....................................................................................................................12
Sec. 3. Membership..........12
International Constitution and Bylaws
Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International • International Constitution & By-laws • page 3
ARTICLE XV - SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF CHAPTER
CHARTER ........................................ 13
Sec. 1. Suspension of
Charter .........................................................................................................................13
Sec. 2. Revocation of
Charter ..........................................................................................................................13
Sec. 3. Cause for Suspension or Revocation of
Charter .................................................................................13
ARTICLE XVI- REMOVAL OF ELECTED
OFFICERS ........................................................................ 13
ARTICLE XVII -
RITUAL ............................................................................................................. 13
Sec. 1. Ceremonies ..........13
Sec. 2. Amendments ........13
ARTICLE XVIII -
DISSOLUTION .................................................................................................. 14
ARTICLE XIX -
AMENDMENTS .................................................................................................... 14
Sec. 1. By Whom
Proposed ..............................................................................................................................14
Sec. 2. Procedures ...........14
Sec. 3. Adoption of
Amendment ......................................................................................................................14
International Bylaws
CHAPTER I -
MEMBERSHIP ....................................................................................................... 15
Sec. 1. Certificates of
Membership ..................................................................................................................15
Sec. 2. Transfer of
Membership ......................................................................................................................15
Sec. 3. Dual Membership .15
Sec. 4. Association
Provisions ........................................................................................................................15
CHAPTER II - EXPULSION
PROCEDURES ................................................................................... 15
Sec. 1. Violations and Unworthy
Conduct .....................................................................................................15
Sec. 2. Failure to Pay Financial
Obligations ..................................................................................................16
Sec. 3. Failure to Repay Endowment Fund
Loan ...........................................................................................17
Sec. 4. Appeals .................17
CHAPTER III - LAW SCHOOL AND ALUMNI CHAPTER REQUIREMENTS, CHARTERS, FEES
AND
ALUMNI ADVISORY
COUNCIL .............................................................................................. 17
Sec. 1. Law School Chapters - How
Formed ...................................................................................................17
Sec. 2. Law School Chapter - Investigation and Name ..................................................................................17
Sec. 3. Law School Chapter Petitions - How Submitted ................................................................................18
Sec. 4. Initiation Fees ......18
Sec. 5. Alumni Chapter - Formed in Community, City or County .................................................................18
Sec. 6. Alumni Chapter - Formed in
State ......................................................................................................18
Sec. 7. Multiple Alumni Chapter
Membership ...............................................................................................18
Sec. 8. Alumni Chapter -
Charters ..................................................................................................................18
Sec. 9. Alumni Chapter Charter
Fee ...............................................................................................................18
Sec. 10. Alumni Chapter Annual
Fee .............................................................................................................18
Sec. 11. Alumni Dues ......18
Sec. 12. Official Action ....19
Sec. 13. Uniformity ..........19
Sec. 14. Duties and
Responsibilities ..............................................................................................................19
Sec. 15. Chapter Officers 19
Sec. 16. Duties of Law School Chapter and Alumni Chapter Officers ..........................................................19
Sec. 17. Duties of Alumni Chapter
Officers ...................................................................................................20
Sec. 18. Chapter Funds ...20
Sec. 19. Official Reports ..20
Sec. 20. Books and
Papers ..............................................................................................................................21
Sec. 21. Placement
Committee ........................................................................................................................21
Sec. 22. Chapter
Advisors ...............................................................................................................................21
Sec. 23. Duties of Alumni Advisor and Faculty Advisor ................................................................................21
Sec. 24. Payment of
Funds ..............................................................................................................................21
Sec. 25. Alumni Advisory
Council ..................................................................................................................21
CHAPTER IV - PRE-LAW CHAPTERS AND ADVISORY
COUNCIL .................................................... 22
Sec. 1. Pre-Law Chapter Charter, Fees and Procedures ................................................................................22
Sec. 2. Chapter Officers ..22
Sec. 3. Pre-Law Advisory
Council ...................................................................................................................22
CHAPTER V - DUTIES OF THE INTERNATIONAL
OFFICERS ........................................................ 22
Sec. 1. The International
Justice ...................................................................................................................22
Sec. 2. The International Vice
Justice ...........................................................................................................22
Sec. 3. The International
Advocate .................................................................................................................22
Sec. 4. The International
Secretary ................................................................................................................23
Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International • International Constitution & By-laws • page 4
Sec. 5. The International
Treasurer ...............................................................................................................23
Sec. 6. Board Member-at-
Large ........................................................................................................................23
Sec. 7. The Chief
Tribune ...............................................................................................................................23
Sec. 8. The Associate
Tribunes .......................................................................................................................23
Sec. 9. Other Duties ........23
Sec. 10. Elimination of
Conflicts .....................................................................................................................23
Sec.11. Minutes of International Executive Board Meeting. ..........................................................................23
CHAPTER VI -
CONVENTIONS.................................................................................................... 24
Sec. 1. Delegate Selection 24
Sec. 2. Selection of At-Large Alumni
Delegates ..............................................................................................24
Sec. 3. Seating of
Delegates .............................................................................................................................24
Sec. 4. Delegate’s
Expenses ............................................................................................................................24
Sec. 5. Convention Standing
Committees .......................................................................................................25
Sec. 6. At-Large Delegates Appointed For Only One Convention ..................................................................25
Sec. 7. Information Furnished
Committees ....................................................................................................25
Sec. 8. Reports of Credentials
Committees .....................................................................................................25
CHAPTER VII - BUDGET
MATTERS ............................................................................................. 25
Sec. 1. Executive Director and
Employees .....................................................................................................25
Sec. 2. Budget ..................25
Sec. 3. Expenses ..............25
Sec. 4. Fiscal Year ...........26
CHAPTER VIII - RECALL OF
OFFICERS....................................................................................... 26
Sec. 1. How Instituted .....26
Sec. 2. Procedures ...........26
Sec. 3. Appeal ..................27
CHAPTER IX - INTERNATIONAL TRIBUNAL JURISDICTION AND
PROCEDURES ............................ 28
Sec. 1. Original
Jurisdiction ...........................................................................................................................28
Sec. 2. Appellate
Jurisdiction .........................................................................................................................28
Sec. 3. Procedures ...........28
CHAPTER X - INTERNATIONAL ENDOWMENT
FUND ................................................................... 28
Sec. 1. Administration of the International Endowment Fund .....................................................................28
Sec. 2. Sources of the International Endowment Fund .................................................................................29
Sec. 3. Use of the International Endowment Fund........................................................................................29
CHAPTER XI - INTERNATIONAL BUILDING
FUND ....................................................................... 29
Sec. 1. Administration of the International Building Fund ...........................................................................29
Sec. 2. Sources of the International Building
Fund .......................................................................................29
Sec. 3. Disposition of International Building Fund .......................................................................................30
CHAPTER XII - DISTRICT
CONFERENCES ................................................................................... 30
Sec. 1. District
Conferences ............................................................................................................................30
Sec. 2. District Justice to
Supervise ...............................................................................................................30
Sec. 3. Financial Aid for District Conferences ...............................................................................................30
Sec. 4. Special District Conference
Fund .......................................................................................................30
Sec. 5. Joint District
Conferences ..................................................................................................................30
CHAPTER XIII - FRATERNITY
INSIGNIA ...................................................................................... 31
Sec. 1. Coat-of-Arms .........31
Sec. 2. Seal .......................31
Sec. 3. Color .....................31
Sec. 4. Jewelry .................31
Sec. 5. Flower ..................31
Sec. 6. Song......................31
Sec. 7. Flag .......................31
Sec. 8. Design ..................31
CHAPTER XIV -
PUBLICATIONS ................................................................................................. 32
Sec. 1. Publications .........32
Sec. 2. Publication of Constitutional and By-Law Amendments ...................................................................32
CHAPTER XV - COUNCIL OF DISTINGUISHED
MEMBERS ............................................................. 32
CHAPTER XVI - AMENDMENTS TO BY-
LAWS ............................................................................... 32
Sec. 1. By Whom
Proposed ..............................................................................................................................32
Sec. 2. Submittal
Procedures ...........................................................................................................................32
Sec. 3. Convention
Action ...............................................................................................................................33
Sec. 4. Mail Ballot ............33
Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International • International Constitution & By-laws • page 5
ARTICLE I & II
_____________________________________
ARTICLE I - NAME
The name of this Fraternity shall be
PHI ALPHA DELTA LAW FRATERNITY, INTERNATIONAL
ARTICLE II - DECLARATION OF PURPOSE
The purpose of this Fraternity shall be to form a strong bond uniting students and
teachers
of the law with members of the Bench and Bar in a fraternal fellowship designed to
advance
the ideals of liberty and equal justice under law; to stimulate excellence in scholarship;
to inspire the virtues of compassion and courage; to foster integrity and professional
competence; to promote the welfare of its members; and to encourage their moral,
intellectual, and cultural advancement; so that each member may enjoy a lifetime of
honorable professional and public service.
ARTICLE III - Membership
_________________________
Sec. 1. Composition
There shall be four categories of membership in this Fraternity; Law School, Alumni,
Honorary and Pre-Law.
Sec. 2. Eligibility
Eligibility for membership shall be as follows:
a. Law School Member
Any person who is in attendance and in good standing at any law school where a
chapter of this Fraternity is chartered. Membership in the William McKinley Chapter of Phi
Alpha Delta Law Fraternity is open to all students currently enrolled, and in good standing at The
Ohio State University--Moritz College of Law. Discrimination on the basis of age, color,
disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual preference, or veteran status will not
be tolerated.
b. Alumni Member
Any person who has been licensed to practice law in, and is in good standing with, any
jurisdiction recognized by the International Chapter or by the International Executive
Board; any duly initiated law school member upon graduation from law school who is
not the subject of any disciplinary proceedings resulting in temporary or permanent
cessation of his or her license to practice law; any law graduate who is a member of
the faculty of any law school; and any judge who qualified in any of the preceding
categories prior to becoming a judge.
c. Honorary Member
Any person who has attained unusual distinction in the legal profession or in the
field of law at least a statewide basis shall be eligible for honorary membership. The
term “field of law” shall embrace any person elected or appointed to a legislature or
engaged in the execution, administration, or enforcement of the law, whether or not
such person is a member of the legal profession.
d. Pre-Law Member
Any member of the administration, faculty or any student in good standing at any
institution of higher learning where a pre-law chapter of this Fraternity is chartered.
Sec. 3. Election and Initiation
a. Law School members shall be elected and initiated only by law school chapters, and
alumni and honorary members shall be elected and initiated by either law school or
alumni chapters, except however citizens of countries other than the United States
of America who are also residents of that country may be elected to membership by
the International Executive Board and initiated thereafter by the International
Executive Board or its authorized representative. Eligible persons shall be elected to
Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International • International Constitution & By-laws • page 6
membership upon approval by the majority vote of all members present and voting at
a lawful meeting. All persons so elected shall be promptly initiated in accordance with
the Ritual of the Fraternity. Election of honorary members shall be subject to
Subsection
c. of this Section.
b. Persons elected to law school chapter membership, pursuant to this Sec. 3, shall be
“associates” until their initiation and enrollment as law school chapter members,
with such obligations and privileges as may be specified in chapter By-Laws, consistent
with this Constitution and International By-Laws. Associate status shall be conferred
in accordance with Article XVII except that any law school chapter may upon twothirds
(2/3) vote of all members present and voting at a lawful meeting waive such
formality. No persons shall be an associate for more than three (3) months after the
law school chapter is regularly in session except that upon petition approved by two
thirds (2/3) vote of all law school chapter members present and voting at a lawful
meeting. The International Executive Board may waive this limitation. Such petition
shall first be submitted to and reviewed by the District Justice who shall commend
approval or disapproval. Unless an extension of associate status is granted for a good
cause shown, any associate who is not initiated within three (3) months while the
law school of the chapter is regularly in session following election to membership
shall be disassociated and shall not again be considered for membership until after
the expiration of twelve (12) months after the following date of such association. The
election to membership of any associate may be, and, upon the petition of at least five
(5) chapter members in good standing, shall be, reconsidered at any time prior to the
initiation. Upon such reconsideration, an associate shall be disassociated unless his
election to membership is approved by two-thirds (2/3) vote of all members present
and voting at a lawful chapter meeting.
c. Persons eligible for honorary membership under Sec. 2 (c) of this Article, shall be
elected pursuant to this Sec. 3, provided, however, that such election shall be subject
to ratification by the International Executive Board. Ratification shall be based on a
petition for honorary membership submitted by a chapter through the District Justice
who shall recommend approval or disapproval. No person shall be invited to become an
honorary member unless the election is ratified by the International Executive Board.
For the purpose of this subsection the term “chapter” shall be deemed to include a
group of qualified petitioners for a chapter charter.
d. Pre-Law members shall be inducted only by pre-law chapters. Eligible persons shall
be
elected to pre-law membership upon approval of a majority vote of all members present
and voting at a lawful meeting of the pre-law chapter.
Sec. 4. Dual Membership
No member of any other law fraternity may become a member of this Fraternity unless
such person first terminates such other membership. Any member of this Fraternity
who accepts membership in any category in any other law fraternity shall, after such
notice as the International Executive Board may prescribe, automatically forfeit
membership in this Fraternity provided that membership in such other law fraternity
has not been terminated within sixty (60) days after such notice.
Sec. 5. Termination of Membership
Membership in this Fraternity shall be terminated as follows:
a. Automatic Forfeiture
Any member whose license to practice law has been finally revoked by any legally
constituted body having the power of revocation over the member, or who has ceased
to be licensed to practice law by reason of misconduct, shall automatically forfeit
membership in this Fraternity, which forfeiture of membership shall remain in effect
Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International • International Constitution & By-laws • page 7
for as long as the disciplinary action shall remain in effect.
b. Expulsion
Any member charged with (1) violating the Membership Oath, Constitution,
International By-Laws, or the By-Laws of any District or Chapter; or (2) otherwise
engaging in unworthy conduct tending to bring disrepute on the Fraternity shall be
subject to expulsion from this Fraternity.
c. Resignation
Any member may resign from this Fraternity by submitting his resignation to the
Executive Director, and the resignation shall become effective sixty (60) days after
such notification.
Sec. 6. Suspension of Membership
Any pre-law member of this Fraternity no longer in attendance at an institution of
higher
learning or upon graduation from such institution shall be automatically suspended
from
membership unless and until they return to an institution of higher learning or shall be
duly elected and initiated as a law school, alumnus or honorary member.
ARTICLE IV - INTERNATIONAL CHAPTER
___________
Sec. 1. Composition
The International Chapter of this Fraternity shall be composed of all duly seated
delegates
in Convention assembled.
Sec. 2. Conventions
The Convention shall be held every two (2) years at such time and place as shall be
determined by the International Executive Board. Should the International Executive
Board refuse or fail, without good cause, to take such action within eighteen (18)
months
after the adjournment of the last Convention, then the International Tribunal shall fix
the time and place.
Sec. 3. Emergency Conventions
The International Executive Board shall have the power to call a special Convention and
fix the time and place thereof.
Sec. 4. Delegates
a. Each law school and alumni chapter in good standing shall be entitled to two (2)
delegates
and two (2) alternate delegates at such Conventions, and any law school and alumni
chapter shall have two (2) votes upon every question arising in Convention, to be cast
only by its delegate or delegates present.
b. Each delegate shall be a member of the chapter such delegate represents.
c. Each District of the Fraternity shall be entitled to two (2) Alumni members, appointed
At
Large from each such District, by the District Justice of such District, provided that
each
such at large delegate shall be responsible for paying their own expenses to attend the
convention, in addition to normal registration fees, pursuant to the International By-
Laws.
Each such at large delegate shall have one (1) vote. In the event there is no District
Justice, then the International Justice, with the consent of the International Executive
Board, pursuant to the International ByLaws, shall make appointment of the two (2)
alumni
members.
d. Each District Justice shall be a qualified delegate and have one (1) vote. Such
member
shall not be eligible to vote in any other capacity.
e. Each member of the International Executive Board shall be a qualified delegate and
have
one (1) vote, In the event the Chairperson of the International Advisory Board cannot
Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International • International Constitution & By-laws • page 8
attend for any reason, the next immediate Past International Justice able to attend
shall
be such non-voting delegate.
(i) The Chairperson of the International Advisory Board shall be a qualified nonvoting
delegate, provided that such delegate shall be responsible for paying their own expenses
to attend the convention, in addition to normal registration fees.
(ii) In the event the Chairperson of the International Advisory Board cannot attend for
any reason, the next immediate Past International Justice able to attend shall be
responsible for paying their own expenses to attend the convention, in addition to
normal registration fees.
Sec. 5. Rules
Each Convention shall make the rules and regulations for the transaction of its
business.
Until it has adopted such rules and regulations, the previous Convention rules shall
govern. “Roberts Rules newly revised 1990 edition” shall govern all other matters not
defined therein.
Sec. 6. Officers
The International Justice shall serve as Convention Chairperson; the International
Secretary shall serve as Convention Secretary; and the Convention Chairperson shall
select a Board Member-At-Large to serve as Convention Marshal.
ARTICLE V - INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE
BOARD___
Sec. 1. Composition
The International Justice, The International Vice Justice, the International Advocate,
the International Secretary, the International Treasurer, and four Board Members-at-
Large shall constitute the International Executive Board of this Fraternity.
Sec. 2. Meetings
The International Justice shall call at least one (1) meeting of the International
Executive
Board each year. Any five (5) International Officers shall constitute a quorum to do
business.
All members shall be notified two (2) weeks prior to the meeting. Any five (5) members of
the International Executive Board may call a meeting of the International Executive
Board
if the International Justice is unable or unwilling to do so.
Sec. 3. Attendance at Meetings
When practical, every meeting of the International Executive Board shall be open to
every
member of the fraternity in good standing. This is a privilege of attendance and does not
include the privilege to address the Board.
Sec. 4. Minutes of Meetings
Minutes of all meetings of the International Executive Board, except executive sessions,
shall be available upon request to any member of the fraternity at the requester’s
expense.
Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International • International Constitution & By-laws • page 9
ARTICLE VI - International
Tribunal______________
Sec. 1. Composition
The International Tribunal shall be composed of the Chief Tribune and two (2) Associate
Tribunes elected and holding office as in this Constitution provided.
Sec. 2. Meetings
Meetings of the International Tribunal may be called at any time by the Chief Tribune
and shall be called on the written request of the Associate Tribunes. All Tribunes shall
be
notified at least two (2) weeks prior to such meetings. The presence of two (2) Tribunes
shall constitute a quorum.
ARTICLE VII - FRATERNITY POWERS
_______________
Sec. 1. Vesting of Supreme Powers
The supreme legislative and executive power of this Fraternity shall be vested in the
International Chapter in Convention assembled and in the International Executive
Board
ad interim. The International judicial power of this Fraternity shall be vested in the
International Tribunal.
Sec. 2. Exercise of Supreme Powers
All powers described in Sec. 1 of this Article shall be exercised in accordance with the
provisions of the Constitution and International By-Laws of this Fraternity.
Sec. 3. Judicial Decisions and Review
Cases and controversies involving or arising out of: (1) the interpretation of the
provisions
of the Constitution and International By-Laws of this Fraternity; (2) the exercise of
Supreme
Executive and Legislative powers; and (3) the exercise of District and Chapter powers
shall
be subject to either decision or review as appropriate by the International Tribunal
pursuant
to procedures prescribed in the International By-Laws. The decision of the International
Tribunal in these cases and controversies shall be final.
Sec. 4. District Powers
Each Fraternity District shall operate under the supervision of a District Justice as
provided
in Article X of this Constitution, subject to such rules, regulations, and procedures as
may,
from time to time, be promulgated by the International Executive Board.
Sec. 5. Chapter Operations
Each pre-law chapter, law school chapter and alumni chapter shall adopt and operate
under its respective by-laws, provided that they are consistent with the Constitution,
International By-Laws, and the actions of the International Chapter, International
Executive Board and International Tribunal of this Fraternity.
Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International • International Constitution & By-laws • page 10