Spring Break
Union Judiciary rejects Goldman's request for a rehearing of his case
by Claire Moses
News | 10/16/07
Posted online at 8:54 PM EST on 10/15/07
/ Last updated at 4:55 AM EST on 10/15/07
The Union Judiciary rejected Union Secretary Michael Goldman's '08 request for a rehearing of his case, Maizlish v. Goldman, last week.
The UJ decided last Monday night that Goldman, as the Union official charged with overseeing elections, violated the Union Constitution when he released and hinted at voting tallies during election periods last month and last spring. The UJ also ruled Goldman violated his post when he appointed Rajiv Ramakrishnan '10 as his technology assistant, introducing a new position into the Union.
After the UJ released its decision, Goldman's counsel submitted a 25-page document, asking for another hearing on the matter.
"I'm sorry that they didn't choose to reconsider the case," Goldman said, but added that he's glad the case is over because it took him away from his regular Union duties.
In rejecting Goldman's appeal, Deutsch said the same UJ members, Deutsch, Cindy Kaplan '08 and Zachary Handler '09 would have reheard the case. Chief Justice James Ansorge '09 and Justice Robert Schwartz '08 recused themselves from the case after counsel for both sides complained that neither justice could maintain impartial attitudes.
"If there would be a new trial, we already showed our bias in this case," Deutsch said. "If there was any new evidence that would have proven otherwise, they should have showed that during the first trial." He added that it's very rare for a case to be heard twice.
The UJ dissolved Ramakrishnan's position and advised the senate to amend the constitution to make the duties of the elections commissioner more clear.
Although Ramakrishnan had been approved by the senate, the position itself hadn't been approved, and the secretary isn't allowed to introduce new positions, the UJ said. Other executive officers, including the president and the treasurer, can appoint officers.
"The 25-page motion was simply and specifically a publicity stunt," said Village Quad Senator Michael Kerns '09, who represented Rivka Maizlish '09 in the case against Goldman.
Kerns said he still feels the senate should impeach Goldman, but he doesn't plan on pursuing the issue any further.
"I feel that it's unfortunate, but there is nothing more I can do," he said.
The impeachment of a Union official requires two-thirds approval by the senate or support from 15 percent of the student body.
The UJ decided last Monday night that Goldman, as the Union official charged with overseeing elections, violated the Union Constitution when he released and hinted at voting tallies during election periods last month and last spring. The UJ also ruled Goldman violated his post when he appointed Rajiv Ramakrishnan '10 as his technology assistant, introducing a new position into the Union.
After the UJ released its decision, Goldman's counsel submitted a 25-page document, asking for another hearing on the matter.
"I'm sorry that they didn't choose to reconsider the case," Goldman said, but added that he's glad the case is over because it took him away from his regular Union duties.
In rejecting Goldman's appeal, Deutsch said the same UJ members, Deutsch, Cindy Kaplan '08 and Zachary Handler '09 would have reheard the case. Chief Justice James Ansorge '09 and Justice Robert Schwartz '08 recused themselves from the case after counsel for both sides complained that neither justice could maintain impartial attitudes.
"If there would be a new trial, we already showed our bias in this case," Deutsch said. "If there was any new evidence that would have proven otherwise, they should have showed that during the first trial." He added that it's very rare for a case to be heard twice.
The UJ dissolved Ramakrishnan's position and advised the senate to amend the constitution to make the duties of the elections commissioner more clear.
Although Ramakrishnan had been approved by the senate, the position itself hadn't been approved, and the secretary isn't allowed to introduce new positions, the UJ said. Other executive officers, including the president and the treasurer, can appoint officers.
"The 25-page motion was simply and specifically a publicity stunt," said Village Quad Senator Michael Kerns '09, who represented Rivka Maizlish '09 in the case against Goldman.
Kerns said he still feels the senate should impeach Goldman, but he doesn't plan on pursuing the issue any further.
"I feel that it's unfortunate, but there is nothing more I can do," he said.
The impeachment of a Union official requires two-thirds approval by the senate or support from 15 percent of the student body.
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