Law and Governance Affecting the Resolution of Academic and Disciplinary Disputes at Scottish Universities: An American Perspective

Authors

Fernand N. Dutile, Notre Dame Law SchoolFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1997

Publication Information

8 Ind. Int'l & Comp. L. Rev. 1 (1997-1998)

Abstract

At the entrance to St. Mary's College, a part of the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, one encounters the opening words of the Gospel of St. John: "In principio erat verbum." Eschewing the usual translation, students there irreverently render the passage thus: "The Principal has the last word." The existence of the position of Principal in a university and the substantial power of that official cause only part of the fascination experienced by the American observer of universities in Scotland. This article will assess, from an American perspective, the law and governance affecting the resolution of academic and disciplinary disputes involving students at Scottish universities. This analysis will reflect the many ways in which the treatment of such disputes in Scotland both differs from and resembles their treatment in the United States. In a compromise of manageability and comprehensiveness, the eight (of thirteen) Scottish universities first constituted provide the focus for this Article. Among those eight, the University of Aberdeen, at which the author did most of the research for this piece, garners particular attention.

Comments

Reprinted with permission of Indiana International & Comparative Law Review.

Recommended Citation

Fernand N. Dutile, Law and Governance Affecting the Resolution of Academic and Disciplinary Disputes at Scottish Universities: An American Perspective, 8 Ind. Int'l & Comp. L. Rev. 1 (1997-1998).
Available at: https://scholarship.law.nd.edu/law_faculty_scholarship/794