University of Maryland School of Medicine

Judicial Review By-Laws

Honor Code and Judicial Review System

The Honor Code of the University of Maryland School of Medicine is based upon the earned status of all members of the community as effective and committed scholars of medicine, science and other health professions who are persons of integrity and honesty. It places the responsibility for ethical behavior squarely upon each individual and requires peer review of questionable behavior.

Each member of this academic community is given notice that joining this community voluntarily commits the individual to accept and uphold the values and principles espoused in the Honor Code. Such values do not impinge upon personal opinion or promote controversial ideas, but characterize the obligation of physicians, other health professionals and scientists to truth, honesty, service to patients before oneself and fairness among colleagues. The individual pursuit of excellence is encouraged but does not permit an individual to ignore the society in which the effort takes place.

The Honor Code and its supporting Judicial Review System are direct outgrowths of the previous system, but emphasize the necessity for universal community awareness and involvement to make it effective. All students, faculty and staff must acknowledge their part in the system. It is the Dean's responsibility to take steps to establish this involvement and acceptance.

The operation of the Judicial Review System is modified to include a new, less formal mechanism for review of less serious breaches. This may ease acceptance of the obligation to report observations believed to indicate a breach of these principles. The System provides for penalties other than removal or disruption of the career path, recognizing that even persons of integrity are not perfect and may be improved by appropriate punishment and counseling. More emphasis is placed upon civility in communication and conduct, and upon avoiding abuse of authority.

In general, the language is more direct and explicit, emphasizing expectations of ethical performance more than operations of the system of judgement and potential punishments.

Emphasis is placed also upon self awareness of deficiencies and the availability of help.

Acceptance of the Honor Code requires changes in examination practices. It requires each student to exercise decorum and act in a manner respectful of others.

 

Rules of Conduct During Examinations