Why are the terms “responsible” and “not responsible” used instead of “guilty” and “not guilty”?
Because “guilty” and “not guilty” are terms that are associated with the legal system. The judicial process at Mary Washington is educational, not legalistic. While some of the more serious violations of University policy might also require legal action, the proceedings that take place at the University of Mary Washington are not the same as those in the legal system. Therefore, legal terms are not used. We conduct “hearings” not “trials.” Students are “accused” not “defendants.
