Hustings Code Of Practice

St Peter’s College JCR Hustings Code of Practice 1. It is the duty of the Chair to ensure that the atmosphere of hustings never becomes hostile, personally vindictive or dominated by a vocal minority. 2. All present members are entitled to appeal to the Chair if they believe the atmosphere has become hostile, personally vindictive or dominated by a vocal minority. 3. Each candidate should expect during hustings to give a brief speech and answer questions for no longer than 1 hr. 4. All questions must be directed to all candidates. 5. Questions deemed inappropriate must not be answered (formally or informally) by any candidate. Questions deemed appropriate must be answered by all candidates. 6. It is the Chair’s responsibility to out-rule inappropriate questions. The JCR President is also able to veto if they feel a question is unduly embarrassing or will discourage students from running in future elections. 7. Candidates have the right to appeal to the Chair before answering if they feel a question to be inappropriate. The Chair may then consult with the JCR President and other candidates. 8. Questions deemed inappropriate may include, but are not limited to: - personal attacks - references to private lives or college gossip - sexual references - questions which breach the University (or college’s) harassment policy 9. Tasks shall not be embarrassing, humiliating or of a sexual nature. 10. Candidates will be informed of tasks prior to the start of hustings and will have the chance to veto anything with which they are uncomfortable. Candidates vetoing tasks will remain anonymous. 11. Non-serious questions and tasks are subject to a time limit set by the Returning Officer. 12. Hustings will never involve alcohol or nudity. 13. The Chair, JCR President and candidates shall not drink alcohol during (or excessively before) hustings. Note that the JCR Secretary serves as both the Returning Officer and the Chair of hustings This document was adopted at the JCR’s General Meeting in 7th week TT09