APPROVED by the majority of the delegates present and voting at Department Convention : 30 September 1993
*AMENDED to comply with Department changes as of  8 August 1997
APPROVED by the majority of the delegates present and voting at Department of Louisiana Convention 6 June 1998
*CHANGES, , APPROVED by majority of the delegates present and voting at Department of Louisiana Staff meeting 24 October 1998
APPROVED by Department Judge Advocate: 15 November 1998
APPROVED by majority of delegates present and voting at Department of Louisiana Convention 8 June 2002
APPROVED by Department Judge Advocate John V. "Jack" Ryan 5 September 2002
*AMENDED to comply with Department changes as approved by the 2002 Department Convention
APPROVED by the majority of the delegates present and voting at Department of Louisiana Convention 7 June 2003
APPROVED by Department Judge Advocate John V. "Jack" Ryan 16 June 2003
APPROVED by Majority vote  of the members present at Department Convention at Lafayette on 7 June 2008
        Signed by Department Commandant Charles J. Norman   - Date 7 June 2008 
        Signed by Department Judge Advocate Victor R. Beverson   - Date  7 June 2008
        Reviewed and Approved – National Judge Advocate: James J. "Jim" Touhy 15 August 2008





Note: These Administrative Procedures are for Department of Louisiana ONLY!  When in doubt refer to National Administrative Procedures for clarifications.

SECTION 100 - NAME AND PURPOSE - The name of the body corporate is the DEPARTMENT, and is a subsidiary organization of the Marine Corps League, which is a non-profit corporation incorporated by an Act of the Seventy-fifth Congress of the United States of America at the First Session, begun and held at the City of Washington D.C. on Tuesday, the fifth day of January, 1937, and approved August 4, 1937.

SECTION 101 - LOCATION - The principle offices of the Department shall be located with the Commandant of the Department.

SECTION 105 - CORPORATE SEAL – See Enclosure LA5, Department of Louisiana Corporate Seal.

SECTION 125 – COMPLIANCE WITH NATIONAL BYLAWS AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES -

SECTION 200 - MEETINGS - The Department Convention shall be convened once each year during the First full weekend in June, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, unless it is prevented by national emergency or other unpreventable cause.

SECTION 205 - TIME AND PLACE - The time and place of each Department Convention shall be decided by the Delegates present and voting at a Department Convention two (2) years in advance, provided that, in an emergency, the present and voting Delegates may assign this duty to the Department Board of Trustees. (See Enclosure LA4)

SECTION 210 - PROCEDURES - Immediately preceding the convening of each Department Convention, the Department Commandant and his/her Staff shall determine and establish the sequence and procedure with which the business of the Convention shall be conducted, in conformity with the Department Bylaws and Administrative Procedures. (See Enclosure LA8 as example)

SECTION 215 - RULES OF ORDER - The Department Bylaws and Administrative Procedures shall govern the procedure and conduct of each Department Convention. (See Enclosure LA6) Parliamentary reference for Conventions shall be Robert's Revised Rules of Order.

SECTION 240 – CONVENTION COMMITTEE – The Department Convention Committee shall be composed of four (4) members who will select their Chairman. The Committee will be the Department Commandant, Department Senior Vice Commandant, Jr. Past Commandant and the Convention Chairman from Detachment sponsoring the Convention.

Department of Louisiana ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
CHAPTER THREE
DEPARTMENT STAFF

SECTION 300 - STANDING COMMITTEES AND DUTIES - The Department Standing Committees and their duties are as follows:

Ch 3/98 SECTION 530 - INSTALLATION OF DEPARTMENT OFFICERS - (See Section 130 and Section 225)

Department of Louisiana ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
CHAPTER SIX
DETACHMENTS

SECTION 600 - CHARTER - A Detachment may be organized, chartered and instituted in the following manner:

SECTION 621 – INCORPORATION OF DETACHMENT – It shall be the responsibility of the Department Board of Trustees to Incorporate the Detachment with the State of Louisiana and pay the annual fee to maintain the Incorporation. (See Bylaws Section 710)

Department of Louisiana ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
CHAPTER EIGHT
SUBSIDIARIES AND SUBORDINATES

SECTION 800 - REPORTS - Each National subsidiary organization and each National subordinate group (identified below) which directly or indirectly operates under the Congressional Charter and the name of the Marine Corps League must annually file with the National Headquarters a true and complete financial statement of its itemized total income and expenses for the preceding twelve (12) month period. Said report shall be submitted at the opening date of the National Convention to the National Adjutant/Paymaster.
                    (a) This requirement is applicable to

Department of Louisiana ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
CHAPTER NINE
GRIEVANCE AND DISCIPLINE

            (a)  Petitioner. The Petitioner is the person or unity bringing either a grievance or a disciplinary charges under this chapter.
            (b) Respondent. The Respondent is the person or unit against either a grievance has been made or against whom the disciplinary action is sought.
            (c) Grievance. A Grievance is  an injury, injustice or wrong which gives ground for complaint because it is a unjust, Harmful, Afflictive, or oppressive. A  Grievance does not subject the member, detachment or department to punishment but seeks to resolve the injury, injustice or wrong if such is found.
            (d) Disciplinary Charges. A disciplinary charge is a formal complaint, accusation, information or incident of a member, Detachment or Department in which disciplinary punishment is sought. "Charges" preferred under this chapter need not be by reference to a section. A disciplinary charge shall specify: What was alleged to have occurred, when it was alleged to have accrued, and such other supporting information as may be prepared. Detachments do not  have any disciplinary jurisdiction upon any member.
            (e) Rules of Evidence or Procedure. The rules of evidence d or procedure prevailing in courts of law and/or equity shall not be controlling in actions under this chapter. All questions as to the relevance and admissibility of evidence and the regularity of the proceeding and the credibility of witnesses and evidence shall be determined by the appropriate Hearing Board and such shall net be overturned on  appeal unless such Hearing Board is clearly in error. The goal of this chapter shall be to insure tat matters ore expeditiously, fairly and justly heard.
            (f) Burden of Proof. The party bringing the grievance or the disciplinary charge has the burden of proving his allegations to the satisfaction of the Hearing Board. Any counter-charges or allegations made by another party must be proved by that party
            (g) Service of Notice. All notices and correspondence from the Petitioner and /or Respondent required by this Chapter must be served by certified mail and return receipt requested. All notices and correspondence to the Petitioner and /or Respondent required by this Chapter must be served by certified mail and return receipt requested. Notices and correspondence between the Hearing Board and the National Judge Advocate or the National Commandant and the National Headquarters and/or Board of Trustees only requires regular mail.
            (h) Written Communications. The use if electronic transmissions such as e-mail and fax notices are ot sufficient for notice or appeal purposes except as permitted below for the National Board of Trustees nor do such transmissions meet time deadlines as set forth in this chapter. Proof of timely service is upon the proponent. A certified mail receipt constitutes proof of the date o serviced.
            (i) Vote by National Board of Trustees Not in Active Session. On any vote under this chapter by the National Board of Trustees while not in active session, notice by  e-mail directed to the National Adjutant/Paymaster shall be deemed sufficient.
             (j) Oath. All testimony will be given under oath. The oath will be "I do solemnly affirm to tell the truth, the whole truth, nothing else".
            (k) Timely Appeals. All appeals must be served in a timely manner. Any appeal not served in a timely manner shall be deemed waived absent a showing of good cause. All appeals of of any decision are due no later than 30 days from the date of the decision. A certified mail receipt within such period constitutes proof of service of the appeal
            (l) Gender. As used herein the use of masculine pronoun or designation shall be deemed to include both male and female gender as may be specifically applicable to the particular party involved.

SECTION 901 - GRIEVANCES-
             (a) If an individual member, Detachment or Department, considers that there is a material grievance or wrongdoing within a unit, or that a member has a grievance against another member, the following procedure will be followed:
                        (1) The Petitioner shall present the grievance in writing, set forth as clearly as possible the basis for the grievance to the Department Judge Advocate, with a copy to the Respondent, the Department Commandant and the National Judge Advocate. The respondent shall have ten (10) days to respond to the jurisdictional Judge Advocate in writing concerning his defense to the alleged grievance but need not respond if he so chooses.
                        (2) The written grievance may be served upon the Respondent in person by the Department Sergeant-at Arms. Upon service, the Sergeant-at-Arms shall file a written return of service specifying the date and time the Respondent was served.
                        (3) A failure to accept or a refusal to accept certified mail or sign for receipt of such mail after due notice from the United States post Office shall be deemed to be good service.
                (b) The Judge Advocate shall review the grievance and response (if any) and act as mediator in the dispute. If the Judge Advocate is successful in resolving the grievance, he shall inform the Petitioner and the Respondent in writing that the matter is resolved with a copy of such written notice to the National Judge Advocate. If his efforts fail, he shall so report the same to the Department Commandant.
                (c) Upon notice that a grievance is not resolved, the Department Commandant shall then appoint a Hearing Board composed of himself, the Department Judge Advocate, and a minimum of three (3) other members, preferably Past Department Commandants or Past Department Judge Advocates, none of whom shall be members of the unit involved. La. 6/08
                (d) The Hearing Board is empowered to convene a hearing at a time and a place of its convenience within the Municipality of the Respondent. The legitimate travel and lodging expenses of the Hearing Board shall be a charge against the Department, reimbursable upon submission of a voucher. The Hearing Board may call witnesses, it shall hear testimony, and it may also conduct its own independent investigation. La. 6/08
                (e) The Hearing Board may call witnesses. It shall hear appropriate testimony either orally or by affidavit as set forth in this chapter. The Hearing Board may also conduct its own independent investigation. The petitioner has the burden of proving his allegations at the convened hearing.
                (f) The decision of the Hearing Board shall be made in writing and must be  affirmed by the majority of the Hearing Board.
                        (1) If the grievance is substantiated and proved, the Hearing Board shall state in its decision the corrective action necessary to eliminate the grounds for the grievance.
                        (2) If the grievance is not substantiated or proven, the written decision shall so state and the matter dismissed.
                        (3) The written decision shall be forwarded within fifteen (15) days to the Petitioner and the Respondent, with copies to all of the participating parties an the National judge Advocate.
                (g) The failure of a Respondent to take  the corrective action found by the Hearing Board to resolve the grievance which has been substantiated and proven may be grounds for disciplinary charges.
                (h) Either the Petitioner or the Respondent may appeal the decision of the Hearing Board to the National Judge Advocate. Such appeal must be filled in writing within thirty (30) days after receipt of the Hearing Boards decision. The appeal should set forth as clearly as possible the basis for such appeal.
                        (1) The National Judge Advocate shall rule on the appeal and shall advise all participating parties in writing of his decision either substantiating or denying the appeal within thirty (30) days.
                         (2) The National Judge Advocate may make his decision concerning the appeal merely from the records or he may permit the Petitioner and / or the Respondent or any party to make an oral or written argument concerning the appeal before the National Judge Advocate after due written notice to all participating parties.
                         (3) If the record of the hearing is insufficient or there exists material irregularities in procedure, the National Judge Advocate may refer the matter back to the Hearing Board to supplement the record or to correct such matter irregularity to insure that justice prevails.
                 (i) Either the Petitioner or the Respondent may appeal the National Judge Advocate's decision in writing setting forth the basis for such appeal within fifteen (15) days to the National Board of Trustees via the National Commandant.
                         (1) The National Board of Trustees shall review the appeal at the first scheduled meeting subsequent to receiving such appeal. 
                         (2) The National Board of Trustees may make its decision merely from the record, or it may permit Petitioner and / or Respondent or any other party to appear and argue the matter before the National Board of Trustees after due written notice to all participating parties. It may take, but is not required to take, further evidence relating thereto under such rules and conditions as it may from time to time adopt.
                         (3) The National Board of Trustees may sustain or reject the decision of the National Judge Advocate.
                         (4) If the National Board of Trustees fails to sustain the finding of the National Judge Advocate, it shall rule on the appeal and issue its own decision thereon in writing to all participating parties through the National Adjutant / Paymaster.
                         (5) The decision of the Board of Trustees is final and there are no further rights of appeal except as may be specifically granted by this Chapter in SECTION 903.

SECTION 902 - DEPARTMENT, DIVISION, or DIVISION GRIEVANCE -
                (a) If a Department, a Division, a Department Officer, a Division Officer or a National officer is the Petitioner or the Respondent, all matters shall be handled directly by the National Judge Advocate; he and the National Commandant will proceed in accordance with the procedure outlined in paragraphs 901 (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f).
                (b) Either the Petitioner or the Respondent may appeal the Hearing Board's decision to the National Board of Trustees, in writing via the National Commandant.
                         (1) Such appeal must be filed within thirty (30) days of the decision of the Hearing Board stating as clearly as possible the basis for such appeal.
                         (2) The National Judge Advocate will distribute copies of all pertinent material to the members of the Board of Trustees.
                         (3) The Board of Trustees shall render their opinion to the National Headquarters within fifteen (15) days; whereupon the National Judge Advocate will inform the Petitioner of the decision of the majority of the National Board of Trustees, either sustaining or denying such appeal with copy to the National Adjutant / Paymaster.
                         (4) The decision of the National Board of Trustees shall be final.

SECTION 903 – NATIONAL  CONVENTION GRIEVANCE -
                (a) If a grievance arises during  a National Convention, it shall be immediately presented in writing to the National Judge Advocate. The National Judge Advocate shall attempt to mediate the grievance.
            If mediation is unsuccessful:
                         (1) The National Judge Advocate shall petition the National Commandant to immediately convene a Hearing Board of at least three (3) members of the National Board of Trustees or such other members as the National Commandant shall designate. The National Commandant may serve as the Chairman of that Hearing Board or shall appoint a Chairman to serve in his stead.
                         (2) The Hearing board may call witnesses. It shall hear appropriate testimony either orally or by affidavit as set forth in this chapter. A Hearing Board may also conduct its own independent investigation.
                         (3) The Hearing Board's decision, which must be affirmed by majority of the Board shall be served in writing upon the Petitioner and the Respondent immediately.
                         (4) If the grievance is substantiated and proven, the Hearing Board shall state in its decision the corrective action necessary upon the Petitioner an Respondent immediately.
                         (5) The Petitioner may appeal the Hearing Board's decision directly to the Convention and has the burden of proving such grievance to the Convention.
                         (6) A majority vote of the Convention, with the affected member and/or deligation(s) abstaining, will prevail.
                (b) If the grievance concerns the seating or voting of a Delegate or Delegation, the Convention shall stand in recess until the matter is resolved.
                (c) Any grievance applicable to seating at a National convention shall be filed in writing with the National Judge Advocate, prior to commencement of the convention, whereupon he shall proceed in accordance with SECTION 903 (a).

SECTION 904 - DISCIPLINE OF A MEMBER, DETACHMENT, DEPARTMENT OFFICERS AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES -
                (a) Whenever an individual member, Detachment, Detachment Officer, Department Officer other than the Commandant, or a member of the Board of Trustees of the Detachment commits an act contrary to the National Bylaws and Administrative Procedures of the Marine Corps League, or an act which is deemed not in the best interest of the Marine Corps League, said individual member, Detachment, Detachment Officer, Department Officer, or member of the Board of Trustees shall be charged as follows:
                         (1) A written complaint setting forth in detail the basis of the disciplinary charges shall be served upon the Respondent, with copies to the Department Commandant, the Department Judge Advocate, the National Commandant and the National Judge Advocate by certified mail, return receipt.
                         (2) The written complaint may be served upon the Respondent in person by the jurisdictional Sergeant-at-Arms. Upon service, the Sergeant-at-Arms shall file a written return of service specifying the date and time the Respondent was served.
                         (3) A failure to accept or a refusal to accept certified mail or to sign for the receipt of such mail after due notice from the United States Post Office shall be deemed to be good service.
                (b) Upon receiving the written complaint, the Department Judge Advocate shall have twenty (20) days in which he may conduct a preliminary informal investigation to determine the merit of the disciplinary charge an should explore the possibility of a negotiated settlement.
                 (c) In the absence of a settlement being accomplished in the twenty (20) calendar day period, the Department Commandant shall appoint a Hearing Board as required herein which shall convene within forty (40) calendar days subsequent to such appointment.
                        (1) The appointed Hearing Board shall be composed of the Department Commandant as Chairman, the Department Judge Advocate, and minimum of three (3) others members, preferably Past Commandants and Past Judge Advocates, none of whom shall be members of the unit involved. The Board shall convene a hearing at a time and place of its convenience within the Municipality of the respondent, it may hear testimony and it may also conduct its own independent investigation. La. 6/08
                         (2) The Hearing Board is empowered to convene a hearing at a time and place of its convenience subject to the limitations as set forth above in paragraph 904 (c) (1). Any challenge to composition of the Hearing Board or to the notices given concerning such hearing must be made at least ten (10) days prior to the start of the hearing or shall be deemed to have been waived.
                          (3) The Hearing Board may call witnesses but is under no obligation to do so. The Petitioner has the burden of proving any and all disciplinary charges against the Respondent to the satisfaction of the Hearing Board.
                          (4) The Hearing Board shall hear appropriate testimony either orally or by affidavit as set forth in this chapter. A Hearing Board may also conduct its own independent investigation.
                 (d) The decision of the Hearing Board shall be made in writing and must be affirmed by a majority of the Hearing Board.
                          (1) If any disciplinary charge is substantiated and proven, the Hearing Board shall so state in its decision its findings related to the evidence and shall also state the punishment awarded by the Hearing Board.
                          (2) If any disciplinary charge is not substantiated or proven, the written decision shall so state.
                          (3) The written decision shall be forwarded within fifteen (15) days to the Petitioner and the Respondent, with copies to all of the participating parties, and the National Judge Advocate and National / Paymaster.
                 (e) A written appeal of he Hearing boards decision may be made to the national Judge Advocate by either the Respondent or the Petitioner. Any appeal must be made in writing within thirty (30) days after the receipt of the Hearing Board's decision setting forth as clearly as possible the basis for such appeal.
                          (1) The National Judge Advocate shall rule on the appeal and shall so advise all participating parties in writing of his decision either substantiating or denying the appeal within thirty (30) days.
                          (2) The National Judge Advocate may make his decision on the appeal from the records, or he may permit the Petitioner and / or the Respondent or any other party to make oral or written argument concerning the appeal before the national Judge Advocate after due written notice to all participating parties by the National Judge Advocate allowing such argument. No oral or written argument or contact should me made to the National Judge Advocate concerning any disciplinary matter or appeal absent his specific request for the same.
                          (3) If the record of the hearing is insufficient or there exists material irregularities in procedure, the National Judge Advocate may refer the matter back to the Hearing Board to supplement the record or to correct such material irregularity to insure that justice prevails.
                 (f) Either the Petitioner or the Respondent may appeal the National Judge Advocate's decision in writing setting forth the basis for such appeal within fifteen (15) days of receipt of the National Judge Advocate's decision to the National Board of Trustees via the National Commandant.
                          (1) The National Commandant, upon receiving such an appeal, shall place the subject on the agenda of the National Board of Trustees for review at the next scheduled meeting of the Board.
                          (2) The National Board of Trustees shall review the appeal at the first scheduled meeting subsequent to receiving such appeal.
                          (3) The National Board of Trustees may make its decision merely from the records, or it may permit the Petitioner and / or the Respondent or any other party to appear and argue the matter before the National Board of Trustees after due written notice to all other participating parties. It may take, but is not required to take, further evidence including evidence is mitigation or aggravation of such disciplinary charge(s) and / or punishment awarded relating thereto under such rules and conditions as it may from time to time adopt.
                          (4) The National Board of Trustees may sustain or reject the decision of the National Judge Advocate.
                          (5) If the National Board of Trustees fails to sustain the finding of the National Judge Advocate, it shall rule on the appeal and issue its own decision thereon in writing to all participating parties through the National Adjutant / Paymaster.
                          (6) The decision of the Board of Trustees is final and there is no further rights of appeal.
                 (g) The legitimate travel and lodging expenses of the Hearing Board shall be charged against the Department, which shall be reimbursable to the members upon submission of a voucher to the paymaster of the appropriate Department.

SECTION 905 - DEPARTMENT COMMANDANT OR DEPARTMENT -
                 (a) In the event the Respondent is a Department Commandant or Department, the following procedure shall be followed:
                          (1) Disciplinary Charges shall be submitted in writing to the National Judge Advocate and to the Respondent, with a copy to the National Commandant.
                          (2) Proof of service on Respondent shall be provided to the National Judge Advocate by the Petitioner by either service in hand by the Department Sergeant-at-Arms or by certified mail, return receipt requested as set forth herein.
                 (b) The National Judge Advocate may, at his discretion, conduct a preliminary investigation to:
                          (1) Determine the merit of the charge.
                          (2) Explore the possibility of a negotiated settlement.
                 (c) If the charge appears to be valid, and if it appears to the National Judge Advocate that a negotiated settlement is not likely, or upon his own initiative, the National Judge Advocate shall proceed:
                          (1) Petition the National Commandant, who shall appoint a Hearing Board of not less than three (3) nor more than five (5) members, at his discretion, appoint current or former members of Board of Trustees.
                          (2)The Hearing Board shall convene in the state in which the disciplinary charges arose  at a time and place of its convenience. Any challenge to the composition of the Hearing Board or to the notices given concerning such hearing must be made at least ten (10) days prior to the start of the hearing or shall be deemed to have been waived.
                          (3) The Hearing Board may call witnesses but is under no obligation to do so. The Petitioner has the burden of proving any and all disciplinary charges against the Respondent to the satisfaction of the Hearing Board.
                          (4) The Hearing Board shall hear appropriate testimony either orally or by affidavit as set forth in this chapter. A Hearing board may also conduct its own independent investigation.
                 (d) The decision of the Hearing Board shall be made in writing and must be affirmed by a majority of the Hearing Board.
                          (1) If any disciplinary charge is substantiated and proven, the Hearing Board shall so state in its decision its finding related to the evidence and shall also state the punishment awarded by the Hearing Board.
                          (2) If any disciplinary charge is not substantiated or proven, the written decision shall so state.
                          (3) The written decision shall be forwarded within fifteen (15) days to the National Commandant with a copy to the National Judge Advocate. The National Judge Advocate will effect proper service upon Petitioner and the Respondent, with copies to all of the participating parties and the National Adjutant / Paymaster.
                 (e) The Petitioner and the Respondent may appeal the decision of the Hearing board in writing within thirty (30) days to the National Board of Trustees via the National commandant setting forth as clearly as possible the basis for such appeal.
                          (1) The National Adjutant / Paymaster will distribute copies of all pertinent material to the members of the Board of Trustees.
                          (2) The Board of Trustees shall render their opinion in writing to National Headquarters within fifteen (15) days; whereupon the National Adjutant / paymaster will inform the Petitioner and the Respondent of the decision of the majority of the National Board of trustees, either sustaining or denying such appeal.
                          (3) Any member of the Board of Trustees who shall have served on the subject Hearing Board shall abstain from voting on the appeal.
                 (f) The Respondent or the Petitioner may appeal the decision of the National Board of Trustees in writing setting forth as clearly as possible the basis for such appeal directly to National; convention via the National Adjutant / paymaster.
                          (1) Any appeal to the convention must be made within thirty (30) days of receipt of the decision of the National Board of Trustees and not less than thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of the National Convention.
                 (g) The legitimate travel and lodging expenses of the Hearing Board shall be charged against National Headquarters and shall be reimbursable upon submission of a voucher to the National Comptroller.

SECTION 906 - NATIONAL OFFICERS AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES -
                (a) If the Respondent is a National Officer or a member of the National Board of Trustees, other than the National Commandant or National Judge Advocate, the procedure shall be as follows:
                         (1) Charge shall be filed with the National Judge Advocate, who will thereupon cause service of same either in hand by the National Sergeant -at- Arms or by certified mail, return receipt requested as provided herein upon the Respondent, with copies to the national Board of Trustees.
                 (b) The National Judge Advocate may conduct a preliminary investigation to determine:
                         (1) The merit of the charge.
                         (2) The possibility of a negotiated settlement.
                 (c) If the charge appears to be valid and has merit, and it appears to the National Judge Advocate that a negotiated settlement is not likely, or upon his own initiative, the National Judge Advocate shall proceed to:
                         (1) Petition the National Commandant, who shall appoint a Hearing Board of not less than three (3) nor more than five (5) members, including the National Judge Advocate. The National Commandant may, with discretion, appoint current or former members of the Board of Trustees. If the charge is not found to merit further proceedings such charge shall be dismissed and the Petitioner shall be so notified by the National Judge Advocate.
                         (2) The Hearing Board is empowered to convene a hearing at a time and place of its convenience. Any challenge to the composition of the Hearing Board or to the notices given concerning such hearing must be made at least ten (10) days prior to the start of the hearing or shall be deemed to have been waived.
                         (3) The Hearing Board may call witnessed but is under no obligation to do so. The Petitioner has the burden of proving any and all disciplinary charges against the Respondent to the satisfaction of the Hearing Board.
                         (4) The Hearing Board shall hear appropriate testimony either orally or by affidavit as set forth in this chapter. A Hearing Board may also conduct its own independent investigation. 
                 (d) The decision of the Hearing Board shall be made in writing and must be affirmed by a majority of the Hearing Board.
                         (1) If any disciplinary charge is substantiated and proven, the Hearing Board shall so state in its decision its finding relative to the evidence and shall also state the punishment awarded by the Hearing Board.
                         (2) If any disciplinary charge is not substantiated or proven, the written decision shall so state.
                         (3) The written decision shall be forwarded within fifteen (15) days to the national Commandant with copy to the National Judge Advocate. The National Judge Advocate will effect proper service upon the Petitioner and the Respondent, with copies to all of the participating parties.
                 (e) The Respondent or Petitioner may appeal in writing within thirty (30) days to the National Board of Trustees via the National Commandant setting forth as clearly as possible the basis for such appeal.
                         (1) The National Adjutant / Paymaster will distribute copies of all pertinent material to the members of the National Board of Trustees.
                         (2) Each member of the National Board of Trustees shall render their opinion in writing to National Headquarters within fifteen (15) days; whereupon the National Adjutant / Paymaster will inform the Petitioner and the Respondent of the decision of the majority of the National Board of Trustees, either sustaining or denying such appeal.
                         (3) Any member of the Board of Trustees who shall have served on the subject Hearing Board shall abstain from voting on the appeal.
                 (f) The Respondent or Petitioner may appeal the decision of the National board of Trustees in writing setting forth as clearly as possible the basis for such appeal directly to the National Convention via National Adjutant / Paymaster.
                         (1) Any appeal to the convention must be made within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the decision of the National Board of Trustees and not less than thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of the National Convention.
                 (g) The legitimate travel and lodging expenses of the Hearing Board shall be charged against National Headquarters and shall be reimbursable upon submission of a voucher to the National Comptroller.

SECTION 907 - NATIONAL COMMANDANT-
                (a) In the event the National Commandant shall be the Respondent the following procedure shall be followed:
                         (1) The National Senior Vice Commandant and the National Judge Advocate shall determine if the charge is serious enough to merit further proceedings. If it is not found to merit further proceedings such charge shall be dismissed and the Petitioner shall be so notified by the National Judge Advocate.
                (b) If found to have merit, the disciplinary charges hall be deemed filed with the National Judge Advocate, who who thereupon cause service of same upon Respondent, with copies to the National Board of Trustees.
                (c) The National Senior Vice Commandant shall immediately convene the entire National Board of Trustees (excluding the National Commandant) to serve as the Hearing Board. A Quorum shall consist of at least eight (8) board members.
                (d) If the Hearing Board finds it is in the best interest of the Marine Corps League, it may, by two thirds (2/3rds) vote, temporarily suspend the National Commandant from the duties of his office.
                (e) The Senior Vice Commandant shall serve as chairman of the Hearing Board.
                         (1) The Board shall conduct a hearing at National Headquarters at its own convenience, call witnesses, hear testimony, and it may conduct its own independent investigation.
                (f) The Hearing board's decision, which must be affirmed by a two thirds (2/3rds) vote, shall be served upon the National commandant within fifteen(15) days of date of decision
                (g) The National Commandant my appeal within thirty (30) days to the Senior voce Commandant, via the National Adjutant / Paymaster, who shall appoint an appeals board (Board of Appeals) which shall be compromised of a minimum of five (5) past National Commandants, none of which shall be current members of the National Board of Trustees. The Board of Appeals shall concern itself only with the appeal and a majority vote by the Board of appeals is required for a decision.
                (h) The National commandant may further appeal the decision of the Board of Appeals directly to the National Convention in writing, via the National Adjutant / Paymaster.
                         (1) Any appeal to the convention must be made within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the decision of the Board of Appeals and not less than thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of the National Convention.
                (i) The legitimate travel and lodging expenses for the Hearing Board or Board of  Appeals shall be charged against National Headquarters and shall be reimbursable upon submission of a voucher to the National Comptroller.

SECTION 908 - NATIONAL JUDGE ADVOCATE-
                (a) In the event the National Judge Advocate shall be the Respondent the following procedure shall be followed:
                         (1) The charges shall be filed with the National Commandant, who shall affect service upon the Respondent and all participating parties.
                (b) The Junior Past National Commandant and National Senior Vice Commandant shall determine if the charge is serious enough to merit further proceedings. If it is not found to merit further proceedings such charge shall be dismissed and the Petitioner shall be so notified by the Junior Past National Commandant.
                (c) If any charge is found to have merit:
                         (1) The National Senior Vice Commandant as Chairman shall immediately convene a Hearing Board, composed of himself and four (4) other members of the National Board of Trustees.
                         (2) The Hearing board is empowered to convene a hearing at a time and place of its convenience. Any challenge to the composition of the Hearing Board or to the notices given concerning such hearing must be made prior to the start of the hearing or shall be deemed to have been waived
                         (3) The Hearing Board may call witnesses but is not under no obligation to do so. The Petitioner has the burden of proving any and all disciplinary charges against the Respondent to the satisfaction of the Hearing Board.
                         (4) The Hearing Board shall hear appropriate testimony either orally or by affidavit as set forth in this chapter. A Hearing Board may also conduct its own independent investigation.
                (d) If the Hearing Board finds it is in the best interest of the Marine Corps League, it may, by two thirds (2/3rds) vote, temporarily suspend the National Judge Advocate from the duties of his office.
                (e) The decision of the Hearing Board shall be made in writing and must be affirmed by a majority of the Hearing Board.
                         (1) If any disciplinary charge is substantiated and proved, the Hearing Board shall so state in its decision its findings related to the evidence and shall also state the punishment awarded by the Hearing Board.
                         (2) If any disciplinary charge is not substantiated or proven, the written decision shall so state.
                         (3) The written decision shall be forwarded within fifteen (15) days to the National Commandant who will effect proper service upon the Petitioner and the Respondent, with copies to all participating Parties.
                (f) The Respondent or Petitioner may appeal in writing within thirty (30) days t the National Commandant setting forth as clearly as possible the basis for such appeal.
                         (1) Upon appeal, the National Commandant shall appoint an Appeal Board which shall be comprised of a minimum of five (5) National  Judge Advocates, none of which shall be a current member of the National Board of Trustees. This Appeal Board shall concern itself only with the appeal and a majority vote is required for a decision.
                (g) The National Judge Advocate may further appeal the decision of he Board of Appeals directly to the National Convention is writing via the National Adjutant / Paymaster.
                         (1) Any appeal to the Convention must be made within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the decision of the Board of Appeals and not less than thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of the National Convention.
                (h) Legitimate travel and lodging expenses of the Hearing Board or Board of Appeals shall be charged against National Headquarters and shall be reimbursable upon submission of a voucher to the National Comptroller.

SECTION 909 - PROCEDURE-
The following procedures will be adhered to in addition to the other provisions of this chapter.
    A. Notice of composition of Hearing Board -
                (a) The jurisdictional Judge Advocate must notify the Petitioner and the Respondent of the members appointed to the Hearing Board no less than twenty (20) days prior to the convening date of the Board. No member of the offended unit may be appointed to a Hearing Board.
                (b) The Petitioner and the Respondent will have ten (10) days to object in writing to any or all of the appointed Hearing Board members. Such written notice shall be directed to the jurisdictional Judge Advocate. Absent a timely objection, the Hearing Board shall be deemed to be fair and impartial.
                (c) The jurisdictional Judge Advocate is not subject to challenge except for good cause.
                         (1) Upon receiving a challenge, the jurisdictional Judge Advocate will petition the appointing authority for replacements and notify the Petitioner and Respondent of such replacements. Replacements may be subject to challenge only for good cause which challenge must be made before the start of the Hearing.
                         (2) Potential Hearing Board members who may have conflict of interest through friendship, marriage, family relationship or prejudice must recuse themselves from setting on the Hearing Board.
                         (3) if the jurisdictional Judge Advocate must be recused from setting on the Hearing Board, the appointing authority will appoint a replacement, preferring a Past National or Department Judge Advocate or a Past National or Department Commandant.
                         (4) In the event an investigator or a committee is appointed to investigate the circumstances of any allegations, the investigative report must be presented to the Hearing Board and the investigator or members of the committee may be called upon as witnesses by the Hearing Board.

    B. Duties of the Petitioner -
                (a) The Petitioner has the burden of proving any grievance or disciplinary charge to the satisfaction of the Hearing Board. Failure to present sufficient evidence may be grounds to dismiss the grievance or the disciplinary charge.
                         (1) The Petitioner will be responsible to invite witnesses to testify on his behalf and to present proper evidence relative t the grievance or disciplinary charge.
                         (2) A complete list of witnesses, notarized statements from any witness that can not appear at the hearing in person and copies of all exhibits t be offered into evidence must be submitted to the jurisdictional Judge Advocate fifteen (15) days prior to the convening of the Hearing Board. Any witness not listed or exhibits attempted to be introduced but not previously provided may be heard and / or admitted subject to the sole discretion of the Hearing Board under such terms and conditions as it shall require.
                         (3) The Petitioner may have a member of the Marine Corps League act as his Counsel, but the representative Counsel must have been a member of the Marine Corps League for at least a year.
                         (4) The Petitioner or his representative has the right to examine and cross examine witnesses.

    C. Duties of the Respondent -
                (a) A Respondent has the right to but need not file a written response to any grievance or disciplinary charge filed against him. However, failure to appear or to provide evidence shall not prevent the Hearing Board from making appropriate findings.
                         (1) The Respondent will be responsible to invite witnesses to testify on his behalf and to present proper evidence in his defense relative to the grievance or disciplinary charge against him.
                         (2) A complete list of witnesses, notarized statements from any witness that can not appear at the hearing in person and copies of all exhibits to be offered into evidence must be submitted to the jurisdictional Judge Advocate fifteen (15) days prior to the convening of the Hearing Board. Any witness not listed or exhibits attempted to be introduced but not previously provided may be heard and admitted subject to the sole discretion of the Hearing Board under such terms ands conditions as it shall require.
                         (3) The Respondent may have a member of the Marine Corps League act as his Counsel, but the representative Counsel must have been a member of the marine Corps League for at least a year.
                         (4) The Respondent or his representative has the right to examine and cross examine witnesses.

    D. Record of the Proceedings -
                (a) The Chairman of the Hearing Board will appoint a Recorder, preferably from the local area to keep a record of the proceedings by tape recording.
                         (1) The Recorder will be the sole operator of the recording device.
                         (2) Maintain a log of tape activities (See Attachment 9-1)
                         (3) At the close of the hearing, the Recorder shall turn over all tapes to the jurisdictional Judge Advocate.
                         (4) The Jurisdictional Judge Advocate will sign the log as custodian of the tapes.
                         (5)  A duplicate of the log will be sent with all requests for copies of tapes.
                         (6) The Recorder will not participate in the Hearing Board's deliberations.
                         (7) There will be no tape recording or other recording of the proceedings of the Hearing Board other than the official recording taken by the Recorder. The Board will make available to the principles, upon written request to the jurisdictional Judge Advocate a copy of the recording of the hearing. Such request must be made in writing to the jurisdictional Judge Advocate within ten (10) days of the notice of the decision.
                         (8) The actual cost of such reproduction of the tape recording will be borne by the party requesting the copy.
                         (9) I a grievance or disciplinary proceeding, as set froth in this chapter, if the Petitioner or the Respondent requests a copy of the Hearing Board's proceedings, as provided in Section 909(D)(7) above, the thirty (30) day appeal period shall commence subsequent to the receipt of the copy of the record.

    E. Jurisdictional Judge Advocate and Appeals -
The Jurisdictional Judge Advocate cannot sit on any Appeal Board. The jurisdictional Judge Advocate may be called as a witness by the party or board hearing the appeal. The National or Department Commandant as is relevant shall appoint an acting Judge Advocate for any jurisdictional Judge Advocate. Such acting Judge Advocate shall preferably be a Past National or Department Judge Advocate, Past National or Department Commandant.

    F. Duties of the Sergeant-at-Arms -
                (a) The Chairman off the Hearing Board will appoint a Sergeant-at-Arms, preferably from the local area. The duties of the Sergeant-at-Arms are to preserve order and to perform other duties as required by the Chairman of the Hearing Board.

    G. Duties and Responsibilities of the Hearing Board -
                (a) The Hearing Board may but is not obligated to invite additional witnesses other than those designated by the Petitioner or the Respondent.
                (b) The jurisdictional Judge Advocate will provide the Petitioner and Respondent with a list of witnesses including witnesses to be called by the Board itself and copies of all exhibits as identified and provided by the Petitioner and the Respondent and the Respondent or to be introduced by the Hearing Board itself not less than five (5) days prior to the convening of the hearing Board.
                (c) The Hearing Board will, in so far as practicable, conduct the hearings as outlined in accordance with Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised. Hearings will be held in Executive Session. The jurisdictional Judge Advocate will write the findings of the Hearing Board and notify all parties concerned.
                (d) The Petitioner or the Respondent or their representative will conduct the examination and / or cross examination of witnesses. If a representative is utilized, principals may not separately interrogate the witnesses. Only one party, either the Petitioner or the Respondent or appointed representative from each side will be permitted to examine or cross examine witnesses.
                (e) The Hearing Board Chairman and members of the Board may conduct a inquiry of any witness.

SECTION 910 - SUSPENSION PENDING HEARING-
In all disciplinary proceedings brought under Sections 904, 905 and 906 herein, the designated jurisdictional Judge Advocate shall possess the discretionary authority to temporarily suspend the Respondent from membership, office or function pending final resolution of the disciplinary charge. The National Judge Advocate and National Adjutant / Paymaster shall be notified in writing of such suspension.

SECTION 911 - PUNISHMENT-
                (a) Following conformance with the procedures outlined in this chapter, if the Respondent is adjudged guilty of committing any act which would tend to bring the Marine Corps League into disrepute, and / or conduct unbecoming a member of the Marine Corps League, or if he has violated any of the applicable provisions of the National, Department or Detachment Bylaws or Administrative Procedures, or any offence set forth in Section 913 hereof, the Respondent shall be subject to the following:
                         (1) A member, or officer at any level, may be punished by written reprimand, suspension for a specified period of time, or be expelled from the Marine Corps League.
                         (2) A Detachment or Department may receive a reprimand; its Charter may be temporarily suspended; or its Charter may be permanently revoked.
                         (3) The National Adjutant / Paymaster shall be notified of all actions taken pursuant to this Section.
                (b) When the Respondent has be adjudged guilty, and punished by suspension, the Respondent is stricken from the roles of the Marine Corps League for the specified period of time. During that time, the Respondent is not permitted to attend or participate in any functions of the Marine Corps League, subsidiary and subordinate organizations or tot represent that he is a member of the Marine Corps League. If Respondent is found in violation of a suspension, the Respondent is subject to further charges and possible expulsion from the Marine Corps League.

SECTION 912 - CRIMINAL ACTS-
Should any member of the League, or any subsidiary organization, subordinate group or members thereof, violate any criminal laws of the United States, or a State having jurisdiction thereof, the complaint should be made directly to the proper Federal, State or local authority, and not to the League although such conduct may also be the basis for a disciplinary charge under this chapter.

SECTION 913 - OFFENSES-
The following offences are recognized and must be processed in accordance with the applicable section or sections of Chapter Nine:
                (a) Violation of Oath of Membership.
                (b) Violation of Oath of Office.
                (c) Conduct unbecoming a member of he Marine Corps League.
                (d) Any action detrimental to the League.
                (e) Conviction of any crime which constitutes a felony in a County (Parish), City, State, or Federal Court in the United States of America.

SECTION 914 - CHARGES STEMMING FROM A PREVIOUSLY HEARD MATTER-
In the event a charge stems from a previously heard grievance or disciplinary charge, the failure to take corrective action to resolve a grievance , the failure to comply with a temporary suspension or punishment issued during a previously heard matter, the Jurisdictional body shall be deemed to be the body who last heard the proceedings and / or whose findings were the basis of such finding, suspension or punishment.
                (a) A charge filed under this section shall be submitted in writing to the National Commandant and the National Judge Advocate.
                         (1) If the charge stems from a previously heard matter, the National Judge Advocate will determine and immediately notify the Commandant of the jurisdictional body to reconvene a hearing at a time and place of its convenience at, or near, the place of the previous hearing. it may hear testimony and may conduct its own independent investigation and shall make such additional findings and render such additional punishment, if any, that it finds necessary to enforce the prior decision.
                         (2) If the charge stems from a violation of a temporary suspension, the national Judge Advocate will determine and immediately notify the jurisdictional Commandant who may, prior to convening a hearing, conduct his own independent investigation, document his findings, and make such findings known to the Hearing Board. If a violation is found the Hearing Board shall render such additional punishment as may be deemed necessary to enforce the prior punishment.
                         (3) The Hearing Board's decision, which must be agreed to by a majority of the Hearing Board, shall be forwarded to the Petitioner and the Respondent and the National Judge Advocate within fifteen (15) days, the National Judge Advocate will thereupon effect proper service of the Hearing Board's decision t the National Board of Trustees and the National Adjutant / Paymaster.
                         (4) The Hearing Board's decision may be appealed in accordance with the appropriate section of the Administrative Procedures governing the original charge.

 LOG OF TAPE RECORDINGS (FORM) ---- ATTACHMENT 1

A SAMPLE HEARING ---- ATTACHMENT - 2
 

            Any hearing under Chapter 9 of these Administrative Procedures should be conducted in an orderly  and efficient manor enabling the parties to be heard and evidence presented, and to enable the Hearing Board to make a fair and just decision.

The following is one sample of hearing procedure:

A. Assemble the Board  preferably at the same table facing the Petitioner and the Respondent. If possible the opposing parties should be seated at separate tables facing the Board.

B. The Chairman of the Hearing Board calls the hearing to order and introduces all of the Hearing Board members, the Judge Advocate, the Recorder and Sergeant-at-Arms. Announce why the Sergeant-at-Arms is there and make sure that everyone is perfectly clear that the hearing will be orderly, no one will argue or speak out of turn and that if they do. they will be directed to immediately vacate the hearing room. Never allow the parties to argue amongst themselves. Strike quickly on the first attempt no matter now minor and you may prevent further attempts.

C. Introduce into evidence all of the exhibits. All exhibits should have been previously provided by the Petitioner and the Respondent fifteen (15) days before the date of the hearing and the Petitioner and the Respondent should have received a list of all of the exhibits to be introduced prior to the hearing. Mark each of the exhibits consecutively with numbers or letters as appropriate.
                         (1) Exhibit number 1 should be the written grievance or disciplinary charges brought.
                         (2) Exhibit 2 should be the written response, if any, from the Respondent.
                         (3) Exhibit 3 should be the written notice to the parties setting out the Hearing Board members and the date, time and place of the hearing.
                                (a) Attach copies of the certified mail receipt to the Petitioner and the Respondent making sure that the date of service is clear. If Respondent was served in hand by the Sergeant-at-Arms, attach copy of his return of service showing the date, time and place of service upon the Respondent.
                                (b) If any of the original Hearing Board members were challenged attach as an exhibit to written challenge and the written notice of the replacement.
                                (c) If the Hearing Board conducted its own investigation that written report of the investigator should also be introduced into evidence. Note that no member of the Hearing Board should conduct the investigation himself, the investigator should be called as a witness by either the Board, the Petitioner or the Respondent. If a Hearing Board member conducts the investigation himself he has created a conflict because he cannot appear as an independent witness and a Hearing Board member who must decide the case.
                         (4) Number each of the Petitioner's exhibits with consecutive numbers.
                         (5) Number each of the Respondent's exhibits with consecutive numbers.
                         (6) Mark any notarized affidavits as permitted in this Chapter NINE.
Note that all of the above should be accomplished by the jurisdictional Judge Advocate before the hearing starts but put statements on the tape record of what you have done. For instance, "The Hearing Board has marked the Petitioner's exhibits as exhibits 1 through 5 and the Respondent's exhibits as exhibits A-H". "We have notarized statements from X, Y and Z" Once marked have the witnesses properly identify any exhibit they are referring to. If this done, you will have an orderly record not only to assist the Hearing Board but for clarity for any possible appeal and review later.

D. Ask for any challenges or objections to the marked exhibits and affidavits. If there is a challenge note the exhibit or affidavit for the record. The Hearing Board may rule that an exhibit or affidavit not presented in accordance with procedures set forth in Chapter NINE may not be admitted or may be admitted but subject to certain conditions such as the other party would be allowed a certain period of time to rebut the evidence. This is not the time for arguments on how much weight should be given to an exhibit but merely to procedural issues as t why an exhibit or statement should or should not be introduced into evidence.

E. If the Board desires it may entertain opening statements. The Petitioner has the burden of proving his grievance or his disciplinary charges and typically makes the first opening statement. the Respondent may make an opening statement but is under no obligation to do so.

F. Ask the Petitioner or his representative to call his first witness. Have the Chairman of the Judge Advocate swear in the witness. You may have the witness take the oath individually or you may swear in all witnesses at the same time. The Petitioner or his representative then has the right to examine this witness. The Petitioner or his representative may do this is question and answer format or may simply allow the witness to make a statement or any combination. The Hearing Board may ask questions of any witness at any time. Once the Petitioner is finished with the witness, the Respondent or his representative has the right to cross-examine the witness. Do not allow either party to interrupt the other during that parity's presentation. This is not a trial. There are no "Objections". Each party will and should be given the opportunity to present their evidence or rebuttal. The Petitioner should be allowed to present all of his witnesses before moving to the Respondent's defense.

G. Once the Petitioner has finished his case the Respondent then has the opportunity to present his defense. The Respondent is not required to present his defense. The burden o proof is upon the Petitioner. The same procedure  is followed when the Respondent or his representative examining his witness and the Petitioner having the right to cross-examine.

H. Once all of the witnesses have been heard the Board may entertain closing statements. The statements should be based on the evidence which the Board has heard and any reasonable inferences which can be made from the evidence. The Respondent makes the first closing statement. The Petitioner, having the burden of proof, has the last closing statement.

Note: If for some reason the hearing cannot be concluded on the day set forth in the original notice, the hearing may be convened to another day, time and place. The Administrative Procedures does not set forth a time limitation on what that date should be. However, minimally comply by setting up the first hearing date within the next sixty (60) day period from receiving the grievance or disciplinary charge and then continue the hearing to another date if need be. If you announce at the hearing that date, time, and place of reconvening the hearing there is no requirement to send out additional written notices to anyone. If you  do not set up a date, time and place later, you must serve a new notice by certified mail.

I. Officially close the fearing and have the recorder note the time on the record.

J. The Board may close the session and deliberate the evidence and make a finding. It is not recommended that you announce your findings at this time and that the Chairman merely notify all parties that the decision will be rendered in writing as required by the Administrative Procedures within fifteen (15) days.

K. Write your decision and get a majority vote on the decision. If grievance is substantiated, set out what action will be necessary to resolve the grievance. If punishment is warranted on a disciplinary charge set out the punishment clearly. Try to make your decision as clear as possible setting out why you found the way that you did. It is entirely appropriate to set out that you believed certain evidence or did not believe certain evidence. The Hearing Board has the duty to make a determination as to whom and what version of events it believes. The Hearing Board gives whatever weight it chooses to the evidence. Please remember that in the event of any appeal your decision is being reviewed by someone or some other body such as the national Judge Advocate or the board of Trustees who did not have the opportunity to view the case and the witnesses or hear the evidence and they are therefore relying upon the record created.

Does all of this look like a trial? Yes it does but why reinvent the wheel? Similar procedures have been used for centuries. The eventual outcome of the grievance or the disciplinary charge  is extremely important to the parties involved and to the efficient and orderly promotion of the purposed of the League and the conduct of League business.

A Sample Hearing Chronology --- Attachment - 3

            All hearings whether for a grievance or a disciplinary action start with the basic proposition that from the date of the filing of the complaint to the date of the start of the hearing should be sixty (60) days or less. This chronology is only a guide and assures a grievance or disciplinary procedure at the primary Department level where the jurisdictional judge Advocate is the Department Judge Advocate and the jurisdictional Commandant is the Department Commandant.

DAY ONE -  Judge Advocate receives by Certified Mail from Petitioner the grievance or Disciplinary Charge(s) against the Respondent with copies to the Department Commandant, the National Judge Advocate and the National commandant. The Petitioner must provide evidence of the original  of the grievance or the disciplinary charge(s) upon the respondent by Certified mail / return receipt requested.

DAY 2 TO DAY 19 -  The Judge Advocate and / or the Department Commandant has twenty (20) days  in which to conduct a preliminary investigation and / or attempt to obtain an informal settlement of the grievance or the disciplinary charge(s)

DAY 20 -   If the matter is not settled, the Commandant shall immediately appoint a Hearing Board composed of the Department Commandant, the Department Judge Advocate and at least three (3) other members. The Judge Advocates shall notify the Petitioner and the Respondent in writing of the composition of the hearing Board and the date of the convening of the hearing which should be within sixty (60) days of the original receipt of the grievance or the disciplinary charge(s). The convening date cannot be less than twenty (20) days from the original receipt. La. 6/08

DAY 21 TO DAY 30 - The Petitioner and the Respondent each have ten (10) days to file a written challenge to the composition of the Hearing Board. The Judge Advocate is not subject to challenge except for good cause. Upon receipt of a challenge, the Commandant shall appoint replacements who shall be subject to challenge for cause only.

DAY 45 - Not less than fifteen (15) days before the established hearing date, Petitioner and Respondent must provide the Judge Advocate with a list of all witnesses and a list and a copy of all exhibits and all notarized statements to be presented to the Hearing Board. Note that if the hearing date established is less than sixty (60) days then you count backwards from the hearing date to establish  the date upon which these materials must be provided.

DAY  55 - Not less than five (5) days before the date of the hearing the Judge Advocate shall provide copies of the lists of witnesses, list of exhibits, copies of the exhibits and copies pf the notarized statements to the Petitioner and the Respondent. If the Hearing Board intends to call its own witnesses and / or introduce its own exhibits, the Judge Advocate should prepare the appropriate list and forward to the Petitioner and the Respondent. Again, if the hearing date is less than the sixtieth (60th) day, you count backwards from the hearing date to establish this date.

DAY 60 - Hearing is started. Form the date of the conclusion of the fearing, the Hearing Board has fifteen (15) days in which to render its written decision. Upon entry of the findings an the decision, the Petitioner and the Respondent have thirty (30) days in which to file a "Notice of Appeal" as set forth in these procedures.

All mail under this Chapter NINE must be by certified mail / return receipt requested. E-mail or Fax transmissions are not acceptable except as may be specifically allowed by the procedures in this Chapter.
 

SECTION 1010 - RESOLUTIONS, SUBMITTING AND PROCESSING - Resolutions may be submitted by a member in good standing or a Detachment for consideration by a Department Convention, provided said resolutions are in proper form and in compliance with all the following requirements:

SECTION 1025 - ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES DISTRIBUTION – Each Department, Detachment, Member of the National Board of Trustees, National Headquarters, Marine Corps League Auxiliary, Military Order of Devil Dogs Kennel and the National Headquarters of the Young Marines of the Marine Corps League shall be provided, without charge, two (2) copies of the Administrative Procedures of the Marine Corps League each time they are printed or a published change is made thereto. Any member of the Marine Corps League may purchase copies of the Administrative Procedures from the National Adjutant/Paymaster.

SECTION 1035 – ENCLOSURES – (See National Administrative Procedures Enclosures) –                    
                    Enclosures One (1) through nine (9) are for information in fulfilling the duties of various offices and use by the Officers and members of the Department, Detachments and Members therein.
        ENCLOSURE ONE (1) – INTERNATIONAL SYMBOL FOR HANDICAPPED FACILITIES –
                   For use by the Convention Committee in selecting a site for the Department and Staff Meetings.
       ENCLOSURE TWO (2) – AMERICANISM PROGRAM -
                    This is the guide for Annual reports of Americanism by Detachments and Departments in reporting to the National Convention each year.
    ENCLOSURE THREE (3) – OFFICIAL MARINE CORPS LEAGUE UNIFORM CODE -
                    Explains how to properly wear the Marine Corps League Uniform.
      ENCLOSURE FOUR (4) – MARINE CORPS LEAGUE AWARDS -
                    Explains the awards available for presentation by National Commandant down to awards by the Detachment Commandants.
      ENCLOSURE FIVE (5) – INSTALLATION REPORT -
                    This is an example of an Installation form.
      ENCLOSURE SIX (6) – MEMBERSHIP DUES TRANSMITTAL -
                    This is an example of a Dues Transmittal form.
      ENCLOSURE SEVEN (7) – REQUEST FOR TRANSFER -
                    Form must be completed when a member requests to be transferred from one Detachment to another Detachment or to Member at Large status.
     ENCLOSURE EIGHT (8) – DEATH NOTICE -
                    This form is to be used to notify the National Chaplain of a member’s death.
     ENCLOSURE NINE (9) – NATIONAL/DEPARTMENT HEARING BOARD -
                    This form is to be used to log tapes used at a hearing.

****************** Department of Louisiana ONLY ******************
ENCLOSURES

        ENCLOSURE LA1 – DEPARTMENT OFFICERS’ EXPENSE FORM –
                    All Officers need to document their Expenditures and have them Approved for Reimbursement.
        ENCLOSURE LA 2 – DEPARTMENT MARINE OF THE YEAR "Milton H. Ockman Memorial Award" Est.2006-
                    Procedures to follow in selecting Department Marine of the Year.
        ENCLOSURE LA 2a – DEPARTMENT ASSOCIATE MARINE OF THE YEAR "Leland H. Wilde Memorial Award"
                    Procedures to follow in selecting Department Associate Marine of the Year.
        ENCLOSURE LA 3 –DEPARTMENT MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT -
                    Procedure to follow in selecting members who recruited 5 or more new members in the year.
        ENCLOSURE LA 4 – DEPARTMENT CONVENTION REGISTRATION FORM –
                    Form to be used for Department Convention Registration.
        ENCLOSURE LA 5 – DEPARTMENT CORPORATE SEAL DESIGN -
                    Drawing and Description of Louisiana Department Seal.
        ENCLOSURE LA 6 – RULES OF ORDER FOR DEPARTMENT CONVENTION -
                    Rules of Order to be used at Department Convention.
        ENCLOSURE LA 7 – DEPARTMENT COMMITTEES AND THEIR MEMBERSHIP -
                    List of Committees and their membership.
        ENCLOSURE LA 8 – DEPARTMENT CONVENTION PROPOSED AGENDA -
                    Suggested Agenda to be used for Department Convention.
        ENCLOSURE LA 9 – CERTIFICATES, RIBBONS AND MINIATURE MEDALS AVAILABLE AS AWARDS -
                    Suggested Awards to be used for Department Convention.
        ENCLOSURE LA 12 – APPLICATION FOR (EIN) EMPLOYEE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER -
                    Sample form to be used to apply for Employee Identification Number.

TITLE                                                                                                                      SECTION      PAGE

NOTE All Enclosures are the same as National Marine Corps League except Enclosures noted as (LA), these are Department of Louisiana Enclosures ONLY.

Home