In his junior year at college, Jay Shah got in trouble because of alleged "academic dishonesty." (The student supposedly "plagiarized" parts of a lab report and used source materials without appropriate attribution.)
Unhappy with the penalties imposed, Shah filed an administrative proceeding with the Schenectady County Supreme Court asking that the school's determination be annulled. When that court denied his request, the kid appealed to the Appellate Division, Third Department, claiming that the disciplinary process was flawed and that the penalties--class failure and a one-semester suspension--were excessive.
But based on his admissions, and its review of the school's procedures and processes, the dismissal of his challenge was affirmed. The AD3 didn't see the penalties as disproportionate, given Shah's prior history of plagiarism and the harsher penalties--such as expulsion--that could have been imposed.
How unoriginal.
To view a copy of the Appellate Division's decision, please use this link: Matter of Shah v Union Coll.