CHAPTER XX
TRIAL OF SUPREME AND STATE OFFICERS
Suspension or Removal From Office
SEC. 182. Any Supreme Officer, Territorial Deputy or State Officer
who is found guilty of a violation of the constitution or laws of the
Order shall be suspended or removed from office or expelled from
membership in the Order.
Charges — How Preferred
SEC. 183. Except as provided for cases of summary suspension,
removals pursuant to the last section shall be upon written charges
specifically setting forth the offenses alleged. Such charges, with evi-
dence by affidavit or otherwise, shall be presented to the Supreme
Secretary. The Supreme Knight, Deputy Supreme Knight and the
Supreme Advocate, as a committee, shall examine said charges and
the evidence by affidavit or otherwise offered in support of such
charges and, if in the judgment of any one of said committee action
thereon is justified, notice of trial at the next meeting of the Board of
Directors, together with a copy of the charges, shall be sent by the
Supreme Secretary to the accused, the party preferring the charges,
and each member of the Board of Directors, at least two weeks
before the date set for the hearing. Within ten days following the
receipt of the charges, the accused shall file with the Supreme
Secretary an answer in writing to such charges. Upon failure to so file
such answer, the accused shall be considered in default and the
Board of Directors shall at its next meeting impose the penalty pro-
vided by law. In case the accusation be against any of the officers
named, such officer shall be disqualified to act and the vacancy in the
committee filled by the remainder.
Trial
SEC. 184. At the same time and place named, the Board of
Directors shall, unless good cause shall appear to their judgment for
adjournment of the hearing, proceed to hear the evidence by affidavit
or otherwise. They shall permit parties to be represented by counsel,
who must be a member of the Order. The Board, in its discretion, may
appoint one of its members a commissioner, with full power to take
evidence, summon and compel the attendance of witnesses.
Decision
SEC. 185. A two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors present and
voting shall be necessary to declare the accused guilty and remove
him from office, or impose other penalties.
Loss of Salary
SEC. 186. An officer whose suspension, removal or expulsion is
ordered, after a hearing, shall not be entitled to any salary or other
compensation or rights as such officer from the date of the first order
of suspension.
74 OFFENSES AND PROCEDURE