Rules and Procedures for Disciplinary Action

The Troth as an organization allows a high degree of individuality in its membership. As such, there are no firm "Standards of Behavior" required for general members other than adherence to the Troth's by laws. Officers of The Troth are expected to conduct themselves in a manner becoming to their office, and are therefore held to higher degrees of accountability than general members.

Still, there may be times when an individual's behavior violates the by-laws, disrupts the overall frith of the organization, or is not in accordance with his/her office (if applicable). In such cases, the High Rede will act to investigate allegations, and if substantial evidence is found can perform disciplinary action. Such action will remain at the discretion of the High Rede. Disciplinary action can take many forms up to and including expulsion from the organization.

The Troth as an organization does not involve itself in personal disputes. Thus, any allegation found to be the result of a personal dispute or disagreement will be found to be void, and no action will be taken. The following procedure outlines the specific course of investigation of any charges found by the High Rede to involve the Troth as an organization.

Part One: Rules of Evidence

Any and all allegations made must conform to the following rules of evidence in order to be considered and investigated:

• Focus: Evidence should relate directly to complaint being reported.
• Verification: Evidence needs to be verifiable by outside sources, i.e. the investigatory committee.
• Specificity: Only evidence specifically relating to event/complaint will be considered.
• Manipulation: Manipulation of either evidence or investigatory committee members will not be tolerated.
• Attacks: Attacks of a personal nature will not be tolerated. Only information applicable to the event/complaint will be considered.

Part Two: Investigatory Process

• Filing: Any Troth member can file a complaint at any time. However, complaints must be of a specific nature, including verifiable details and an explanation of why the event/incident occurred and is detrimental to The Troth and its membership.
• Preliminary Hearing: The High Rede will consider the matter to determine if there is evidence warranting further action. Pending the decision of the High Rede, the complaint can be dismissed or further action will be taken. The High Rede will vote on the issue at an emergency session or at the regular quarterly meeting as is deemed prudent. Results of this vote will be published in Mimir's Well.
• Presentation and Response: If further action is warranted, the High Rede will appoint a committee of three people unrelated to the incident to investigate. This panel will present a letter outlining the complaint and its details to the defendant. The defendant will have 30 days to respond to this letter.
• Delivery: Letters will be sent via registered mail requiring confirmation of delivery (no signature required). Once delivered, the defendant has 30 days in which to respond to the allegations. If no response is forthcoming by the written deadline, the complaint will be considered proven against the defendant by default. Defendants who respond should include all verifiable details applicable to the complaint. All materials received by the appointed panel will be sent to the High Rede within 7 days after the deadline for response has passed.
• Consideration and Resolution: The High Rede will examine all evidence from both sides at either an interim session, the next Quarterly Rede meeting or at Trothmoot, whichever comes sooner. Both parties will present evidence and/or witnesses at this time (or, if via email, before the meeting takes place). The complaint will be voted on by the High Rede and a final decision will be rendered. All decisions will be published in Mimir's Well.