Thick, leather-bound books of Idaho legal code dominate Nick Peterson’s Spartan desk in the ASUI office.
He explains with a firm handshake and steady gaze that he’s just moving in.
As recently appointed student defender, Peterson advises and represents students in potential code of conduct violations as well as researching and advising ASUI officers in matters of policy.

Thick, leather-bound books of Idaho legal code dominate Nick Peterson’s Spartan desk in the ASUI office.
He explains with a firm handshake and steady gaze that he’s just moving in.
As recently appointed student defender, Peterson advises and represents students in potential code of conduct violations as well as researching and advising ASUI officers in matters of policy.

“If a student gets charged with violating student policy, they get the chance to have me represent them,” Peterson said.
A third year law student from Pocatello, Peterson was appointed by the ASUI senate after being nominated by staff members from the division of student affairs and ASUI President Garrett Holbrook.
“Nick was exceptionally well qualified,” Holbrook said. “He’s somebody we thought could relate well to students who will work very hard.”
Common student code of conduct infractions include damaging school property, illegally downloading music or software and underage drinking — an activity that Peterson advises against.

“Don’t do it,” he said. “You’re going to get caught sooner
or later.”
First offense of a minor in possession of alcohol can result in a $25 fine as well as mandatory attendance of a $40 alcohol awareness class — in addition to criminal charges.

The student defender usually cannot provide advice or representation in criminal matters, Peterson said. However, he said he also works for a student law clinic within the College of Law that does offer legal advice for low-income students on topics ranging from tax code to domestic violence.
“(Peterson) is a valuable asset that students should use,” Holbrook said. “If he can help, he will … He’s very to-the-point and a no nonsense kind of guy.”
“I think it would be a wise idea for every student to read the student handbook,” Peterson said. “Especially the code of conduct.”
Student infractions can face trial by the University Judicial Council but are usually settled beforehand, Peterson said.
“The university judicial people are very fair,” Peterson said. “I rarely see them.”
However, he encourages students not to be intimidated by the university and to stand up if they feel they are being unjustly treated.
“If any student thinks they are being unfairly treated, they can e-mail me or come see me,” he said.
Peterson also helps ASUI by offering legal advice and doing research. Holbrook said Peterson was doing research on an information packet ASUI is putting together on the rights of students as tenants in off-campus housing.

“More than anything, he provides us with legal advice,” Holbrook said.
The student defender has been consulted in the past on issues such as student fees and health insurance.
“The student defender has been around for more than 10 years on campus,” said Steven Janowiak, director of student activities for ASUI.
Peterson is graduating in May and was recently accepted to serve the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General. He said he chose military law because it offered him a chance to get immediately into trial court.

“I’m ready to get in and get my experience,” he said. “It’s one of my core beliefs — that it’s every person’s duty to serve your country.”
Peterson also said practicing military law allowed him more freedom in his personal life. He said he wanted to raise a family and not be the type of parent who is never around.

He said he got into law because of the intellectual challenge it offered and because much of his family was in law enforcement.
Students can contact Peterson in the ASUI office from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Thursdays or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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