The Undergraduate Student Government (USG) Senate voted against approving Travis Miller (sophomore-mechanical engineering) as associate justice of the USG Supreme Court at last night's meeting.

However, the body approved Mark Taticchi (freshman-liberal arts) as associate justice, who was also nominated by USG President Ian Rosenberger.

Many senators said they were concerned about how the current Court conducts business as well as the process by which associate justices are approved.

East Halls Sen. Irene McKenna asked why the Court does not advertise associate justice openings to the general public or other USG members, because any student is eligible for the position.

Town Sen. Mike Yohannan asked Miller whether he would be willing to open the Court's current closed sessions or make the minutes available to the public.

"The issue isn't whether he's a nice guy," Yohannan said. "The problem is that the process isn't open."

Miller said he did not want to give his opinion about opening the meetings, but said it was an issue that the Court needs to examine.

Town Sen. Alexis Francois said she felt as though Miller was avoiding the question.

She added that she did not want to approve a justice who would not implement change within the Court.

Yohannan said he believes the Senate approved Taticchi and not Miller because senators have been working with Taticchi for a while and probably feel like he is more open to changing the Court.

However, Yohannan voted in favor of approving both nominations.

"There is no way in the world I am going to take out my frustrations with the process on a candidate," Yohannan said.

East Halls Sen. Matt Ritsko pointed out that the Court's procedures act is subject to the Senate's approval.

Miller said he was disappointed by the Senate's decision.

"After having the support of President Rosenberger and passing through Academic Assembly unanimously, they obviously felt I was qualified, so I am very disappointed," he said.

Town Sen. Kristen Kofmehl said she felt as though Miller was "on his way to being qualified," but she said she wanted to wait until a new chief justice was appointed before approving any more associate justices.

Many senators have expressed concern about how current Chief Justice Taylor Rhodes isolates the Court from the rest of USG.

Associate Justice Greg Becker said he is frustrated by the Senate's decision.

"I think what you saw tonight was the Senate failing to do good for the students," Becker said. "Travis [Miller] is obviously qualified, but what you saw was frustration with the process. It's unacceptable that you use a person as a pawn."