Bylaws constitute one of the most important legal documents in the portfolio of a public college or university board. They articulate the board?s responsibilities and establish the "rules" by which the board organizes itself to do its work. Bylaws begin where a public institution's statutes or constitutional provisions leave off. They build on that legal framework and often provide opportunities to strengthen it with appropriate language and good, contemporary governance concepts and practices. Well-conceived and well-written bylaws can set the stage for effective trusteeship, enabling board members to focus their valuable time and energy on policy questions and long-term planning. Conversely, poorly written bylaws can impede good performance, miring boards in legalese and transactional minutiae. A state-of-the-art set of bylaws clarifies board responsibilities, provides reasonable flexibility for board action within established boundaries, contributes to good practice in exercising fiduciary functions, and clarifies key relationships. The checklist of good characteristics offered here may suggest whether your board's bylaws are in great shape or need minor or major revision.