The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many changes in the legal profession over the last 10 months.  Those receiving the most focus have been, for obvious reasons, things like remote proceedings such as telephonic hearings and video conference arguments in trial and appellate courts.  We’ve even heard of remote jury trials.  But there have also been many less publicized departures from the norm required by this unprecedented public health crisis. … Continue Reading

In the first three weeks of 2021, I have heard nothing but positive feedback about the Supreme Court’s transcript-related rules updates–previously blogged about here.

In more good news, the Supreme Court’s Office of Administrative Counsel has published an updated codification of the North Carolina Rules of Appellate Procedure incorporating the November 2020 transcript-related amendments.  Remember, however, that these amended rules only apply to cases appealed on or after 1 January 2021. … Continue Reading

As mentioned previously, several new judges are joining the Court of Appeals this month.  Similar to the Supreme Court’s ceremony, the investiture ceremony for these new judges will be held virtually at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 14th.  Members of the public can watch the ceremony on the judicial branch’s YouTube page.  More information about the ceremony can be found here.… Continue Reading

 

The recent opinion of the North Carolina Court of Appeals in M.E. v. T.J., No. COA18-1045 has more twists than a Chubby Checker look-alike contest. The opinion is long and the facts and procedure are somewhat convoluted, but here’s a bare-bones synopsis.

Plaintiff and defendant, both women, were dating. When plaintiff decided to end the relationship, defendant allegedly became abusive.… Continue Reading

On December 30, 2020, Darren Jackson accepted Governor Cooper’s appointment to serve on the North Carolina Court of Appeals. Judge Jackson is a former law partner of Judge Donna Stroud, who recently ascended to the post of Chief Judge on the state’s second highest court.

Prior to accepting the appointment, Judge Jackson had been a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives since 2009.… Continue Reading

At a largely virtual investiture ceremony broadcast this morning on the Supreme Court’s Youtube page, The Honorable Paul Martin Newby took the oath of office to become our highest court’s 30th Chief Justice.  Newly minted Justices Phil Berger, Jr. and Tamara Barringer were also sworn in as the two junior-most associate justices on the Court.

As Beth noted last week, it is common for incoming jurists to take the oath on January 1, but then participate in a more formal investiture ceremony several days later.… Continue Reading

At the stroke of midnight, North Carolina’s judiciary entered a new era, with many appellate justices and judges taking the oath office from their homes.  This age-old changing of the guard included Chief Justice Paul Newby being sworn in as the 30th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of North Carolina.  While COVID has thrown wrinkles into many of the Court’s traditions, the significance of this undertaking is illustrated by this photo of Chief Justice Newby signing his oath of office. … Continue Reading

The new year will bring many changes to our state appellate courts.  Another big change was announced yesterday.  With Court of Appeals Chief Judge Linda McGee retiring after over 25 years of service, Chief Justice Cheri Beasley has appointed Judge Donna Stroud as the new chief of our intermediate appellate court, effective January 1, 2021.

Judge Stroud has served on the Court of Appeals since 2007—a tenure of 14 years. … Continue Reading