The Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, June 19, approved a bill making it easier for former criminal offenders to become licensed professionals. The measure, which passed the House by unanimous vote May 3, now heads to the Senate Rules Committee. Hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians…
North Carolina’s criminal code is a muddled, archaic monstrosity. The laws that govern criminal behavior are often unclear, encouraging senseless litigation and allowing bad actors to slip through the cracks. Many of these laws predate the American Revolution. And thanks to years of inattention, these laws are scattered throughout thousands…
As Gov. Roy Cooper signed into law a compromise between craft brewers and N.C. beer distributors, several other proposed alcohol reforms remain in play within the General Assembly. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, analyzes the prospects for additional reforms during this legislative session. As Medicaid expansion continues to play a…
Jon Guze, John Locke Foundation director of legal studies, discusses the continuing need for new protection against eminent domain abuse in North Carolina. Guze offered these comments during an interview with Donna Martinez for Carolina Journal Radio.
State senators have rolled out their version of a $23.9 billion General Fund spending plan for the budget year that starts July 1. The Senate differs from the House in prioritizing pay raises for state workers. Neither chamber has included any money for addressing Gov. Roy Cooper’s proposed Medicaid expansion.
Brandon Garrett, professor at Duke University’s law school, discusses evidence-based criminal justice. Garrett offered these comments during an interview for Carolina Journal Radio.
Mike Schietzelt, John Locke Foundation criminal justice fellow, discusses North Carolina’s confusing criminal code. Schietzelt offered these comments during the June 9, 2019, edition of Spectrum News’ “In Focus with Loretta Boniti.”…
Accusations of partisan politics emerged after the new Democratic majority on the N.C. State Board of Elections decided to fire state elections director Kim Strach. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, analyzes the politics of the decision. He looks at the potential impact on elections scheduled this year and in 2020.
State Sen. Dan Bishop won a crowded Republican primary in North Carolina’s special 9th Congressional District election. That victory sets up a Sept. 10 showdown with Democrat Dan McCready, who came close to winning the disputed 9th District race in 2018. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, discusses Bishop’s win and…
The 9th Congressional District race, one political expert says, may come down to voters’ perception of which candidate has moved closer to the center. State Sen. Dan Bishop, R-Mecklenburg, won a crowded Republican primary for the 9th Congressional District seat. Bishop got 14,361 votes, or 47.7%…
