In 1971, the Courts Commission made a report to the North Carolina General Assembly in which it recommended adoption of a constitutional amendment that would allow for a “workable method […]
Under U.S. v. Leon, 468 U.S. 897 (1984), when an officer reasonably relies on a search warrant issued by neutral and impartial magistrate, evidence seized pursuant to the search warrant […]
This post summarizes published criminal law and related cases released by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals during January 2026. Cases of potential interest to state practitioners are summarized monthly. […]
Most law enforcement officers don’t wear masks, but in recent immigration enforcement surges, many ICE officers have done so. ICE apparently permits the practice but does not require it. Proponents […]
With increased immigration enforcement in North Carolina, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement is considering plans to construct and open at least three new jails to house detainees. Two potential jails may […]
Some states have passed laws authorizing judges to review sentences after a defendant has served a specified portion of the sentence. They are sometimes referred to as “second look” laws. […]
Magistrates are often referred to as the “first face” of the judicial system. They are critical to upholding the due process rights of North Carolina’s citizens. One of the best […]
Courts look with particular suspicion on character evidence, and a number of rules seek to confine that sort of evidence to its proper place. Two recent cases illustrate the problem. […]
This post summarizes the published criminal opinions from the North Carolina Court of Appeals released on February 4, 2026. Superior court did not lack jurisdiction when misdemeanor charge was initiated […]
News about crime, criminal justice, and the courts often tends towards the gloomy, so I’m going to start this week with some positive news. The Carolina Journal has a story […]