I’m pleased to share that the eighth edition of North Carolina Crimes: A Guidebook on the Elements of Crime is now available. 
It is available for purchase through the School of Government’s bookstore in either print or digital format. The digital edition will be updated periodically to reflect changes in the law. For example, an update will be released soon to incorporate the new crimes taking effect on December 1, 2025, including habitual domestic violence under new G.S. 14-32.6.
Employees of the North Carolina Judicial Branch may order print copies through the Administrative Office of the Courts Online Supply Store (Item# 00008737). Digital copies may be requested by submitting a Purchase Request through the Online Store. Contact the Purchasing Services Division (purchasing@nccourts.org) with questions. New officials will receive a copy of the book at their orientation training.
Some of the more significant updates to the book include:
- The 2015 recodification of many of the state’s sex crimes.
- The restrictions that apply to individuals on the sex offender registry, including statutory amendments and constitutional litigation.
- Discussion of the many statutory changes related to the opioid epidemic, including death by distribution, trafficking in opioids, and Good Samaritan immunity.
- The latest on hemp and marijuana—largely by reference to Phil Dixon’s scholarship on this blog and elsewhere.
- The impact of the First Amendment and the “true threat” analysis that applies to various crimes involving threats and harassment.
- The evolving law on electronic sweepstakes after a series of decisions from the Supreme Court of North Carolina.
North Carolina Crimes embodies the work of many Institute of Government and School of Government faculty and staff over nearly fifty years—including my former colleagues Michael Crowell, Mike Smith, Jim Drennan, Tom Thornburg, Bob Farb, and Jessica Smith. For this edition, I revised and updated the previous edition with help from many colleagues. Special acknowledgement goes to research attorney Christopher Tyner, who reviewed every chapter, offered helpful feedback, and wrote the new entries for animal cruelty and dogfighting. Any errors are my responsibility.
I welcome your comments, including suggestions for future editions. You can reach me at markham@sog.unc.edu.