News Roundup
Former Durham Bull Wander Franco was convicted of sexual abuse of a minor in the Dominican Republic this week. This ESPN story reports that he received a suspended sentence, while […]
Common Character Evidence Questions in Self-Defense Cases
Character evidence is one of the most challenging areas of evidence law to navigate, as Jessie Smith observes here. Jessie’s blog features a useful chart to apply Rules 404 and […]
Findings Required in Delinquency Dispositional Orders
Dispositional orders in delinquency cases must contain “appropriate findings of fact and conclusions of law.” G.S. 7B-2512(a). What constitutes appropriate findings of fact is a question that North Carolina appellate […]
Case Summaries: N.C. Court of Appeals (June 18, 2025)
This post summarizes the published criminal opinions from the North Carolina Court of Appeals released on June 18, 2025. Previously, summaries were added to Smith’s Criminal Case Compendium, but due […]
News Roundup
Two immigration enforcement bills have passed at the General Assembly and are now on Governor Josh Stein’s desk. The deadline for his signature or veto is today. The first bill, SB 153, contains […]
Grand Jurors, Impartiality, and Disqualification
In North Carolina, a person must be indicted by a grand jury or must waive the right to indictment before he or she may prosecuted in superior court for a […]
Adult Protection Multidisciplinary Team Workshop: Apply Now!
If you’re working to protect vulnerable adults in your community, you know how important it is to have the right people at the table to provide effective and efficient solutions. […]
Case Summaries: Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals (May 2025)
This post summarizes published criminal law and related cases released by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals during May 2025. Cases of potential interest to state practitioners are summarized monthly. […]
How Far May Law Enforcement Officers Go in Misleading Suspects During Interrogations?
Law enforcement officers may mislead suspects during questioning. For example, an officer may falsely tell a suspect that an accomplice has confessed, or may falsely state that incriminating physical evidence […]
News Roundup
The Trump administration sued the state of New York on Thursday over a law that blocks immigration officials from arresting people at New York courthouses, saying it purposely shields dangerous […]