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Recent blog posts

Note Taking by Jurors

The N.C. AOC’s website indicates that the current pay rate for jurors in North Carolina is $12 for the first day of service, $20 for days two through five; and […]

Election Day

It’s election day, and the various national and state contests have potentially significant implications for criminal law. My rundown of the top races and issues is below, but please weigh […]

News Roundup

Congratulations to my colleague John Rubin, who was just named the Albert Coates Distinguished Professor of Public Law and Government. It’s a well-deserved permanent chaired professorship for John, who has […]

Waiving Court Costs

Following up on Jeff’s post yesterday about court costs and traffic citations, today’s post is about a trial judge’s authority to waive court costs. Under G.S. 7A-304, certain court costs […]

Court Costs and Traffic Citations

Court costs support many different programs and purposes. The principal statute concerning court costs in criminal cases is G.S. 7A-304. (Under G.S. 15A-1118, these costs also apply to infraction cases.) […]

Adulterated Halloween Candy

For as long as I can remember, parents have worried about adulterated Halloween candy, razorblades in apples, and the like. This concern is exaggerated, but not totally unfounded. Snopes states […]

News Roundup

In Italy, six scientists have been convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to six years in prison for failing to predict an earthquake. Seriously. In other news: The National Association of […]