2022 Judicial Independence Symposium
The 2022 NCBA Annual Meeting, held June 23-24 at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, included a symposium on judicial independence.
The following sessions explore the current views of the judiciary and judicial independence in North Carolina, outline current and potential methods of judicial selection, and discuss judicial independence in North Carolina today and in the future. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily represent official policy, position or views of the North Carolina Bar Association.
Current Views of the Judiciary and Judicial Independence in North Carolina
A statewide poll of likely voters and a side-by-side poll of NC attorneys has been performed for the NCBA by Cygnal polling. The polling includes trust and confidence in the U.S. Supreme Court, North Carolina Appellate and non-appellate courts and views on judicial elections, partisan elections, the concept of judicial appointments, fairness, speed of justice, judicial resources and perceived influence on judiciary, among other related issues. The panelists discuss and share insights on the results.
Moderator: Joe Stewart, Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina
Panelists: J. Michael Bitzer, Catawba College; Christopher A. Cooper, Western Carolina University; Mitch Kokai, John Locke Foundation
Current and Potential Methods of Judicial Selection
The session includes a general discussion of methods of Judicial selection in use across the United States including election and appointment; any new developments or methods that are being used; and potential changes to the processes used in North Carolina or reasons to keep current processes in place.
Moderator: Tim R. Boyum, Spectrum News
Panelists: Former Justice Robert H. “Bob” Edmunds Jr., Fox Rothschild LLP; Jeanette Doran, North Carolina Institute for Constitutional Law; James C. Drennan, University of North Carolina School of Government
Discussion of Judicial Independence in North Carolina
Discussion regarding the state of Judicial Independence in North Carolina, including current challenges to Judicial Independence, as well as current and future opportunities and threats to Judicial Independence. Topics in this session include effects of partisan elections on the composition of judiciary, judicial action and perceptions of the judiciary and justice. Impacts of the current political environment on judicial candidates are also discussed. The polling results are also discussed in this session.
Moderator: Loretta M. Boniti, Spectrum News
Panelists: Former Justice Robert H. “Bob” Edmunds Jr., Fox Rothschild LLP; Representative Joe John, North Carolina General Assembly; Former Representative Richard B. “Rick” Glazier, North Carolina Justice Center; Former Representative Paul B. “Skip” Stam Jr., Stam Law Firm PLLC