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NC Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Endorsed Candidates (click on the candidates for more info) * indicates incumbent |
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NC SUPREME COURT, CHIEF JUSTICE Chief Justice Sarah Parker of the Supreme Court is opposed by Superior Court Judge Rusty Duke. Chief Justice Parker is impeccably credentialed and is one of the most highly respected appellate jurists in the history of the State of North Carolina. Justice Parker and Justice Mark Martin are probably the most pro-officer justices in North Carolina history. She served with great distinction on the Court of Appeals for many years, and was subsequently elevated to the State Supreme Court. She has authored numerous notable decisions, which have always clearly evidenced a strong respect for the rights and safety of law enforcement officers. Many years ago, she authored Lenzer v. Flaherty, which was one of the truly ground breaking whistleblower cases recognizing constitutional and due process protection. Her work in that case has been followed and reaffirmed in recent decisions. In a major case involving PBA member Clifton Carroll, which reached the North Carolina Supreme Court, Justice Parker’s questions and comments during that argument reflected her strong support of the PBA mission and cause. That cause was a unanimous decision in favor of Officer Carroll’s rights. Justice Parker has been previously and continuously supported and endorsed by PBA, since 1992. She is truly a friend to PBA, and all law enforcement officers.
NC SUPREME COURT, ASSOCIATE JUSTICE (WAINWRIGHT SEAT) The Wainwright seat on the Supreme Court involves a race between Robin Hudson and Ann Calabria, whom both serve on the North Carolina Court of Appeals. Robin Hudson was previously endorsed and supported by PBA and has proven herself to be a very competent jurist. Judge Hudson has been serving on the Court of Appeals since 2000 and was the first women so elected.
NC SUPREME COURT, ASSOCIATE JUSTICE (MARTIN SEAT) Justice Mark Martin is opposed by challenger Rachel Hunter for Justice Martin’s seat on the Supreme Court. Justice Martin has probably been the most pro/officer justice in the history of the North Carolina Supreme Court. He has authored major unanimous opinions strongly supporting the rights of officers. In the Clinton Carroll case and in a recent case, Newbern v. Department of Crime Control, his unanimous opinions are completely consistent with what PBA has stood for. Justice Martin has a solid record of complete integrity and extensive experience. He has served on the Superior Court, Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court for many years. He has been previously strongly endorsed and supported by PBA many times.
“I have been honored to receive the endorsement of the North Carolina Police Benevolence Association during my campaigns for the Supreme Court in 2006 and 1998 and my campaign for the Court of Appeals in 1994. Now in my fourteenth year of judicial service, I have the utmost respect for North Carolina law enforcement officers who provide critically-needed law enforcement services while often finding themselves in dangerous and split-second decision making environments. On both the trial and appellate bench, I have endeavored to be fair and impartial to all who come before the courts. I am proud to have the support of the PBA and its members.”
NC SUPREME COURT, ASSOCIATE JUSTICE (TIMMONS-GOODSON SEAT) Justice Patricia Timmons-Goodson is opposed by Eric Levinson for Justice Timmons-Goodson’s seat on the Supreme Court. Justice Timmons-Goodson has a long established history of supporting police officers and their rights. She was a former Assistant District Attorney, in Fayetteville, where she is highly regarded by police officers. She has served on the District Court, Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court. Justice Timmons-Goodson authored one of the most important decisions in high profile PBA cases in recent years, the case of In Re Swantee Brooks, whereby PBA fought to develop privacy law for the protection of police officers. Justice Timmons-Goodson, then sitting on the North Carolina Court of Appeals, wrote a strong decision supporting law enforcement officers’ rights and explicitly stated in her written opinion that she agreed with the PBA position on these important issues. She is extraordinarily bright and has impeccable integrity. She has long been a friend to law enforcement and to PBA.
"I am truly honored that the NC Police Benevolent Association endorses my candidacy for Justice of the Supreme Court of North Carolina. To be endorsed by the men and women who serve the public, protect our communities and put their lives on the line every day is very special to me. I thank the NCPBA and your law enforcement officer membership for your support. I pledge that, if elected to remain on the Supreme Court of North Carolina, I will strive to do my job in a manner that will always make you proud of your endorsement."
COURT OF APPEALS, (HUNTER SEAT) In the Hunter seat on the Court of Appeals, incumbent Bob Hunter is opposed by Kris Bailey. Judge Hunter has developed an excellent record on the Court of Appeals and he has authored several major favorable decisions including the famous case of Dombrasky v. Wall, which is one of the best opinions in many years reaffirming and explaining disparate treatment and equal protection law. He clearly has excellent ability and vast experience. He is a former legislator.
“Thank you for your recent endorsement of my re-election campaign. I am honored, pleased and humbled that the North Carolina Police Benevolent Association endorsed my candidacy. It means a great deal to me that the members of federal, state, county and municipal law enforcement and correctional agencies in North Carolina have confidence in my abilities as a judge. Thank you.”
COURT OF APPEALS, (STEPHENS SEAT) Judge Stephens is the wife of long time PBA endorsed Wake County Superior Court Judge Donald Stephens. Judge Linda Stephens was appointed to the appellate court in 2006 and has an extensive background in Workers Compensation and state Tort claims. She was listed in “The Best Lawyers in America,” Worker’s Compensation Section, 1995-2006 and named one of the top 50 female Lawyers by North Carolina Super Lawyer Magazine, 2006. PBA strongly backs Judge Stephens as an outstanding new addition to our appellate courts.
“The North Carolina Police Benevolent Association has a long and proud history of working on behalf of the law enforcement profession in the state. The PBA is dedicated to the improvement of our system of justice. I am proud to tell people I have the endorsement of the PBA because it represents the views of so many dedicated public servants who are interested in the public good.”
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