On June 16, 2010, the PBA conducted candidate interviews for the NC Court of Appeals and NC Supreme Court.

PBA members listen to candidate response (L-R) David Dunmyre,
Lindsey Wygonik, Courtney Wellford, and Andrew Chilton

The PBA’s endorsement of judicial candidates continues to be the most comprehensive and successful process of any law enforcement association effort. PBA endorsed judges continue to make landmark decisions that are improving conditions for North Carolina law enforcement officers. While federal courts were once the primary forum for adjudicating constitutional and civil rights claims of law enforcement officers, federal courts have become hostile to officers in many areas of law. PBA attorneys have had great success in bringing PBA cases to North Carolina courts. As a result, there have been some enlightening decisions which have opened doors for application of the North Carolina Constitution in the state courts. Before these efforts, very few, if any, state constitutional claims were being considered regarding the application of the N.C. Constitution to protect the rights of North Carolina police officers. As a result, more judicial candidates are better versed on the importance of the North Carolina Constitution and its potential for impact on the law enforcement profession.

This year’s Supreme Court and appellate races include many outstanding candidates who expressed genuine respect of the law enforcement profession and clear understanding of how the North Carolina Constitution protects the rights of law enforcement officers. Candidates seeking the PBA endorsement met with a screening committee to discuss the following issues: state constitutional claims; constitutional interpretation; due process; equal protection clause of the 14th amendment; privacy of law enforcement personnel files; and first amendment protection for law enforcement officers. Based on the screening committee’s recommendations and a vote of the Division board, the PBA chose to endorse the following candidates for the general election in November:

(Click on the candidates name to visit their website)

Court of Appeals (Geer Seat) - Martha Geer

NC Court of Appeals Judge Martha Geer with PBA members

Court of Appeals (Calabria Seat) - Jane Gray

NC Court of Appeals Candidate Jane Gray with PBA members

Court of Appeals (Elmore Seat) - Richard Elmore

NC Court of Appeals Judge Richard Elmore with PBA Members

Court of Appeals (Steelman Seat) - Sanford Steelman

NC Court of Appeals Judge Sanford Steelman with PBA members

Supreme Court (Brady Seat) – Robert Hunter

NC Court of Appeals Judge and Supreme Court Candidate Robert
Hunter with PBA members

NC Court of Appeals Candidate Jane Gray discusses questions with PBA members

NC Court of Appeals Judge and Supreme Court Candidate Robert Hunter
addresses PBA members

NC Court of Appeals Judge Richard Elmore addresses PBA members