In re J.A.M., 375 N.C. 325 (2020)
Held:
Affirmed
- Facts: This appeal of a TPR has a lengthy procedural history including an underlying juvenile action and prior appeals. This appeal is made pursuant to Appellate Rule 3.1(e), where respondent mother’s counsel filed a no merit brief, and respondent mother filed a brief raising several issues. This summary focuses on one issue - recusal and family court districts.
- Although mother raised judicial bias, there was none. The practice of “one judge, one family” is recognized in North Carolina and “reflects a central policy of the state.” Sl. Op. at 10, 11. A judge is not required to recuse themselves in a TPR when they have presided over earlier permanency planning hearings and ordered adoption as the primary permanent plan.
Category:
Termination of Parental RightsStage:
HearingTopic:
Recusal