Resources

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Results: 7654
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Procedures for Criminal Bench Trials in Superior Court

The North Carolina Constitution historically mandated trial by jury in all criminal cases in superior court. See N.C. Const. Art. I, Section 24 (2014) (“No person shall be convicted of any crime but by the unanimous verdict of a jury in open court.
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May an Undercover Officer Engage in Sexual Activity with a Suspected Prostitute?

I read a news article some time ago about officers who investigate suspected prostitutes by going undercover and purchasing their services. The article noted that this practice is controversial.
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News Roundup

The top story this week is that country music star Jelly Roll has been recommended for a pardon by a Tennessee parole board.
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Authentication of Digital Communications Chart

A common evidence question that arises is how to properly authenticate digital communications.
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Housing Blog

North Carolina faces a housing crisis amid extraordinary population growth, with communities like Durham seeing rent increases of over 50% in five years. From church conversions in Asheboro to data-driven approaches in Charlotte, local solutions show that while the challenge seems overwhelming, helping neighbors in need remains possible.
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System Development Fees: (An Imperfect) Tool for Growth Management

Water and wastewater services play a vital role in helping communities grow and thrive. When these systems are planned carefully and aligned with growth strategies, they allow local governments to manage population increases and support long-term community and economic development.
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Juveniles and Vehicle Seizure Under G.S. 20-28.3

Does the law regarding motor vehicle seizure when a person is charged with felony speeding to elude arrest or an offense involving impaired driving apply to juveniles? If the case is subject to original juvenile jurisdiction, the answer is no. Read on to understand why that is and what to do if a seizure order is improperly issued.
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Economic Development Blog

From coastal shellfish farming to small-town entrepreneurship programs, North Carolinians are finding creative solutions to economic challenges. Discover how communities across the state are investing in local businesses, workforce development, and sustainable industries to build resilient economies while preserving their unique heritage and character.
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Case Summaries: N.C. Court of Appeals (April 16, 2025)

This post summarizes the published criminal opinions from the North Carolina Court of Appeals released on April 16, 2025. These summaries will be added to Smith’s Criminal Case Compendium, a free and searchable database of case summaries from 2008 to the present.
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Updated Chapters in Superior Court Judges’ Benchbook

Three chapters in the criminal law section of the Superior Court Judges’ Benchbook recently have been updated.
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Aging Blog

As America's senior population surges nearly 50% in the coming decades, innovative solutions are emerging to address the challenges of aging. From caregiver support networks to home modification programs and creative arts communities, organizations across North Carolina are pioneering approaches that enable dignified aging while reducing healthcare costs.
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Designing Public Budgeting Simulations: Leveraging Behavioral Insights to Enhance Engagement and Decision-Making

By Jackson Dille Questions for Practitioners How does the starting point of a budget simulation shape how participants engage with the budget making process? What role can simple design elements—such as prompts, visual indicators, or default values—play in encouraging more realistic or legally compliant budget outcomes? Is the purpose of your public engagement tool to […]