NCPBA Makes Endorsements for NC Supreme Court and Court of Appeals

Apr 23, 2012

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. On March 30, 2012, the PBA conducted candidate interviews for the NC Court of Appeals and Supreme Court.  Based on the screening committee’s recommendations and a vote of the Division board, the PBA chose to endorse the following candidates for the primary election on May 8^th.

NC Court of Appeals (Bryant Seat) – Wanda Bryant

NC Court of Appeals (McGee Seat) – Linda McGee

NC Court of Appeals (Thigpen Seat) – Cressie Thigpen

NC Supreme Court (Newby Seat) – Sam Ervin IV