Over the past few months, every Monday has marked a new protest in downtown Raleigh. Collectively labeled as “Moral Mondays” these protests have focused on everything from women’s healthcare changes and cut unemployment benefits, to the repeal of the Racial Justice Act and possible voter I.D. requirements—symbols the protestors say are signaling the downfall of North Carolina. [Read more…]
NC Lawmakers Repeal Racial Justice Act
The Racial Justice Act of this state was the first of its kind. And since its enactment in 2009, some lawmakers have been gunning for it. Now, they’ve gotten their wish. The Racial Justice Act will be repealed, pending a signature from the governor. [Read more…]
NC Lawmakers Still Pushing to Repeal Racial Justice Act
In North Carolina, we are not without historical representations of racial strife and triumph. As the ACLU blog points out, a remarkable four-day sit-in at a downtown Greensboro Woolworth’s counter helped shape the civil rights movement and eventually led to the passage of the Civil Rights Act. But it seems for every bit of progress, the darker past of the state’s racial dynamics still rear their ugly head. Take for instance, the Racial Justice Act. [Read more…]
Legally Innocent NC Inmates Still In Federal Prison
Where state and federal laws intersect, things sometimes get confusing (just ask those states with medical marijuana problems). But if federal prosecutors determine they were wrong in how they charged a defendant and request that defendant to be released (a rare move), you would think the federal judges would approve. Not so in the cases of some North Carolina inmates, serving time for an incorrectly charged gun crime. [Read more…]
Charlotte’s Citizen Review Board Sides With Police Every Time in 15 Years
In the 15 years since it was created, the Citizen Review Board of Charlotte—tasked with investigating complaints of police misconduct—has sided with the police. Not once was a citizen vindicated for coming forward with a complaint. While the city would say this is evidence that the police do a good job of policing themselves, others aren’t so sure. [Read more…]
NC Students Could Face Jail Time for Bullying Teachers
What would have gotten you detention several years ago could get you jail time now. Things aren’t the same in North Carolina school rooms as technology has evolved at lightening speeds and the law is trying hard to keep up. While getting a teacher’s goat back in the day may have involved spreading a rumor, now it could involve creating a fake website—and that, under new NC law, could land you a criminal record. [Read more…]