All Things Judicial

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Advocates for Abused and Neglected Children in Court – NC Guardian ad Litems Apr 12, 2023

Show notes

In honor of April being recognized as Child Advocacy Month, the April episodes of All Things Judicial will highlight the North Carolina Guardian ad Litem program (GAL). In today's episode, we interview six child advocate volunteers who serve on the front lines of advocating for abused and neglected children in court. These volunteers are just a few of the over 5,000 North Carolina child advocates who give of their time, energy, and heart to help improve the lives of children and youth. GAL Advocacy Supervisor Ruth Griffin moderated the interviews where volunteers shared about their motivation for serving as advocates, and the process of how they became involved in the program.
"Anybody can volunteer ... we have such a great need with so many kids in the system that they need someone to stand up for them," said GAL volunteer Loretta on the podcast. "If you are concerned about kids, open up your heart and go see the GAL program in your district and give it a try."

Helping Citizens Represent Themselves at the Wake County Legal Support Center Mar 29, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, we highlight the new Wake County Legal Support Center. In the first segment, we are joined by Wake County District Court Judge Ashleigh Parker Dunston who discusses the center's creation and operation. In the second segment, Judge Dunston takes listeners on a tour of the new center and further explains how it serves the citizens of Wake County.
"Over the last two months that (the center) has been in operation, we have seen more informed and educated individuals coming in to represent themselves," said Dunston on the podcast. "And that is exactly what the center is supposed to do."
The Wake County Legal Support Center is located in the Wake County Courthouse and began operation on January 9, 2023. It is designed to serve as a resource hub for Wake County residents who are self-represented litigants in civil legal matters. The Center provides access to legal forms and information packets that address common problems like family law and housing, while partnering with community organizations to provide free legal clinics and access to other social services and community resources.

Judge Ashleigh Parker Dunston is a district court judge in the 10th Judicial District, which encompasses Wake County. Prior to that, Judge Dunston served as an assistant attorney general at the North Carolina Department of Justice and as an assistant district attorney at the Wake County District Attorney's Office.

Hollywood Justice: a Look at Lawyers and Judges in Film Mar 15, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, we discuss the portrayals of lawyers and judges in Hollywood films. Our guests are wife and husband, former North Carolina Court of Appeals Judge Lucy Inman and screenwriter and producer Billy Warden. In the episode, Inman and Warden engage in an entertaining and passionate discussion about their favorite legal-themed movies, the levels of realism in courtroom drama, and why courtroom dramas have proven popular with non-lawyer audiences.
"I think the reason we like these courtroom dramas is ... lawyers and judges have so much power over our lives," Inman said on the podcast. "But to see them struggle, to see them stumble, and to see them fail, reassures us that they are not as all-powerful as we might think they are."
Judge Lucy Inman served as a judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals from 2015–2022 and served as a North Carolina Superior Court judge from 2010–2014. Before serving on the bench, she practiced law in Los Angeles, CA, where she worked in civil litigation concentrating on disputes in commercial, media, and entertainment law.

Billy Warden is a marketing executive, journalist, multimedia producer, and screenwriter. Atlas Entertainment (know for movies like Uncharted and American Hustle) recently optioned one of his pieces as a possible motion picture. He is currently hunting for a compelling legal odyssey to turn into a movie or TV series.
Movie titles discussed on this podcast episode include:

Adam's Rib (1949)
Bonfire of the Vanities (1990)
A Civil Action (1998)
The Godfather (1972)
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
My Cousin Vinny (1992)
My Favorite Wife (1940)
Philadelphia (1993)
Primal Fear (1996)
To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
The Untouchables (1987)
The Verdict (1982)
Witness for the Prosecution (1957)

Embracing Life's Majesty and Messiness – Campbell Law Dean Rich Leonard Mar 01, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, Campbell School of Law Dean Rich Leonard shares stories from his early life, career, and time spent assisting several African nations improve their systems of justice. Leonard wrote about these stories in his recent book entitled "From Welcome to Windhoek: A Judge's Journey." The interview was conducted by Chief Justice's Commission on Professionalism Executive Director Mel Wright whose insightful questions prompted Leonard to expound on lessons-learned, both personally and professionally.
"I think the message I'm trying to convey is not any greatness in me for goodness sakes," said Leonard on the podcast. "It's just that you persevere, you work as hard as you can, you treat people kindly, you treat people fairly, you outwork everyone, and it often works out."
Dean Rich Leonard has been described as a pioneering judge, a groundbreaking court administrator, a restorer of historic courthouses, and at age 29 the youngest U.S. District Court Clerk in the country. He worked as a special consultant to the U.S. Department of State, where for 20 years he helped developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa create workable court systems. His recent book describes him as a marathon runner, mountain climber, forger of cross-continental friendships, and someone who embraced life in all its majesty and messiness.

Profiles of Leadership – Debbie Basnight, Assistant Clerk of Court in Currituck County Feb 22, 2023

Show notes

During Black History Month, we hear from African American leaders in the judicial branch. In this episode, we listen-in as Currituck County Assistant Clerk of Court Debbie Basnight shares a personal and inspirational story of family and faith, and gives appreciation for her 35 year career in the Judicial Branch. A video version of this podcast can be found on the Judicial Branch YouTube channel.

Witness History: Investiture of NC's First Black Chief Justice Feb 15, 2023

Show notes

February is Black History Month and in this episode of All Things Judicial , we listen to excerpts from the 1999 investiture ceremony of Supreme Court of North Carolina's first African American chief justice, Chief Justice Henry Frye. During this historic ceremony, we hear from former Chief Justice Sarah Parker who administered the oath of office and former Governor Jim Hunt who delivered remarks honoring Frye. In the ceremony's conclusion, Frye spoke about his optimistic philosophy and gave heartfelt words of warmth and appreciation for the honor of serving the state of North Carolina in this position.

"Let me say a word about my philosophy," said Frye on the podcast. "I know that the world is full of problems, but I believe we should treat our problems as challenges and opportunities to do what is right and good."
The full video of Chief Justice Frye's 1999 investiture can be viewed on the Judicial Branch YouTube Channel.

Profiles of Leadership – Mecklenburg County Chief Civil Magistrate Katrina Watson Feb 08, 2023

Show notes

This is a special Black History Month bonus episode of All Things Judicial where we profile African American leaders in the Judicial Branch. This episode profiles Chief Civil Magistrate Katrina Watson in Mecklenburg County.

Human Trafficking in the Charlotte-Metro Community Feb 01, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of the All Things Judicial, we focus on human trafficking in North Carolina. Recently, the North Carolina Human Trafficking Commission worked with the Charlotte Metro Human Trafficking Task Force in the release of its 2023 report entitled, Exploitation of Minors in the Queen City. This episode is hosted by Nancy Hagan, Project Analyst with the North Carolina Human Trafficking Commission. The guests include: Shawna Pagano, Director of Education and Community Engagement at Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center; Hannah Arrowood, Executive Director of Present Age Ministries; and Dr. Stacy Reynolds, Medical Director, Human Trafficking EM Advocacy Team, Department of Emergency Medicine at Atrium Health.
"In every single data collection year, 2020, 2021, and 2022, we had 10 and 11-year-old little girls targeted by human traffickers," Arrowood said on the podcast. "I think that speaks volumes to the work that needs to be done in how we approach our preventative efforts and how we educate our kids to keep (them) safe."
On January 11, 2023, Supreme Court of North Carolina Chief Justice Paul Newby declared January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month for the North Carolina Judicial Branch.
"It’s important to raise and spread awareness about this issue to help North Carolinians recognize and prevent these cruel crimes," said Newby. "We can help put an end to human trafficking in North Carolina only by rigorously gathering our resources and working collaboratively across government."

The North Carolina Human Trafficking Commission is the legislatively mandated leader of anti-human trafficking efforts in North Carolina per S.L. 2013-368. The Commission is charged primarily with examining and combating human trafficking; funding and facilitating research; creating measurement, assessment, and accountability measures; informing and educating law enforcement personnel, social services providers, and the general public; suggesting new policies, procedures, and legislation; and developing regional response teams and identifying gaps in law enforcement or service provision and recommending solutions.

Investitures 2023: All Rise for Justice Allen and Chief Judge Stroud Jan 18, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of All Things Judicial, we listen to excerpts from the January 2023 investiture ceremonies of Supreme Court of North Carolina Associate Justice Trey Allen and North Carolina Court of Appeals Chief Judge Donna Stroud. In the first segment, Supreme Court of North Carolina Chief Justice Paul Newby administers the oath of office to Associate Justice Allen, who then shares his thoughts on the important role of the Supreme Court in our society.
"Why does the public at large honor our judgments," Justice Allen asked during the ceremonial session. "It seems to me in the final analysis, the willingness of our society to abide by judicial decisions flows from people's confidence in the impartiality and fairness of our courts."
In the second segment, North Carolina Court of Appeals Judge Chris Dillon presides over Chief Judge Stroud’s investiture. Chief Justice Newby administers her oath of office and Chief Judge Stroud shares her thoughts on the importance of these ceremonies as a way to increase public trust and confidence in our courts and strengthen the rule of law.

"A reason to have this (public) investiture is to bring us together and to give people a chance to learn a little bit about our courts," Chief Judge Stroud said during the ceremony. "I believe when people learn more about our judicial system, this knowledge helps increase public trust and confidence in our courts and that strengthens the rule of law."

Full videos of Associate Justice Allen's investiture and Chief Judge Stroud's investiture can be viewed on the Judicial Branch YouTube Channel.

Justice Harry C. Martin: Served on Superior Court, Court of Appeals, Supreme Court, and Cherokee Supreme Court Jan 04, 2023

Show notes

This episode of All Things Judicial features a 2009 interview with former Supreme Court of North Carolina Associate Justice, Harry C. Martin. Justice Martin has the distinction of serving as a judge on the North Carolina Superior Court, the North Carolina Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court of North Carolina, and the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court. In the interview, Martin offers a glimpse into the history of the North Carolina Judicial Branch, and gives time-tested advice to Superior Court judges and young lawyers who are just getting started in the legal profession.
"The important thing for a young lawyers to remember is that they are professionals; they are not in a business to make a certain amount of profit," Martin said on the podcast. "The practice of law is a true profession and the principle object of the practice of law is to help people."
The interview was conducted by the Chief Justice's Commission on Professionalism's Executive Director Mel Wright, and is part of the Chief Justice's Commission on Professionalism's historical video series. A video of this interview can be viewed on the Judicial Branch YouTube Channel.

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