This post summarizes the published criminal opinions from the North Carolina Court of Appeals released on March 4, 2026.
Evidence was sufficient on trafficking in opioids by possession; no error in failing to instruct on “ultimate user” exemption.
North Carolina Criminal Law
The North Carolina Criminal Law blog, published by UNC School of Government, covers developments in criminal law relevant to North Carolina practitioners. It provides case summaries from appellate courts, legislative updates including changes to gun laws and sentencing enhancements, and analysis of specific legal defenses such as diminished capacity and voluntary intoxication. The blog also addresses procedural issues like expert testimony admissibility and discovery violations, as well as statutory interpretations of laws like the Good Samaritan harm reduction statute. Its content focuses on practical implications of criminal law decisions, statutory changes, and defense strategies within the state.
Latest from North Carolina Criminal Law - Page 5
How Should a Trial Court Respond to a Note from the Jury?
By Shea Denning
Individual jurors or juries through their chosen foreperson sometimes send notes to the trial court in criminal trials. The content of this kind of communication varies. Sometimes a note reveals an individual juror’s concern about his or her ability to…
Contempt Authority and Procedure for Magistrates
There are two different kinds of contempt that judicial officials may impose: civil and criminal. Civil contempt is imposed when a person has not complied with a court order and is a measure to compel the person to do as…
A Look at the North Carolina Hazing Law
Hazing has plagued college campuses for decades, and that unfortunately has not changed in recent years. A fraternity at the University of Iowa was recently suspended following the investigation of an alleged 2024 hazing incident. According to the many…
New Federal Case About the Use of Force in Involuntary Commitments
By Jeff Welty
The role of law enforcement officers in involuntary commitments is controversial. Some argue that individuals subject to involuntary commitment are dangerous by definition, so it makes sense to task officers with taking them into custody. Others contend that the presence…
Revisiting Simeon v. Hardin: Part III, Judge Shopping
New Bulletin on Delinquency Jurisdiction over Juveniles and their Parents, Guardians, and Custodians
I am happy to share a new resource with you: Delinquency Law: Original Juvenile Jurisdiction and Juvenile Jurisdiction over Parents, Guardians, and Custodians. This new Juvenile Law Bulletin (1) describes the current law of original juvenile jurisdiction; (2) provides…
Case Summaries: N.C. Court of Appeals (Feb. 18, 2026)
This post summarizes the published criminal opinions from the North Carolina Court of Appeals released on February 18, 2026.
Competent evidence supported the factual findings in the trial court’s denial of a motion to suppress; a defendant who pleads guilty…
The North Carolina Judicial Standards Commission: Its Origins and Current Work
By Shea Denning
In 1971, the Courts Commission made a report to the North Carolina General Assembly in which it recommended adoption of a constitutional amendment that would allow for a “workable method for censuring and removing unworthy or disabled judges in North…
The Good Faith Exception: The Basics
By Phil Dixon
Under U.S. v. Leon, 468 U.S. 897 (1984), when an officer reasonably relies on a search warrant issued by neutral and impartial magistrate, evidence seized pursuant to the search warrant need not be suppressed even if the search warrant is…