A Duke Law prof says the state bar is ignoring misconduct, a judge ignores the First Amendment, and other courts news.
Michael Hewlett
Michael Hewlett is a courts and law reporter for The Assembly. He was previously a legal affairs reporter at the Winston-Salem Journal and has won two Henry Lee Weathers Freedom of Information Awards.
Posted inCourts & Justice, Sports
An NBA Star’s Grief and an Ongoing Search for Justice
Chris Paul’s memoir talks about his grandfather’s murder. But evidence suggests the case against five teens wasn’t so straightforward.
Posted inAll Access
SCOTUS Rejects Independent State Legislature Theory
In a 6-3 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected North Carolina Republicans’ independent state legislature theory.
Posted inAll Access
The Weird Law Underlying The Suit Against Tim Moore
Most other states have tossed so-called heartbalm torts.
Posted inAll Access
What Happens When A Case File Is Missing?
Charles McNeair says he’s innocent. But if his case file is missing, how can he prove it?
Posted inAll Access
Darryl Howard Keeps Losing (Even When He Wins)
In the criminal justice system, happy endings are hard to come by.
Posted inAll Access
A Black Teen. A White Woman. A Life Sentence.
Charles McNeair was 16 when a white woman accused him of rape. He took a plea deal, thinking his life was in danger—and he’s still in prison 43 years later.
Posted inCourts & Justice
A Black Teen. A White Woman. A Life Sentence.
Charles McNeair was 16 when a white woman accused him of rape. His advocates say the case deserves another look.
Posted inAll Access
Durham’s New Vision for Public Safety
We’re still beta-testing this newsletter and would love your feedback. Let us know what you think courts@theassemblync.com. When Durham established its Community Safety Department in July 2021, it was just over a year after George Floyd’s murder sparked a national movement to defund police departments. At that point, reform efforts were breaking against the rocks […]