This article discusses the judicial system in North Carolina and how Chief Justice Paul Newby has used his power to shape the state's courts. Here are some key points from the article:
1. **Newby's rise to power**: Newby was appointed chief justice in 2019, after a long tenure as a judge on the Supreme Court. He is the first Republican to hold the position since 1982.
2. **Partisan judicial elections**: In 2020, North Carolina passed a law allowing partisan judicial elections, which has led to more conservative judges being elected to the Supreme Court. Newby's campaign was successful in part due to his ability to build a network of supporters and donors.
3. **Consolidation of power**: Newby has used his position as chief justice to consolidate power within the judiciary. He has appointed new judges to key positions, including the Court of Appeals, and has taken steps to limit the governor's control over the election board.
4. **Judicial independence**: The article raises concerns about judicial independence in North Carolina, citing instances where Newby has used his discretion to shape the court's decisions. Critics argue that this erodes the principle of judicial independence and creates a partisan judiciary.
5. **National implications**: The article suggests that Newby's approach may become the model for other states, leading to a more partisan judiciary nationwide. This could have significant implications for democracy and the rule of law in the United States.
6. **Criticism from some Republicans**: While Newby has been successful in building his network of supporters and donors, some Republicans, including Senator Thom Tillis, have expressed concerns about the approach he has taken. They worry that it may lead to a more partisan judiciary and erode confidence in the courts.
Overall, the article presents a critical view of Newby's approach to judicial leadership, arguing that it has led to the erosion of judicial independence and the consolidation of power within the judiciary.
1. **Newby's rise to power**: Newby was appointed chief justice in 2019, after a long tenure as a judge on the Supreme Court. He is the first Republican to hold the position since 1982.
2. **Partisan judicial elections**: In 2020, North Carolina passed a law allowing partisan judicial elections, which has led to more conservative judges being elected to the Supreme Court. Newby's campaign was successful in part due to his ability to build a network of supporters and donors.
3. **Consolidation of power**: Newby has used his position as chief justice to consolidate power within the judiciary. He has appointed new judges to key positions, including the Court of Appeals, and has taken steps to limit the governor's control over the election board.
4. **Judicial independence**: The article raises concerns about judicial independence in North Carolina, citing instances where Newby has used his discretion to shape the court's decisions. Critics argue that this erodes the principle of judicial independence and creates a partisan judiciary.
5. **National implications**: The article suggests that Newby's approach may become the model for other states, leading to a more partisan judiciary nationwide. This could have significant implications for democracy and the rule of law in the United States.
6. **Criticism from some Republicans**: While Newby has been successful in building his network of supporters and donors, some Republicans, including Senator Thom Tillis, have expressed concerns about the approach he has taken. They worry that it may lead to a more partisan judiciary and erode confidence in the courts.
Overall, the article presents a critical view of Newby's approach to judicial leadership, arguing that it has led to the erosion of judicial independence and the consolidation of power within the judiciary.
... if judges start getting elected based on party affiliation instead of who's qualified for the job, what's next? a president as chief justice too 
... i get that Newby has built a network of supporters but at what cost? its like he's more worried about being re-elected than making fair and just decisions for the people 
... if thats the direction we're heading, then our democracy is in big trouble 
. I mean, he did win his election fair and square, right? And let's be real, he's a smart guy who knows how to build relationships and get things done 
. Maybe instead of saying he's 'consolidating power' we could just say he's taking charge of the judiciary like it's his job 
. And yeah, I know some Republicans are worried about this trend towards more partisan judgeships in other states, but isn't that just the way democracy is supposed to work - people having a say in who represents them? It's not all bad news 
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. If one guy can just use his power to shape the courts like that, it's scary. I mean, what happens when he retires or gets out? Does everyone go back to how it was before? I don't think so. We need more checks and balances in place, you know? Like, maybe a bipartisan commission to make sure the judges are fair and not just serving the party line. Or we could have regular elections for judges instead of partisan ones... that way, at least there's some accountability. But what if the politicians get in on it too? 
It gives me anxiety just thinking about it!
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. We need more of that kind of critical thinking and less of just goin' along with the status quo 
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It's like we're losing the very principles that were supposed to hold our system together...
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but also kinda shady 
like, what's good with all these partisan judicial elections? It feels like he's more worried 'bout bein' popular than doin' what's right for the state 
Not cool, bro 
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. And what's even more concerning is that this approach might become a model for other states 
. I mean, we all want our courts to be fair and unbiased, but if the judiciary starts leaning too far in one direction... that's just not good 
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I'm all for strong judicial leadership, but this feels more like a power grab to me. 