This episode provides an in-depth look at significant developments in the North Carolina Judicial Branch for the month of April. This episode covers:The 2023-2024 Judicial Branch Annual ReportChief Justice Paul Newby visits Columbus CountyeCourts Track 8 goes live on April 28Most recent judicial appointmentsNC Human Trafficking Commission is accepting grant applicationsPreview of the next All Things Judicial–Beyond the Bench episode which features the North Carolina Guardian ad Litem Program.
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6:15
30 Years of Hope: The Journey of Mecklenburg County's Recovery Court
In this episode, we celebrate a major milestone: the 30th anniversary of the Mecklenburg County Recovery Court.Since its founding, the Recovery Court has been a beacon of hope for individuals struggling with addiction, providing an alternative path that blends accountability with support. This episode highlights the program’s lasting impact through the perspectives of Jessica Modra, Program Manager for the Supportive Treatment and Engagement Program, and John Barber, a Recovery Court graduate who shares his powerful personal journey from addiction to recovery."The people we serve are our neighbors, coworkers, and our friends who are looking to start a new chapter in their lives," Modra said on the podcast. "Recovery court is committed to helping these individuals and that's why we are able to celebrate 30 years of recovery court here in Mecklenburg County."The conversation delves into the evolution of the program, the challenges and triumphs of its participants, and the crucial role of community support in the recovery process. As Mecklenburg County marks this significant anniversary, Beyond the Bench invites listeners to reflect on the power of second chances and the role the judicial system can play in fostering change.
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19:50
In Focus – March News Update
News items covered in this episode of In Focus include:Attorney training for eCourts Track 8 and eCourts expansionTask Force on ACE's Courts Plans More Progress in 2025 Case Statistics Dashboard is available to the public at data.nccourts.gov March is Severe Weather Preparedness Month DWI grant from Governor's Highway Safety Commission to expand case capacityPreview of the next episode of Beyond the Bench focusing on Mecklenburg County Recovery Court's 30th Anniversary
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7:08
Answering the Call: Judge and Law Clerks on the Frontlines of Disaster Recovery
In this episode of All Things Judicial: Beyond the Bench, we take listeners beyond the courtroom and into the heart of disaster recovery, featuring a compelling conversation with North Carolina Court of Appeals Judge Michael Stading and law clerks Vincenzo Conciatori and Tomas Nazer-Paniagua.These legal professionals stepped away from their usual roles in the judiciary to volunteer in Western North Carolina following the devastation of Hurricane Helene. In this episode, they share their firsthand experiences witnessing the storm’s impact, assisting communities in need, and reflecting on how the experience shaped their perspectives on justice and public service.
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20:17
In Focus – February News Update
Welcome to All Things Judicial: In Focus—your monthly dive into the latest news, updates, and decisions shaping our Judicial Branch. Topics include: Court of Appeals Judge Tom Murry's investiture, eCourts Track 7 roll-out, NC Human Trafficking Commission's annual grant program, judicial appointments, and preview of next episode.