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North Carolina Chief Justice Accused of Court Politicization

11/2/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The ProPublica report describes Paul Newby, chief justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, as politicizing the judiciary.
Over more than two decades, he reshaped the court to favor GOP interests, overturning precedents and demoting dissenting judges.
He also facilitated partisan judicial elections and backed removing public funding for campaigns.
Democrats aim to reclaim the court, urging strong election cycles to counter his influence.

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Story summary

The ProPublica report describes Paul Newby, chief justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, as politicizing the judiciary.
Over more than two decades, he reshaped the court to favor GOP interests, overturning precedents and demoting dissenting judges.
He also facilitated partisan judicial elections and backed removing public funding for campaigns.
Democrats aim to reclaim the court, urging strong election cycles to counter his influence.