This episode features a compelling conversation with Kendall Kendrick, Executive Director of the Charlotte Trail of History and the Charlotte Liberty Walk, as well as remarks from Chief Justice Paul Newby delivered at the May 20th anniversary ceremony in Charlotte.

In the episode, Kendrick offers unique historical insight into the events of May 1775 and her personal connection as a descendant of the Alexander family—key figures associated with the original declaration. She discusses the ongoing legacy of the Mecklenburg Declaration, its place in Revolutionary War history, and the continued efforts to tell Charlotte’s foundational stories through public history initiatives.

Listeners will also hear highlights from Chief Justice Paul Newby’s speech at the 250th commemoration ceremony, where he reflects on the Declaration’s importance to North Carolina’s identity, civic heritage, and the broader American story of liberty.

"We do hereby declare ourselves a free and independent people, that we are and of right ought to be a sovereign and self-governing people under the power of God," said Newby, quoting the Mecklenburg Declaration, on the podcast. "Today, what do we celebrate when we celebrate the Meck Dec? We celebrate self government under the power of God."

All Things Judicial: Beyond the Bench is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen. For more information and to listen to the episode, visit NCcourts.gov.

This episode provides an in-depth look at significant developments in the North Carolina Judicial Branch for the month of May. This episode covers:

• May is Recovery Court Month in North Carolina
• Expansion of remote interpreting services
• Judicial appointments
• Chief Justice Commission on Professionalism awards
• eCourts expansion update
• Human Trafficking Commission update
• Preview of next episode of Beyond the Bench

April is recognized as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of safe, supportive environments for all children. In this episode, we spotlight the NC Guardian ad Litem Program and its vital role in advocating for children involved in the state’s foster care system.

The episode features conversations with three leaders from the Guardian ad Litem Program:

• Carolyn Green, Regional Administrator
• Brittany McKinney, Staff Attorney
• Matthew Wunsche, Appellate Counsel

Together, they discuss the urgent need for volunteer child advocates, volunteer attorney advocates, and interns to support the growing need of abused and neglected children in North Carolina’s court system.

"When I came over to Guardian ad Litem I learned that so many children are under the radar while in the court system," said Green on the podcast. "I hope that people will give of their time and make a difference in a life. When you commit until a child gets back to a safe, permanent home, you can't beat that feeling."

The episode serves as both a call to action and an informative look into how volunteers can support the best interests of children experiencing abuse, neglect, or abandonment.

To learn more about becoming a Guardian ad Litem volunteer or intern, visit volunteerforgal.org.

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 Report
• Chief Justice Paul Newby visits Columbus County
• eCourts Track 8 goes live on April 28
• Most recent judicial appointments
• NC Human Trafficking Commission is accepting grant applications
• Preview of the next All Things Judicial–Beyond the Bench episode which features the North Carolina Guardian ad Litem Program.

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.

News items covered in this episode of In Focus include:

• Attorney training for eCourts Track 8 and eCourts expansion
• Task 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 capacity
• Preview of the next episode of Beyond the Bench focusing on Mecklenburg County Recovery Court's 30th Anniversary

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.

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.