Could giving one official the power to suspend judges financially force resignations before any guilt is proven?

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Yes. Giving a single official power to suspend judges without pay during a still-unresolved ethics case could create strong financial pressure to resign before any misconduct is proven. That is the core concern raised by Gov. Josh Stein and outside critics of North Carolina’s House Bill 377. Under the proposal, the chief justice could temporarily remove a trial judge from active service and cut off salary while a Judicial Standards Commission matter is pending. Because those investigations are largely confidential and can take months, a judge could lose income and professional standing long before any final ruling. Critics argue that this can operate as a practical penalty before due process is complete. A judge who cannot wait out a long unpaid suspension may feel forced to step down or seek other work, even if later cleared. In that sense, the financial pressure could effectively achieve removal without a formal finding of guilt. Supporters say the bill was aimed at accountability, not pre-judgment, and note that permanent removal would still require further action. Some descriptions also say back pay could be restored if the judge is not removed. But that does not eliminate the immediate hardship created by an unpaid suspension. The broader legal concern is not only money but leverage. When one official can impose that pressure while the underlying case remains secret, opponents say it risks influencing judges’ conduct or rulings. So while the bill would not automatically…

Josh Stein Vetoes NC Election Bill 958 as GOP Could Override

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Josh Stein Vetoes NC Election Bill 958 as GOP Could Override

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