The State Judicial Council is an advisory and oversight body for the Judicial Branch of Government, chaired by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and consisting of representatives from every component of the court system, the bar, and public, non-attorney members. Its various specific and general duties (in G.S. 7A-409.1) encompass studying and monitoring the operations of the court system, and identifying areas for improvement.
Among the Judicial Council's specific areas of responsibility are to advise the Chief Justice on priorities for funding; review and advise the Chief Justice on the budget prepared by the AOC; study and recommend to the General Assembly the salaries of justices and judges and changes in expense allowances, benefits, and other compensation for other judicial officials; recommend the creation of judgeships; study and recommend to the Chief Justice performance standards for all courts and all judicial officials; study and recommend guidelines for the assignment and management of cases, including to monitor the effectiveness of alternative dispute resolution programs; recommend changes in the boundaries of judicial districts or divisions; and "monitor the administration of justice and assess the effectiveness of the Judicial Branch in serving the public and to advise the Chief Justice and the General Assembly on changes needed to assist the General Court of Justice in better fulfilling its mission."
The State Judicial Council has five standing committees: Alternative Dispute Resolution, Court Jurisdiction and Organization, Performance Standards, Salaries, and Public Trust.
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State Judicial Council Members as of February 2008
Judicial Branch Officials
- Honorable Sarah Parker, Chief Justice, N.C. Supreme Court, Chair
- Honorable John C. Martin, Chief Judge, N.C. Court of Appeals
- Honorable Robert Hobgood, Senior Resident Superior Court Judge
- Honorable Beth Keever, Chief District Court Judge
- Honorable Peter Gilchrist, District Attorney
- Honorable Archie Smith, Clerk of Superior Court
- Mr. Lionel Gilbert, Magistrate
- Mr. Angus Thompson, Public Defender
Other Members
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Appointed by the Chief Justice: |
Dr. Melvin Swann |
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Mr. Edwin M. Speas |
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Appointed by the Governor: |
Mr. John Medlin |
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Mr. Don Cowan |
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Appointed by the General Assembly, |
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on recommendation of the .... |
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Speaker of the House:
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Mr. Dumont Clark |
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Mr. Jack Olsen |
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President Pro Tempore of Senate:
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Mr. Lonnie Player |
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Ms. Jane Griffin |
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Appointed by the Indigent |
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Defense Services Commission: |
Professor Rhoda Billings |
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(Chief Justice, Retired) |
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Appointed by the State Bar Council: |
Mr. Gary W. Thomas |