NCLCV Statement on Ruling by the NC Supreme Court in Harper v. Hall
April 28, 2023
Raleigh, N.C. – The North Carolina Supreme Court today released its decision, voting 5-2 to overrule its prior decision in Harper v. Hall. The dissenting opinion, written by Justice Anita Earls and joined by Justice Michael Morgan, begins on page 147 of the ruling. Carrie Clark, executive director of North Carolina League of Conservation Voters, a plaintiff in the case, made the following statement:
We’re deeply disappointed by the ruling and agree wholeheartedly with the dissent by Justice Earls that characterizes the majority opinion as a “shameful manipulation of fundamental principles of our democracy and the rule of law.” We appreciate her optimism in concluding, “I look forward to the day when commitment to the constitutional principles of free elections and equal protection of the laws are upheld and the abuses committed by the majority are recognized for what they are, permanently relegating them to the annals of this Court’s darkest moments.”
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The North Carolina League of Conservation Voters (NCLCV) is a pragmatic, results-oriented, nonpartisan advocacy organization whose mission is to protect the health and quality of life for all North Carolinians, with an intentional focus on systematically excluded communities of color. We elect environmental champions, advocate for environmental policies that protect our communities, and hold elected leaders accountable for their decisions. We have worked for over 50 years to create the political environment that will protect our natural environment.
