Statement Addresses Campaign Advertising

Kearns Davis, president of the North Carolina Bar Association, issued a statement today concerning advertising associated with the 2016 general election:

“This election season, voters are seeing the continuation of a recent pattern of negative campaign advertising targeting North Carolina judges. As an organization dedicated to serving the public and the legal profession, the North Carolina Bar Association supports and defends the right to free speech guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and the North Carolina Constitution, particularly in the context of political campaigns. Advertising or commentary that unfairly attacks or maligns the character of those seeking elective office based on performance of their judicial duties, however, threatens the public trust on which our courts depend.

“Justices and judges execute their duties according to the rule of law under strict codes of ethics and professionalism. Our democracy rests on the system of justice they serve. Even as we disagree about particular issues and decisions, it is imperative that we as citizens approach the process and the candidates with civility and respect.”