The recent rise of qui tam actions
Though the federal False Claims Act was enacted in 1863, lawsuits brought under the Act have recently increased dramatically. [...]
Legislative and Policy
Highlighting state and national legislative news, focusing on some of the most important policy issues of the day.
Will the new North Carolina fracking law be a source of jobs and energy or just another environmental crisis?
Those who are concerned with the possible negative environmental effects of the fracking process staunchly oppose the passage of the Energy Modernization Act, yet many laud the bill as a way to provide energy and jobs for North Carolinians. [...]
How will Attorney General Roy Cooper affect North Carolina’s same-sex marriage ban?
Attorney General Roy Cooper must defend North Carolina’s Amendment One from attack, in spite of the fact that he personally opposes the same-sex marriage ban. [...]
The degradation of prayer
Legislative prayer is both coercive and divisive. This is why the Supreme Court got it all wrong.
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Increasing Litigation and Changing Attitudes Lead the Fight Against North Carolina’s Same-Sex Marriage Ban
The Complaint filed by the UCC against North Carolina’s same-sex marriage ban highlights the ongoing litigation and changing viewpoints that seem to be increasing since “Amendment One” was passed two years ago. [...]
North Carolina Church Attempts to Fight State’s Gay Marriage Ban
The United Church of Christ has filed a complaint in regards to the unconstitutionality of “Amendment One,” as well as other statutes that prohibit clergy members from marrying same-sex couples in the state of North Carolina. [...]
Seeking justice through tort reform in North Carolina
The adoption of a policy of comparative negligence, not damage caps, may alleviate the injustices caused by North Carolina’s highly restrictive negligence laws.
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North Carolina’s decision not to expand Medicaid coverage in light of NFID v. Sebelius
More than half of states have plans in place to expand their Medicaid coverage using federal money. Why isn’t North Carolina among them?
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The FDA proposes new labeling changes to food packaging
Before the Obama Administration’s term expires, the First Lady and the Food and Drug Administration may equip consumers with the means to incorporate a healthy diet into their lifestyles. [...]
Legislative Overstepping v. Protecting North Carolina’s Interests: How North Carolina’s Health Care Transparency Law Changed the Allocation of Power in the State Government
An in-depth analysis of how the Health Care Transparency law upset the balance of power within the state and created problems regarding who represents North Carolina. [...]
Free to Discriminate, but Against Whom?
Arizona’s Senate Bill 1062 illustrates the conflicting interests implicated by anti-gay religious freedom bills. [...]
Duke Energy’s coal ash spill calls North Carolina politics into question
Duke Energy’s Coal Ash Spill that contaminated the Dan River raises questions about the balance between state regulation and the pro-business agenda of North Carolina leaders. [...]
A Tale of Two Countries: Comparing recent developments in Australian and American immigration policy
Australian and American lawmakers have taken very different approaches to resolving similar illegal immigration problems. [...]
Virtual Charter Schools Earn a Failing Grade
Despite guiding principles from the State Board of Education, virtual charter schools have not met academic expectations. [...]
North Carolina to appeal court decision that abortion and ultrasound law violates the First Amendment
In July 2011, House Bill 854, also known as the Woman’s Right to Know Act, was presented to then-Governor Beverly Perdue. The Bill prohibits an abortion unless a physician conveys state-specified information to the patient. The former Governor vetoed the bill, remarking that it was a “dangerous intrusion into the confidential relationship that exists between women and their doctors” and that “physicians must be free to advise and treat their patients based on their medical [...]