The legal battle over two state constitutional amendments in North Carolina approved by voters in 2018 continues as legislative leaders have requested a three-judge panel to end the case. Critics of the amendments, which included a photo identification requirement for voters and a reduction in the state’s income tax cap, are pushing back against the request.
Plaintiffs in the case, NC NAACP v. Moore, have emphasized the importance of proving that the amendments should be struck down based on guidance provided by the state Supreme Court. They argue that the court’s clear instructions in August 2022 to allow additional factual development and an evidentiary hearing should be followed instead of ruling based solely on pleadings.
Lawmakers and their lawyers have defended the amendments, arguing that they do not meet the factors set by the court for their removal from the constitution. The legal battle has continued for six years, with both sides presenting their arguments to the three-judge Superior Court panel.
The case has seen several developments, including rulings from the state Supreme Court that have influenced the legal proceedings. Critics of the amendments and the legislative process that led to their approval have raised concerns about the legitimacy of the amendments and the lawmakers behind them. The case has garnered attention due to its implications for voter ID laws and tax policies in North Carolina.
The legal battle, as documented in the “Extreme Injustice” podcast by the John Locke Foundation, has become a focal point for discussions on constitutional amendments initiated by the legislature and approved by voters. The dispute highlights the complexities of interpreting and enforcing state constitutional provisions while ensuring democratic accountability.
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