The Storied Third Branch
Welcome to The Storied Third Branch
A rich tradition of honorable service seen through the eyes of judges
Untold Stories. With notable exceptions, the public knows little of judges’ work. On those occasions when the judiciary is in the spotlight, the experience is typically short-lived, quickly expiring at the conclusion of a sensational case. Books about the lives of judges are few. Yet history is full of judges who took a courageous stand in the face of contrary popular will. These episodic events have had enormous impacts, but often go unrecognized. More neglected is the story of the Third Branch administering justice on a daily basis. A judge’s life is shouldering the heavy responsibility of making difficult decisions that over a life time affect thousands of individuals.
Judges Provide Unique Perspective. Stories about judges are told by judges who are qualified by experience to provide a unique and personal perspective on the life-work of judges. The Duke Law Center for Judicial Studies is honored to provide a host repository for judges to tell their stories.
Purpose. Our purpose is to inform the public about one of our nation’s greatest strengths by publishing these stories. We will publish three to four essays each month. We expect that most judges in our series will be little known outside the geographical limits of their respective courthouse. It is precisely because of this gap in our national consciousness that we believe that such a history is important. When the “rule of law” is being recognized around the world as an essential driver of advanced societies, establishing this repository now will not only strengthen our respect for the law, but also provide exemplary examples to developing democracies.
MAY 2013
"The Honorable Albion Winegar Tourgée":
North Carolina Superior Court Judge
Albion Winegar Tourgée
By Robert N. Hunter, Jr.
North Carolina Court of Appeals
"As an American history buff and avid reader, I am always pleasantly surprised when I discover an American judicial hero whose life's story enjoys periodic popular revivals. Albion Winegar Tourgée is my choice for a "storied" judge. Not only is his own narrative compelling history, but he gave American literature a wealth of narratives of new American citizens, who were confronting freedom after a long night of slavery...."
"Setting the Standard":
North Carolina Court of Appeals
Chief Judge John C. Martin
By Donna S. Stroud
North Carolina Court of Appeals
"One of the very best things about being a judge is getting to know the other judges. I have been fortunate to meet many other judges from many jurisdictions, from both trial and appellate courts, and without exaggeration I can say that all have been kind, intelligent, and interesting people who truly care about making our system of law and justice work better for everyone. Many of the judges I have worked with, both when I was practicing as an attorney before them and then with them as colleagues, have taught me so much. But one of these judges stands out as someone who exemplifies what a judge should be: Chief Judge John Martin of the North Carolina Court of Appeals. In addition to excelling at the usual duties of deciding cases and preparing opinions, he has also excelled at the administrative duties of being Chief Judge as well as improving our courts and legal system in many ways that may not be obvious to those outside of North Carolina's judicial system....."