In a recent development of interest to the legal community, Justice Michael Morgan has announced plans to step down from his role on the Supreme Court of North Carolina. According to a release, Justice Morgan’s departure will take effect the week of September 4. The cited origin of the information was a statement from Fox Rothschild LLP.
The career move occurs amidst speculation that Justice Morgan may be considering a shot at the governorship. The NC Code of Judicial Conduct outlines a strict stipulation that a sitting judge cannot pursue a non-judicial political office unless they have resigned their current position. See N.C. Code of Jud. Conduct, Cannon 7 (B)(6).
The potential for a gubernatorial run by a formerly high-ranking judicial figure introduces an intriguing dynamic to North Carolina’s political landscape. This move could ignite a larger conversation around the intersection of law and politics within the state, and indeed, on a wider scale.
Justice Morgan’s resignation and potential pivot to politics will undoubtedly be a topic of conversation in both legal and political circles in the coming weeks. We will be closely following the developments on this front.