UNCP Provost Roger Brown appointed to judicial review committee

UNC Pembroke Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Roger Brown has been named to the Advisory Committee on Political Conduct of North Carolina's judges and judicial candidates.

Dr. Brown was appointed to the 36-member committee by North Carolina's Chief Justice of the Supreme Court I. Beverly Lake Jr. Chairing the committee is Associate Supreme Court Justice Robert F. Orr, who was the 2002 Commencement speaker at UNCP.

"This is a critical issue for the state's judiciary," Dr. Brown said. "New rules were formulated, and they resulted in some controversy in the last judicial election."

The North Carolina Code of Judicial Conduct was revised recently by the state Supreme Court to allow judges to solicit campaign contributions to run for election. They were also permitted to speak at political fundraisers, something they have not been allowed to do in the past.

Critics say the new rules erode the impartiality of the state's judiciary, especially if judges are allowed to solicit contributions from attorneys who may later try cases in their courtrooms.

The Advisory Committee on Political Conduct will hold its first meeting on February 20 in Raleigh to discuss the issue.

"I do not support an elected judiciary, but as long as the State of North Carolina continues to elect its judges, it is imperative that the rules be clear and consistent," Dr. Brown said. "I am pleased and honored to have been appointed to serve with this distinguished group of individuals."

A political scientist, who specializes in American government, UNCP's provost is one of only three people on the advisory committee who are not judges, attorneys or elected officials. He is the only committee member from Robeson County.

"As one of only three ordinary citizens on the committee and considering the importance of this issue to the State of North Carolina, I am duly impressed by the seriousness of the task that faces us," Dr. Brown said.

There is no deadline for the advisory Committee's report to Chief Justice Lake. Insiders have reported to media sources that the rules for judicial conduct will likely be revised as a result of the committee's review.

A veteran academic who is active in civic affairs, Dr. Brown joined the UNCP as its chief academic officer in 2000. He came from UNC Charlotte where he taught political science and served administratively as senior associate provost.

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