H239 - Reduce Court of Appeals to 12 Judges. (SL 2017-7)

Overview: S.L. 2017-7:

• Reduces the Court of Appeals from 15 to 12 judges by abolishing the first three seats that become vacant on or after January 1, 2017, prior to expiration of the incumbent's term.
• Provides an appeal of right directly to the North Carolina Supreme Court from orders regarding class action certification and orders terminating parental rights or denying a motion or petition to terminate parental rights.
• Permits review by the North Carolina Supreme Court before determination by the Court of Appeals when the subject matter is important in overseeing the jurisdiction and integrity of the court system.

The provisions of the act allowing appeals of right directly to the Supreme Court from orders relating to the termination of parental rights becomes effective January 1, 2019, and applies to appeals filed on or after that date. The remainder of the act became effective April 26, 2017.