Dear Reader,
The integrity of the courts has become a critical fault line in American democracy — and time after time, ProPublica has exposed what those in power hoped would stay hidden. Our reporting has uncovered undisclosed gifts, secret influence networks and off-the-bench conduct that would likely never have surfaced without our relentless, independent scrutiny.
In October, we published our latest investigation on this subject, focusing on Paul Newby, Republican chief justice of North Carolina’s Supreme Court. ProPublica reporter Doug Bock Clark revealed how Newby has turned his perch atop the court into an instrument of political power. Over two decades, he’s driven changes that have reverberated well beyond the borders of his state.
We tried hard to get in touch, but Newby declined multiple interview requests and even had a reporter escorted out of a judicial conference to avoid questions. Eventually, the North Carolina Republican Party’s communications director, Matt Mercer, responded, writing that ProPublica was waging a “jihad” against “NC Republicans,” which would “not be met with dignifying any comments whatsoever.”
“I’m sure you’re aware of our connections with the Trump Administration and I’m sure they would be interested in this matter,” Mercer said in his email. “I would strongly suggest dropping this story.”
We didn’t.
To tell Newby’s story, ProPublica interviewed over 70 people who know him professionally or personally, including former North Carolina justices and judges, lawmakers, longtime friends and family members. Many requested anonymity, saying they feared that he or his proxies would retaliate against them through the courts’ oversight system, the state bar association or the influence he wields more broadly.
We as Americans expect a judicial branch that consistently and ethically carries out its job. Experts say that is not the case in North Carolina. And if money, influence and power are remaking the American judicial system, we have the right to know.
Our reporters have the freedom and resources to pursue investigations into people at the highest levels of power in our government because we’re a nonprofit, independent newsroom. Help us continue this urgent work investigating our country’s most powerful people. Join ProPublica today with your donation of any amount and help ensure that we can continue to produce the kind of well-researched journalism that holds power to account.
Thanks so much,
Megan Martenyi
Proud ProPublican
