8-27-24: Hodges & Jensen Talks Magistrates

Tune in here to this Tuesday’s edition of Breaking With Brett Jensen!

Breaking Brett Jensen kicks the show off by introducing David Hodges, a reporter from WBTV, whom he highly praises for his investigative work, especially regarding the magistrate system. and The primary focus is on the magistrate system in Mecklenburg County. Magistrates are judicial officers who handle various legal matters, including setting bail, issuing warrants, and presiding over small claims cases.

David Hodges shares his investigative work on the magistrate system, explaining how he discovered issues with magistrates’ qualifications, training, and potential misconduct. He recounts a specific case where a magistrate was involved in unethical behavior, including relationships with criminal defendants and misusing her position.

Jensen and Hodges discuss the minimal qualifications required to become a magistrate in North Carolina, including having just a GED and some experience in the clerk of court’s office or holding a two-year degree. They express concern over the lack of legal training for magistrates who hold significant power in the justice system.

Listen here for all of this and more on Breaking With Brett Jensen.