Whether the Court of Appeals erred in reversing dismissal of a claim for negligence at the 12(b)(6) stage based on contributory negligence and in affirming dismissal of a claim for punitive damages.

Whether the Court of Appeals erred by determining the trial court committed plain error by instructing the jury once on first-degree forcible sexual offense where the defendant was indicted for two counts of first-degree forcible sexual offense.

Whether substitution of an alternate juror during guilt deliberations in a criminal trial violates a defendant's constitutional right to a jury of twelve.

Whether defendant satisfied the prejudice prong for plain error where a law enforcement officer testifying as a lay witness gave his opinion regarding defendant's intent at the time of an accident.

Whether the Court of Appeals' majority erred in holding that the trial court did not commit structural error in denying defendant's court-appointed counsel's motion to withdraw for defendant to hire counsel of his own choosing.

Whether the Court of Appeals erred in reversing the superior court's order in which it determined that petitioners are entitled to receive adoption assistance benefits several years after the adoption was finalized.

Service units; equivalent residential unit (ERU); statutory interpretation; System Development Fees; N.C. Gen. Stat. § 162A-200.

comtempt; purge

Acknowledged paternity; pretermitted heir

Juvenile Code; disposition; permanency planning; evidentiary standards; oral testimony

Termination of parental rights; Permanency Planning Hearing; Ceasing reunification efforts;Waiver/Forfeiture of right to counsel; NC Gen Stat 7B-906.2(d); Mandated findings

motion to dismiss, statutory interpretation, protection of animals act, animal cruelty, plain language, affirm.

motion to dismiss; rule 12(b)(1); subject matter jurisdiction; Workers’ Compensation Act; exclusivity provision; N.C. Gen. Stat. 97-10.1; release agreement; affiliate

Breach of Express Contract; Implied Claims; Unjust Enrichment; Motion for Directed Verdict; JNOW/New Trial
Real Property Marketable Title Act; N.C. Gen. Stat. § 47B-1-9 (2023); Slander of Title; Notice of Lis Pendens; N.C. Gen. Stat § 1-116 (a)-(d) (2023); Jury Instructions

indirect criminal contempt, jurisdiction, findings of fact, competent evidence, ultimate finding, statute of limitations, misdemeanor, injunction, motion for order to show cause, substantial evidence, affirm.

direct criminal contempt, indirect criminal contempt, under the influence, drug use, urine sample

N.C. Gen. Stat. 15A-1222; N.C. Gen. Stat. 15A-1232; prejudice; Rule 403; Rule 901; plain error; closing remarks; ex mero motu

right to withdraw appeal, State v Handy 326 NC 532, Handy factors, N.C.G.S. 15A-1024

Character Evidence; Plain Error; Jury Instructions; Delay in Appeal; Sixth Amendment; No Error