Whether the Court of Appeals properly applied the plain error standard of review to evidentiary challenges and the grossly improper standard of review to statements at closing argument.

Whether the indictment charging defendant with second-degree rape failed to sufficiently allege the elements of the crime, and whether such alleged pleading deficiencies affect the jurisdiction of a trial court.

Whether the Court of Appeals erred in vacating the trial court's judgment because the indictment was insufficient.

Whether the trial court exercised discretion under N.C.G.S. 15A-1233(a) when denying in part a jury request for trial transcripts.

Whether the Court of Appeals erred in affirming the trial court's decision to exclude evidence under Rule 412 of the North Carolina Rules of Evidence.

Workers' compensation

attorney’s fees; abuse of discretion; reasonableness; findings of fact; North Carolina Wage and Hour Act

negligent retention, medical malpractice, summary judgment, statute of repose, NCGS 90-21.11

third party standing, child custody, intervention, constitutionally protected status

abused and neglected juvenile; visitation; reunification efforts; no-contact order

termination of parental rights; neglect; lack of progress; guardianship; permanency;

Assault on an emergency personnel; Error; Plain error; Unanimous jury verdict; Jury instruction; Verdict sheet; Evidence; Fatal variance; Indictment; PWC; Motion to dismiss; Sufficient evidence; Substantial evidence; Preservation of fatal variance issue; Object at trial; Motion to dismiss at the close of all evidence; No error

Structural error; Motion to withdraw; Motion for continuance; Court-appointed counsel; Private counsel; Substitution; Sixth Amendment; Ineffective assistance of counsel; Balancing test; Prejudice; Judicial economy; No error

second amendment, as-applied challenge, mens rea, educational property.

Child custody; Best interests; Findings of fact must support conclusions of law; Sufficiency of the trial court's findings; Consider all relevant factors; N.C. Gen. Stat. § 50-13.2.

modification of child custody, best interest, visitation, findings of fact, delegation of judicial authority

administrative law; due process; subpoena; virtual testimony

alimony, attorney's fees, contempt, holding equitable distribution in trust.