David R. Lewis: Biased Fourth Circuit

Regarding the Aug. 7 Point of View “Berger, Moore reckless with comments on voter ID court ruling”: The writer, J. Dickson Phillips III, is a registered Democrat. His father, J. Dickson Phillips Jr., served on the Fourth Circuit. Does this mean he cannot be impartial? Not necessarily. But his actions speak louder than his words.

Gene Nichol, a UNC law professor, has accused the N.C. Supreme Court of partisan intent. At no point has Phillips written an opinion piece accusing Nichol of having a “cynical view” of the courts. Nor did he chastise The N&O for its endless editorials claiming partisan motivations to the Supreme Court.

Phillips made no mention of the 400 pages of fact that the Fourth Circuit Court overturned from the district court’s ruling, which is radical. The Fourth Circuit blatantly ignored the facts and took what seems to be a highly cynical approach to the case with partisan intent.

I agree that our judiciary should be independent and unbiased. I do not believe this is the case on the Fourth Circuit now. By ignoring all case law and 400 pages of fact found by the district court, the Fourth Circuit recklessly assailed the character of all members of the General Assembly and usurped the right of elected representatives to set policy.

The writer, a Republican, represents House District 53.

This story was originally published August 11, 2016 at 4:37 PM with the headline "David R. Lewis: Biased Fourth Circuit."