Hunter will take his seat on the high court September 6, five days after Martin leaves the spot for the top job. Martin replaces retiring Chief Justice Sarah Parker, who has reached the mandated age of retirment.

 

“As a lawyer who practiced for 35 years and as a current judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals, Judge Hunter has the experience and integrity needed to serve on North Carolina's Supreme Court,” said Gov. McCrory in a statement. "I am confident that Judge Hunter will continue to serve our state to the best of his legal abilities and with the highest of ethical standards." 

 

Judge Hunter, who lives in Morehead City, has served on the North Carolina Court of Appeals since 2008. 

 

Prior to joining the Court of Appeals, Judge Hunter practiced law for 35 years in Greensboro.  He has served as Chairman of the North Carolina State Board of Elections, Deputy Attorney General, and was a member of the North Carolina Criminal Justice Training and Standards Council.