Raleigh, N.C. – North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) released a statement on Friday remembering the “profound impact” of former state Supreme Court Chief Justice Beverly I. Lake Jr., who passed away on Thursday.
“Justice Lake was a man who loved the law because he believed firmly in its protections afforded to all North Carolinians,” Speaker Moore said Friday. “He had a profound impact on our courts with a visionary influence and legacy for legal rights that produced lasting reform in our criminal justice system.”
“Our thoughts are with his friends and family in the coming weeks as we remember his dedicated service to this state.”
The North Carolina chief justice served two terms in the state Senate, worked as an assistant and deputy attorney general, and led the North Carolina Actual Innocence Commission. His work resulted in substantial reforms to criminal trial procedures to protect the potentially innocent accused. He passed away at the age 85.