No. I do know that Nifong used to work for Stephens and they are good friends.
The core of people in that Durham system has been around for along time. Almost all the Judges also came out of UNC-Chapel Hill law school too.
I don't have any personal knowledge, but that inner core in Durham - it's been characterized as the Old-guard. People are recycled - not too many new faces.
Nifong worked as Stephen's chief assistant. It's no secret they have a friendship and run in the same social circles.
That's what I was afraid of. I would feel more comfortable if there was bad blood between them.
I am sure working in a courthouse is no different than working in a hospital or any other large company.
There are alliances, power strugggles and lots of back stabbing.
Friendships are formed and enemies are made.
The subculture is about power and payback. And all have a pecking order.
I'd love to have the inside scoop.
Someone on the CourtTV board said that Stephens has two other brothers on the bench, maybe at a higher level. They thought this spoke well of him. I responded that I was from a similar sized state and we have more than one family making up the judiciary.
I really really wonder how good an idea it is to have brothers hearing appeals of each others rulings?