221 N.C. App. 204
N.C. Ct. App.2012Background
- State appeals trial court’s order declaring NC statute §14-208.18(a)(2) unconstitutional and dismissing charges.
- Indictment charging Herman under §14-208.18(a)(2) and (3) challenged as unconstitutional on First Amendment/free exercise grounds.
- Trial court found §14-208.18(a)(2) unconstitutional and dismissed the charges.
- State argues issues of standing and constitutionality; Harris decision governs jurisdictional questions.
- Court concludes indictment lacks essential elements under §14-208.18 and thus trial court lacked subject-matter jurisdiction; State’s appeal dismissed.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether the indictment for §14-208.18(a)(2) states all essential elements | State: indictment lacks essential elements under statute; roster of elements not alleged | Herman: indictment sufficient; no jurisdictional flaw shown | Indictment fails to allege essential elements; jurisdiction lacking |
Key Cases Cited
- State v. Harris, N.C.App. , 724 S.E.2d 633 (2012) (indictment must allege every essential element; Harris controls jurisdiction issue)
- State v. Billinger, N.C.App. , 714 S.E.2d 201 (2011) (indictment should allege essential elements, not mere surplusage)
- State v. Courtney, 248 N.C. 447, 103 S.E.2d 861 (1958) (indictment must state essential elements; notice to defendant)
- State v. Rambert, 341 N.C. 173, 459 S.E.2d 510 (1995) (indictment should state elements; ultimate facts allowed but essential elements required)
- State v. McKoy, 196 N.C.App. 650, 675 S.E.2d 406 (2009) (indictment sufficiency reviewed de novo)
- State v. Greer, 238 N.C. 325, 77 S.E.2d 917 (1953) (indictment in statutory offense sufficient if charged in statute’s language)