Abstract
This article will examine actions taken by the North Carolina legislature to address problems posed by recidivist criminal behavior. In particular, the constitutional standing of North Carolina's habitual misdemeanor assault and habitual impaired driving statutes will be evaluated. In order to provide an adequate discussion, the history and general principles of recidivism will be addressed. In addition, the impact of recidivist statutory trends upon constitutional guarantees of double jeopardy will be analyzed. Finally, the article will explain that North Carolina's habitual misdemeanor statutes are standing upon teetering constitutional ground.
Recommended Citation
Jason White, Once, Twice, Four Times a Felon: North Carolina's Unconstitutional Recidivist Statutes, 24 Campbell L. Rev. 115 (2001).