issue of sovereign immunity (North Carolina) · Go Syfert
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issue of sovereign immunity in North Carolina

14 North Carolina opinions name it 3 courts 1991–2022 5 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by North Carolina courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (5)

CaseFollowedCited
Franchise Tax Bd. of Cal. v. Hyattgreen
scotus · 2019 · cited in 3 North Carolina opinions naming this issue, 2022–2022
2 sentences

2022The Court of Appeals concluded that under Hyatt III, no suit may be maintained because “States retain their sovereign immunity from private suits brought in the courts of other States.” Farmer, ¶ 14 (quoting Hyatt III, 139 S. Ct. at 1492). ¶ 11 The doctrine of sovereign immunity, establishing that a sovereign cannot be sued without its consent, see Alden v. Maine, 527 U.S. 706 , 715–16 (1999), was widely accepted in the states at the time the Constitution was drafted.

2022The Court of Appeals concluded that under Hyatt III, no suit may be maintained because “States retain their sovereign immunity from private suits brought in the courts of other States.” Farmer, ¶ 14 (quoting Hyatt III, 139 S. Ct. at 1492). ¶ 11 The doctrine of sovereign immunity, establishing that a sovereign cannot be sued without its consent, see Alden v. Maine, 527 U.S. 706 , 715–16 (1999), was widely accepted in the states at the time the Constitution was drafted.

33
White v. Trew, 366 NC 360green
nc · 2013 · cited in 2 North Carolina opinions naming this issue, 2021–2021
2 sentences

2021TROY UNIV. 2021-NCCOA-36 Opinion of the Court in North Carolina” and “should be treated like any other employees of a non-profit corporation in this state.” These arguments lack merit. ¶ 50 “A suit against a public official in [her] official capacity is a suit against the State.” White v. Trew, 366 N.C. 360, 363 , 736 S.E.2d 166, 168 (2013) (citation and internal quotation marks omitted).

2021TROY UNIV. 2021-NCCOA-36 Opinion of the Court in North Carolina” and “should be treated like any other employees of a non-profit corporation in this state.” These arguments lack merit. ¶ 50 “A suit against a public official in [her] official capacity is a suit against the State.” White v. Trew, 366 N.C. 360, 363 , 736 S.E.2d 166, 168 (2013) (citation and internal quotation marks omitted).

22
Fowler v. Worsleygreen
ncctapp · 2003 · cited in 1 North Carolina opinions naming this issue, 2006–2006
1 sentence

2006App. 128 , 129 n.1, 580 S.E.2d 74 , 75 n.1 (2003) (“Defendant’s appeal, however, does not raise the issue of sovereign immunity.

11
Bruggeman v. Meditrust Acquisition Co.green
nc · 2000 · cited in 1 North Carolina opinions naming this issue, 2006–2006
1 sentence

2006See id.

11
Bland v. City of Wilmingtongreen
nc · 1971 · cited in 1 North Carolina opinions naming this issue, 1993–1993
2 sentences

1993See Bland v. City of Wilmington, 278 N.C. 657 , 180 S.E.2d 813 (1971).

1993See Bland v. City of Wilmington, 278 N.C. 657 , 180 S.E.2d 813 (1971).

11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in North Carolina. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (16)

CaseCitedYears
Alden v. Maine green
scotus · 1999
2 sentences

2022The Court of Appeals concluded that under Hyatt III, no suit may be maintained because “States retain their sovereign immunity from private suits brought in the courts of other States.” Farmer, ¶ 14 (quoting Hyatt III, 139 S. Ct. at 1492). ¶ 11 The doctrine of sovereign immunity, establishing that a sovereign cannot be sued without its consent, see Alden v. Maine, 527 U.S. 706 , 715–16 (1999), was widely accepted in the states at the time the Constitution was drafted.

2022The Court of Appeals concluded that under Hyatt III, no suit may be maintained because “States retain their sovereign immunity from private suits brought in the courts of other States.” Farmer, ¶ 14 (quoting Hyatt III, 139 S. Ct. at 1492). ¶ 11 The doctrine of sovereign immunity, establishing that a sovereign cannot be sued without its consent, see Alden v. Maine, 527 U.S. 706 , 715–16 (1999), was widely accepted in the states at the time the Constitution was drafted.

32022–2022
Petroleum Traders Corp. v. State green
ncctapp · 2008
2 sentences

2013However, Defendants’ contention that only Article I claims can be brought under Corum ignores the fact that: (1) Article II, Section 23 of the North Carolina Constitution “does not articulate . . . rights, only procedures to be followed[,]” Id. at 547 , 660 S.E.2d at 665 , and (2) after the ruling in Petroleum Traders Corp., the Supreme Court revisited the issue of sovereign immunity in Craig, and allowed the plaintiffs in that case to pursue constitutional claims under both Article I and Article IX of the Constitution.

2013However, Defendants’ contention that only Article I claims can be brought under Corum ignores the fact that: (1) Article II, Section 23 of the North Carolina Constitution “does not articulate . . . rights, only procedures to be followed[,]” Id. at 547 , 660 S.E.2d at 665 , and (2) after the ruling in Petroleum Traders Corp., the Supreme Court revisited the issue of sovereign immunity in Craig, and allowed the plaintiffs in that case to pursue constitutional claims under both Article I and Article IX of the Constitution.

22013–2013
Craig Ex Rel. Craig v. New Hanover County Board of Education green
nc · 2009
2 sentences

2013Craig, 363 N.C. at 335, 678 S.E.2d at 352 . {63} Based on the Supreme Court’s ruling in Craig and the Court of Appeals recent decision in Cowell, the Court concludes that Plaintiffs may proceed with all of their claims brought under the North Carolina Constitution.

2013Craig, 363 N.C. at 335, 678 S.E.2d at 352 . {63} Based on the Supreme Court’s ruling in Craig and the Court of Appeals recent decision in Cowell, the Court concludes that Plaintiffs may proceed with all of their claims brought under the North Carolina Constitution.

22013–2013
Richmond County Board of Education v. Cowell green
ncctapp · 2013
2 sentences

2017Bd. of Educ. v. Cowell , 225 N.C.App. 583 , 739 S.E.2d 566 , rev. denied , 367 N.C. 215 , 747 S.E.2d 553 (2013), the trial court granted summary judgment in the school board's favor.

2017Bd. of Educ. v. Cowell , 225 N.C.App. 583 , 739 S.E.2d 566 , rev. denied , 367 N.C. 215 , 747 S.E.2d 553 (2013), the trial court granted summary judgment in the school board's favor.

12017–2017
Richmond County Board of Education v. Cowell neutral
nc · 2013
1 sentence

2017Bd. of Educ. v. Cowell , 225 N.C.App. 583 , 739 S.E.2d 566 , rev. denied , 367 N.C. 215 , 747 S.E.2d 553 (2013), the trial court granted summary judgment in the school board's favor.

12017–2017
In re C.H. neutral
nc · 2013
1 sentence

2017Bd. of Educ. v. Cowell , 225 N.C.App. 583 , 739 S.E.2d 566 , rev. denied , 367 N.C. 215 , 747 S.E.2d 553 (2013), the trial court granted summary judgment in the school board's favor.

12017–2017
Mullis v. Sechrest green
· 1998
2 sentences

2016Nat'l Bank v. Gillespie , 291 N.C. 303 , 306, 230 S.E.2d 375 , 377 (1976), and specifically, that an unpled defense of sovereign immunity should be considered in ruling on a motion for summary judgment where "both parties knew or should have known that an action against a governmental entity ... raises a question of sovereign immunity." Mullis v. Sechrest , 126 N.C.App. 91 , 96, 484 S.E.2d 423 , 426 (1997) (citing Dickens v. Puryear , 45 N.C.App. 696 , 698, 263 S.E.2d 856 , 857-58 (1980), rev'd in part on other grounds , 302 N.C. 437 , 276 S.E.2d 325 (1981) ), rev'd on other grounds , 347 N.C.

2016Nat'l Bank v. Gillespie , 291 N.C. 303 , 306, 230 S.E.2d 375 , 377 (1976), and specifically, that an unpled defense of sovereign immunity should be considered in ruling on a motion for summary judgment where "both parties knew or should have known that an action against a governmental entity ... raises a question of sovereign immunity." Mullis v. Sechrest , 126 N.C.App. 91 , 96, 484 S.E.2d 423 , 426 (1997) (citing Dickens v. Puryear , 45 N.C.App. 696 , 698, 263 S.E.2d 856 , 857-58 (1980), rev'd in part on other grounds , 302 N.C. 437 , 276 S.E.2d 325 (1981) ), rev'd on other grounds , 347 N.C.

12016–2016
Mullis v. Sechrest green
ncctapp · 1997
2 sentences

2016Nat'l Bank v. Gillespie , 291 N.C. 303 , 306, 230 S.E.2d 375 , 377 (1976), and specifically, that an unpled defense of sovereign immunity should be considered in ruling on a motion for summary judgment where "both parties knew or should have known that an action against a governmental entity ... raises a question of sovereign immunity." Mullis v. Sechrest , 126 N.C.App. 91 , 96, 484 S.E.2d 423 , 426 (1997) (citing Dickens v. Puryear , 45 N.C.App. 696 , 698, 263 S.E.2d 856 , 857-58 (1980), rev'd in part on other grounds , 302 N.C. 437 , 276 S.E.2d 325 (1981) ), rev'd on other grounds , 347 N.C.

2016Nat'l Bank v. Gillespie , 291 N.C. 303 , 306, 230 S.E.2d 375 , 377 (1976), and specifically, that an unpled defense of sovereign immunity should be considered in ruling on a motion for summary judgment where "both parties knew or should have known that an action against a governmental entity ... raises a question of sovereign immunity." Mullis v. Sechrest , 126 N.C.App. 91 , 96, 484 S.E.2d 423 , 426 (1997) (citing Dickens v. Puryear , 45 N.C.App. 696 , 698, 263 S.E.2d 856 , 857-58 (1980), rev'd in part on other grounds , 302 N.C. 437 , 276 S.E.2d 325 (1981) ), rev'd on other grounds , 347 N.C.

12016–2016
Dickens v. Puryear green
nc · 1981
2 sentences

2016Nat'l Bank v. Gillespie , 291 N.C. 303 , 306, 230 S.E.2d 375 , 377 (1976), and specifically, that an unpled defense of sovereign immunity should be considered in ruling on a motion for summary judgment where "both parties knew or should have known that an action against a governmental entity ... raises a question of sovereign immunity." Mullis v. Sechrest , 126 N.C.App. 91 , 96, 484 S.E.2d 423 , 426 (1997) (citing Dickens v. Puryear , 45 N.C.App. 696 , 698, 263 S.E.2d 856 , 857-58 (1980), rev'd in part on other grounds , 302 N.C. 437 , 276 S.E.2d 325 (1981) ), rev'd on other grounds , 347 N.C.

2016Nat'l Bank v. Gillespie , 291 N.C. 303 , 306, 230 S.E.2d 375 , 377 (1976), and specifically, that an unpled defense of sovereign immunity should be considered in ruling on a motion for summary judgment where "both parties knew or should have known that an action against a governmental entity ... raises a question of sovereign immunity." Mullis v. Sechrest , 126 N.C.App. 91 , 96, 484 S.E.2d 423 , 426 (1997) (citing Dickens v. Puryear , 45 N.C.App. 696 , 698, 263 S.E.2d 856 , 857-58 (1980), rev'd in part on other grounds , 302 N.C. 437 , 276 S.E.2d 325 (1981) ), rev'd on other grounds , 347 N.C.

12016–2016
M Series Rebuild, LLC v. Town of Mount Pleasant green
ncctapp · 2012
2 sentences

2016A motion to dismiss based on sovereign immunity is a jurisdictional issue; whether sovereign immunity is grounded in a lack of subject matter jurisdiction or personal jurisdiction is unsettled in North Carolina." M Series Rebuild, LLC v. Town of Mount Pleasant, Inc., 222 N.C.App. 59 , 62, 730 S.E.2d 254 , 257 (2012) (citing only cases involving 12(b)(1) and 12(b)(2)).

2016A motion to dismiss based on sovereign immunity is a jurisdictional issue; whether sovereign immunity is grounded in a lack of subject matter jurisdiction or personal jurisdiction is unsettled in North Carolina." M Series Rebuild, LLC v. Town of Mount Pleasant, Inc., 222 N.C.App. 59 , 62, 730 S.E.2d 254 , 257 (2012) (citing only cases involving 12(b)(1) and 12(b)(2)).

12016–2016
North Carolina National Bank v. Gillespie green
nc · 1976
2 sentences

2016Nat'l Bank v. Gillespie , 291 N.C. 303 , 306, 230 S.E.2d 375 , 377 (1976), and specifically, that an unpled defense of sovereign immunity should be considered in ruling on a motion for summary judgment where "both parties knew or should have known that an action against a governmental entity ... raises a question of sovereign immunity." Mullis v. Sechrest , 126 N.C.App. 91 , 96, 484 S.E.2d 423 , 426 (1997) (citing Dickens v. Puryear , 45 N.C.App. 696 , 698, 263 S.E.2d 856 , 857-58 (1980), rev'd in part on other grounds , 302 N.C. 437 , 276 S.E.2d 325 (1981) ), rev'd on other grounds , 347 N.C.

2016Nat'l Bank v. Gillespie , 291 N.C. 303 , 306, 230 S.E.2d 375 , 377 (1976), and specifically, that an unpled defense of sovereign immunity should be considered in ruling on a motion for summary judgment where "both parties knew or should have known that an action against a governmental entity ... raises a question of sovereign immunity." Mullis v. Sechrest , 126 N.C.App. 91 , 96, 484 S.E.2d 423 , 426 (1997) (citing Dickens v. Puryear , 45 N.C.App. 696 , 698, 263 S.E.2d 856 , 857-58 (1980), rev'd in part on other grounds , 302 N.C. 437 , 276 S.E.2d 325 (1981) ), rev'd on other grounds , 347 N.C.

12016–2016
State v. Watlington green
nc · 2014
2 sentences

2016Although acknowledging that this appeal is interlocutory, defendant argues that it is entitled to appeal because the trial court denied its motion to dismiss on sovereign immunity grounds. *87 However, we are bound by Can Am S., LLC v. State, 234 N.C.App. 119 , 122, 759 S.E.2d 304 , 307, disc. review denied, 367 N.C. 791 , 766 S.E.2d 624 (2014), in which this Court, after surveying the controlling authority, held that when a defendant raises the issue of sovereign immunity under Rule 12(b)(1) of the Rules of Civil Procedure, a denial of that motion is not immediately appealable.

2016App. ___, ___, 759 S.E.2d 304, 307 , disc. review denied, 367 N.C. 791 , 766 S.E.2d 624 (2014), in which this Court, after surveying the controlling authority, held that when a defendant raises the issue of sovereign immunity under Rule 12(b)(1) of the Rules MURRAY V.

12016–2016
Meyer v. Race City Classics, LLC green
nc · 2014
2 sentences

2016Although acknowledging that this appeal is interlocutory, defendant argues that it is entitled to appeal because the trial court denied its motion to dismiss on sovereign immunity grounds. *87 However, we are bound by Can Am S., LLC v. State, 234 N.C.App. 119 , 122, 759 S.E.2d 304 , 307, disc. review denied, 367 N.C. 791 , 766 S.E.2d 624 (2014), in which this Court, after surveying the controlling authority, held that when a defendant raises the issue of sovereign immunity under Rule 12(b)(1) of the Rules of Civil Procedure, a denial of that motion is not immediately appealable.

2016App. ___, ___, 759 S.E.2d 304, 307 , disc. review denied, 367 N.C. 791 , 766 S.E.2d 624 (2014), in which this Court, after surveying the controlling authority, held that when a defendant raises the issue of sovereign immunity under Rule 12(b)(1) of the Rules MURRAY V.

12016–2016
Dickens v. Puryear green
ncctapp · 1980
2 sentences

2016Nat'l Bank v. Gillespie , 291 N.C. 303 , 306, 230 S.E.2d 375 , 377 (1976), and specifically, that an unpled defense of sovereign immunity should be considered in ruling on a motion for summary judgment where "both parties knew or should have known that an action against a governmental entity ... raises a question of sovereign immunity." Mullis v. Sechrest , 126 N.C.App. 91 , 96, 484 S.E.2d 423 , 426 (1997) (citing Dickens v. Puryear , 45 N.C.App. 696 , 698, 263 S.E.2d 856 , 857-58 (1980), rev'd in part on other grounds , 302 N.C. 437 , 276 S.E.2d 325 (1981) ), rev'd on other grounds , 347 N.C.

2016Nat'l Bank v. Gillespie , 291 N.C. 303 , 306, 230 S.E.2d 375 , 377 (1976), and specifically, that an unpled defense of sovereign immunity should be considered in ruling on a motion for summary judgment where "both parties knew or should have known that an action against a governmental entity ... raises a question of sovereign immunity." Mullis v. Sechrest , 126 N.C.App. 91 , 96, 484 S.E.2d 423 , 426 (1997) (citing Dickens v. Puryear , 45 N.C.App. 696 , 698, 263 S.E.2d 856 , 857-58 (1980), rev'd in part on other grounds , 302 N.C. 437 , 276 S.E.2d 325 (1981) ), rev'd on other grounds , 347 N.C.

12016–2016
Can Am South, LLC v. State, North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services green
ncctapp · 2014
2 sentences

2016Although acknowledging that this appeal is interlocutory, defendant argues that it is entitled to appeal because the trial court denied its motion to dismiss on sovereign immunity grounds. *87 However, we are bound by Can Am S., LLC v. State, 234 N.C.App. 119 , 122, 759 S.E.2d 304 , 307, disc. review denied, 367 N.C. 791 , 766 S.E.2d 624 (2014), in which this Court, after surveying the controlling authority, held that when a defendant raises the issue of sovereign immunity under Rule 12(b)(1) of the Rules of Civil Procedure, a denial of that motion is not immediately appealable.

2016Although acknowledging that this appeal is interlocutory, defendant argues that it is entitled to appeal because the trial court denied its motion to dismiss on sovereign immunity grounds. *87 However, we are bound by Can Am S., LLC v. State, 234 N.C.App. 119 , 122, 759 S.E.2d 304 , 307, disc. review denied, 367 N.C. 791 , 766 S.E.2d 624 (2014), in which this Court, after surveying the controlling authority, held that when a defendant raises the issue of sovereign immunity under Rule 12(b)(1) of the Rules of Civil Procedure, a denial of that motion is not immediately appealable.

12016–2016
Wiggins v. City of Monroe green
ncctapp · 1985
2 sentences

1991Id. at 44 , 326 S.E.2d at 39 .

1991Id. at 44 , 326 S.E.2d at 39 .

11991–1991

Statutes the citing opinions construe

NC § N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1A-1 (6) NC § N.C. Gen. Stat. § 55A-15-05 (5) NC § N.C. Gen. Stat. § 55A-3-02 (5) NC § N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-277 (3) NC § N.C. Gen. Stat. § 55A-15-01 (3) NC § N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7A-31 (3) USC § 16u.s.c.831 (3) USC § 16u.s.c.831c(b) (3) USC § 42u.s.c.1983 (3)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

TX 40 (1991–2025) FL 36 (1982–2026) GA 28 (1989–2025) CO 22 (1995–2025) CT 20 (1974–2022) OH 19 (1972–2025) AR 16 (2000–2024) VA 15 (1985–2026) NC 14 (1991–2022) PA 13 (1971–2023) MD 5 (1988–2018) CA 5 (2001–2020) OK 4 (1980–2000) SD 4 (2000–2014) ME 3 (1980–2004) WV 3 (1997–2008) AL 3 (1978–2017) MO 3 (1984–2000) KY 3 (1982–2024) TN 3 (2007–2019) IL 2 (1987–1996) SC 2 (1985–2025) MN 2 (1997–2000) NM 2 (1980–2018) DE 2 (2016–2019) AK 2 (1975–1988) MI 2 (1978–2004) VT 2 (1996–2017) MT 2 (1973–1993) MA 2 (2005–2006) MS 2 (1992–1993)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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