Judge Toby Hampson, a key player on the North Carolina Court of Appeals, joins the crew of Muck You! to chat about the wild world of judicial elections and why keeping Democratic voices in the courts is crucial. He dives deep into the nitty-gritty of how the court operates and the potential consequences of a complete Republican sweep in the upcoming elections. Hampson shares his journey from a North Carolina public school to the bench, sprinkling in some humor about his past as the “dumb jock” at a math and science school—who knew judges could be so relatable? The gang discusses the importance of upholding the law in a landscape increasingly colored by partisanship, with Hampson stressing the need for balance and the vital role judges play in ensuring justice for all North Carolinians. Buckle up for a lively conversation filled with laughs, insights, and some serious calls to action for folks to support judicial candidates who stand for what’s right!

Diving headfirst into the murky waters of judicial politics, the latest episode of Muck U features Judge Toby Hampson of the North Carolina Court of Appeals. The trio—hosts David Wheeler and Colonel Mo Davis, along with Judge Hampson—explore the intricacies of the state’s judicial system while sprinkling in some light-hearted banter. Judge Hampson shares his journey from the public school system to the prestigious School of Science and Math, and eventually to the bench, all while tossing in a few jokes about being the ‘dumb jock’ in a school full of brainiacs. They dig deep into the implications of upcoming elections, particularly the significance of maintaining Democratic representation in a court currently leaning Republican. The conversation flows from the role of the Court of Appeals to the impact of judicial decisions on everyday North Carolinians, emphasizing the importance of public trust in the judiciary.

As they navigate through complex legal concepts, the hosts keep the tone playful, making sure to reference the sometimes absurd nature of political campaigns. Judge Hampson highlights the importance of having dissenting opinions in the court system, using a recent case as a prime example of how one voice can tip the scales of justice. The hosts chuckle at the quirks of judicial life, comparing it to sports commentary—after all, judges are supposed to call balls and strikes, right? With the judicial landscape in North Carolina shifting, the trio also discusses strategies for engaging voters across the state, ensuring that folks from Asheville to Wilmington have their voices heard come election day.

In a world where political partisanship seems to seep into every nook and cranny of government, Judge Hampson passionately advocates for the integrity of the judiciary. He expresses concern about the growing perception of judges as political entities rather than impartial arbiters of justice. The episode wraps up with a heartfelt call to action, encouraging listeners to support judicial candidates who prioritize fairness and independence. With laughter, insight, and a dash of self-deprecation, this installment of Muck You reminds us that even in the serious world of law, there’s always room for a good joke—or a good drink, as they discuss their favorite bourbons and IPAs. It’s a blend of legal savvy and camaraderie that leaves you both informed and entertained, proving that justice doesn’t have to be a dry affair.

Takeaways:

• Muck You dives deep into the muck of corruption and hypocrisy, revealing truths that others try to hide.
• Judge Toby Hampson brings a wealth of experience from public schools to the NC Court of Appeals, emphasizing education’s role in his journey.
• The NC Court of Appeals plays a critical role in reviewing legal decisions, ensuring justice across the state, no matter the case.
• There’s a significant push for Democrats to maintain balance in the NC judiciary, especially with critical elections coming up in 2026.
• Judicial elections in NC serve as a direct link between judges and the people, increasing accountability and public trust in the system.
• The podcast humorously addresses serious issues, blending light-hearted banter with important discussions on judicial integrity and public service.

Links referenced in this episode:

• judgetobyhampson.com
• actblue.com/tobyhampson
• americanmuckrakers.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• North Carolina Court of Appeals
• American University
• Campbell Law School
• Sandhills Community College
• North Carolina Central University
• ActBlue
• Uncle Nearest