Introduction

Lawyers and judges need, not just technical skills and knowledge, but perspective, vision, and wisdom to fulfill their calling. Socrates exhorts us to live examined lives: lives with moral purpose, dedicated to truth, beauty, and goodness.  This message has special meaning for lawyers called to serve their clients and work to build a just and democratic society.

The Center offers programs and services to renew and expand lawyers' understanding and commitment to the profession's needs and ideals.  We use the diverse and engaging resources of the humanities: history, literature, philosophy, religion, and other disciplines that help explain the human condition, including its moral aspirations and struggles.  

The Center continues to grow from the vision and work of a dedicated group of lawyers and civic leaders who believe there is a need to revitalize the profession.  Our support base expands as others who share our concerns and vision join the cause.  The Center was formally established in 2006 as a North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Center-related Links

• Center news & notes

• Our Purpose Statement (PDF)
• "Rediscovering Humanity within the Law: The New North Carolina Center for Law and the Humanities," (PDF) by Walter Bennett,  North Carolina State Bar Journal,  Summer 2008.  (Board member Walter Bennett explains the Center's purpose and programs.) 
  
• "Examined Life 101" (PDF) by Dorothy C. Bernholz, North Carolina State Bar Journal, Summer 2008.  (Ms. Berhnolz attended the Center's March 2007 seminar and writes about the experience.)
  
• "North Carolina Lawyers - Learning from a long-dead Russian," (PDF) by D. G. Martin. (Mr. Martin participated in the Center's inaugural seminar and published this article the following week.)
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Our Board of Directors

E. Osborne Ayscue, Jr. (Chairman)	Walter H. Bennett	Eugene C. Pridgen
Martin H. Brinkley (Treasurer)	Hon. Shirley L. Fulton	Roger W. Smith
Dr. Mary H. Howerton (Secretary)	John L. Jernigan	Hon. Willis P. Whichard
David R. Hostetler (Executive Director)	Lunsford Long	Erna A. P. Womble
Hon. Wade Barber, Jr.

 

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