I was saddened today to learn of the passing of former Chief Justice I. Beverly Lake, Jr. After a lifetime of service to the people of North Carolina, he founded the Innocence Inquiry Commission, which has had a profound impact on our justice system, as well as championing other improvements to our court system in his role as chief justice.

Chief Justice Lake's distinguished career spans five decades and exemplifies a strong devotion to public service. He served two terms in the North Carolina Senate. He worked as both an assistant and deputy attorney general for the Department of Justice. He served as legislative liaison for Governor Jim Martin and was a special superior court judge. He was a valued member of the judiciary, serving as an associate justice in 1992 and from 1994 through 2000, when he became Chief Justice. He spent the next six years working diligently to improve our courts and make North Carolina a better place.

We send our condolences to the family and friends of former Chief Justice Lake and to his legal and judicial family.

Chief Justice Cheri Beasley
Supreme Court of North Carolina