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On January 17, 2026, the North Carolina Court of Appeals announced the launch of a special program aimed at expediting the handling of cases in the appellate court. The program, known as the Expedited Appeals Program, is designed to streamline the appellate process and reduce delays in the resolution of cases.Under the new program, certain types of cases will be eligible for expedited review by a specially designated panel of judges. These cases include those involving urgent matters such as child custody disputes, domestic violence injunctions, and emergency injunctions. Additionally, cases in which lower court decisions are clearly erroneous or involve important legal issues will also be considered for expedited review.The Expedited Appeals Program is part of the court's ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and ensure that justice is served in a timely manner. Chief Judge Elizabeth Hendry stated, "We understand the importance of resolving appellate cases as quickly as possible, especially when urgent issues are at stake. This new program will help us prioritize these cases and ensure that they are given the attention they deserve."In addition to the Expedited Appeals Program, the North Carolina Court of Appeals has also implemented other measures to improve the appellate process. These include increased use of technology to streamline case filings and scheduling, as well as enhanced training for court staff and judges.The launch of the Expedited Appeals Program has been met with praise from legal professionals and advocates for justice reform. Attorney Sarah Clark stated, "This program is a much-needed improvement to the appellate system in North Carolina. It will help ensure that cases are resolved in a timely manner and that urgent matters are given the attention they deserve."Overall, the North Carolina Court of Appeals' new program is expected to have a significant impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of the appellate process in the state. With expedited review available for certain cases, parties involved in appellate litigation can expect quicker resolutions and more timely decisions from the court.