NC S684

Amends G.S. 15A-1201 to require trial judges to follow specific procedures before accepting a defendant's waiver of the right to trial by jury.

Judge must inquire whether the prosecutor objects to the waiver and request the State's grounds for objection if one is made.

Judge must personally address the defendant to ensure they fully understand and appreciate the consequences of waiving their right to a jury trial.

Judge must consider arguments presented by both the State and defendant regarding the jury trial waiver and determine the waiver is made in good faith and not as a tactic for improper procedural advantage.

Effective October 1, 2015 for offenses committed on or after that date.