In Re Poole

Because I disagree with the majority’s conclusion that the trial court lacked jurisdiction to enter the order adjudicating Raven to be a dependent juvenile, I respectfully dissent.

Under the Juvenile Code, the district courts of North Carolina have “exclusive, original jurisdiction over any case involving a juvenile who is alleged to be abused, neglected, or dependent.” N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7B-200(a) (2001). The issuance and service of process is the means by which the court obtains jurisdiction, see N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7B-401 (2001), and thus where no summons is issued, the court acquires…