The phrase identifies a specific judicial election scenario. It references a contest for a position on a state’s intermediate appellate court, specifically seat number 15 on the North Carolina Court of Appeals. The presence of multiple individuals vying for this single seat indicates a competitive election process. The term succinctly encapsulates the key elements: jurisdiction (North Carolina), court level (Court of Appeals), specific position (seat 15), and the number of individuals seeking that position.
Such electoral contests are crucial to the functioning of the justice system. They determine who will interpret and apply the law at the appellate level. The outcome directly impacts the legal landscape and affects how laws are understood and enforced within the state. Historically, judicial elections have been a subject of debate, with arguments centering on the balance between judicial independence and public accountability. The presence of a large candidate pool, as indicated, can lead to increased public awareness and engagement in the judicial selection process.