N.C. Bar Association defends judge's ruling to free two inmates

State bar association president John Wester on Tuesday said criticism of Superior Court Judge Ripley Rand's decision is unfair. In a statement, Wester said Rand ruled with law in mind, despite the politcally charged situation.

The inmates are still behind bars because of an appeals court order, but that came after Rand ruled Monday the inmates could use good-time credits to truncate 80-year terms.

Gov. Beverly Perdue said Monday she was furious and disgusted with the ruling that the inmates could be freed. She said it was not how governments or courts should work for the people of the state.