"One of my arguments was -- just because you don't like something doesn't mean it's unconstitutional," he explained.
North Carolina is one of only six states (Mississippi, South Dakota, New Mexico, Utah, Hawaii) plus Puerto Rico where Alienation of Affection -- considered a 'heart balm' tort -- is still legal. A spouse can sue
any person who 'alienated' the happy marriage.
"Some lawyers call it a mother-in-lawsuit, because, indeed, an in-law can get in the way," said Greensboro-based family law attorney Jessica Culver, Esq.
Culver feels the law's origin is antiquated.
"This comes from the same dogma that created the idea that women -- wives -- are their husband's property," she said.