Benjamin M. Turnage

About the Author

Benjamin M. Turnage is a distinguished legal scholar and advocate with over two decades of experience in indigent defense and civil rights law in North Carolina. Holding a Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina School of Law, he has dedicated his career to ensuring access to justice for underserved populations, particularly in matters of mental health and involuntary commitments. As a former public defender and policy advisor, Turnage has shaped legislative reforms and provided expert testimony on civil commitment procedures. His seminal work, North Carolina Civil Commitment Manual (Indigent Defense Manual Series), serves as an indispensable resource for attorneys navigating the complexities of state law, offering clear guidance on protecting due process rights for vulnerable individuals facing institutionalization.