Carolyn Jennings Thompson is a candidate for North Carolina Court of Appeals Judge Seat 12. Her name will appear on the ballot on November 5, 2024.
Thompson is being challenged by Tom Murry for the seat.
The first day of in-person early voting at your local registrar’s office in North Carolina is Oct. 17, 2024. NC voters can check their registration status using the Voter Search tool on the State Board of Elections website.
10 On Your Side reached out to all of the candidates running in this race, with a request for a bio and a list of questions to answer. If you do not see the candidate listed with a profile, we did not receive one.
Name: Carolyn Jennings Thompson
Age: 56
Race: North Carolina Court of Appeals Judge Seat 12.
Party: Democratic
Website: https://judgecarolynthompson.com/
Biography:In September 2023, Governor Roy Cooper appointed me to the North Carolina Court of Appeals (Seat 12). As a seasoned jurist, I respect the Constitution, the Rule of Law, and binding precedents. True justice is independent of party affiliation, divisive ideologies, and social differences. My judicial philosophy is to interpret the law and apply the same to the facts of each case without bias or influenced agendas. For this reason, I have taken and believe in the oath to consistently uphold our laws and Constitution equally for all citizens.
I am a former District Court judge, Superior Court judge, and Deputy Commissioner for the Industrial Commission with over 26 years of combined legal and judicial experience. During my career as an attorney, I successfully maintained a family law practice for 13 years while simultaneously representing the Department of Social Services in prosecuting petitions of abuse, neglect, and nonsupport of children. My practice always included representing victims of domestic violence and their children.
I earned my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice from Hampton University and her Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University School of Law.
As a part of giving back to the community, I also served as a volunteer Teen Court Judge and a youth mentor for over ten years to help first-time youth offenders accept responsibility for their conduct while learning about the court system. I am a member of various community organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. In my capacity as an ordained minister, I provide domestic violence awareness workshops for the faith community based on my book, Abigail’s Veil.
John and I have a blended family of five adult children and five grandchildren. We are pet parents to Zeus, Oliver and Boaz. We are empty nesters in Granville County.
I stand on the shoulders of generations who paved the way for my academic and legal career. Their servant leadership instilled in me early on that “to whom much is given, much is required.” I honor their sacrifices with a dedication to serving others.
Why are you running for office?
As the incumbent I am running to because I believe true justice. As a highly qualified and experienced judge, I remain committed to promoting fairness, equality, and diversity within our judiciary. I believe that my background, coupled with my dedication to upholding the principals of justice, make me uniquely qualified to continue to serve on the NC Court of Appeals.
If you are elected, what will be your top priority in office?
As a seasoned jurist, I respect the Constitution, the Rule of Law, and binding precedents. True justice is independent of party affiliation, divisive ideologies, and social differences. My judicial philosophy is to interpret the law and apply the same to the facts of each case without bias or influenced agendas. My top priority will be to maintain the integrity of the court and to be transparent with those we serve.
What is the top challenge facing North Carolina, and how would you address it?
I have taken and believe in the oath to consistently uphold our laws and Constitution equally for all citizens.
What is an issue in North Carolina you feel not enough people are talking about it? How would you use the power and influence you’d have in this position to address it?
People do not talk enough about the power of the courts and judicial seats. It’s important to have people of integrity and with experience in those roles.
How do you work with others you don’t agree with?
The NC Court of Appeals consists of 15 judges throughout the state. We sit in panels of three to hear cases and we sometimes disagree on the application of the law. As a judge I work with individuals with different opinions all the time.