CharMeckVotes.org

Supreme Court Associate Justice – Candidate – Barbara Jackson

Website: www.judgebarbarajackson.com

E-mail: judge@judgebarbarajackson.com

Phone Number: (919)803-7160

Facebook Page or URL: http://www.facebook.com/judgebarbarajackson

Twitter name or URL: @judgejackson

Current Occupation: Judge, NC Court of Appeals

Education–Highest Degree: UNC-CH Juris Doctor

Most important organizations you belong to (up to three): Highland United Methodist Church, where I’ve been a member since childhood; the NCBA, which is a vital part of my profession; and the NC Dispute Resolution Commission, which I am honored to say Chief Justice Parker appointed me to serve on all fulfill roles in my personal and professional life.

List up to three (3) of your most important political/civic accomplishments in the last five (5) years. (150 word limit): First, it has been an honor to work as a judge on the NC Court of Appeals and to have the opportunity to serve the people of North Carolina in this capacity. For me, service as a judge or justice is the highest aspiration for an attorney in NC. Second, joining the NC Dispute Resolution Commission has been a great experience. I appreciate the opportunity to participate in the oversight of our state’s mediators, who contribute so much to the efficiency and cost effectiveness of the judicial system. Finally, I have enjoyed my involvement with the YMCA Youth Legislature during my time at the Court. Each year, I work with the Youth Legislature to coordinate a mock argument for students around the state to observe, and then to ask questions about. Every year, the number of students attending has increased.

What qualities, other than obvious fairness and impartiality, will you/do you bring to the bench that makes you a good judge? (150 word limit): I began my career as a law clerk at the Supreme Court. To return as a Justice is the best way I can continue to serve the public. I believe that the opportunity to offer a fair and balanced perspective motivated by a passion for the law is the highest calling for an attorney. The Supreme Court of North Carolina is the highest court in North Carolina; its Justices must possess both the necessary judicial temperament and a wide range of legal experience. As the guardian of the state’s constitution, I firmly believe that the Supreme Court of North Carolina is no place for judicial activism. Put simply, I believe that legislators should legislate and judges should judge. By putting these beliefs into practice as a judge, I hope I have gained a reputation as a fair, thoughtful jurist who has the utmost respect for the rule of law.

How has the state budget crisis affected the judicial process in recent years? (200 word limit): Ongoing challenges that must be addressed are the continuing funding problems that have faced the judicial branch since I began practicing law. These issues do not seem to be a function of partisan politics, but rather a lack of commitment to our quiet, coequal third branch of government. During these challenging budget times, filing fees continue to rise and the judicial branch continues to pass the state’s financial burdens on to citizens who often are ill equipped to shoulder them. As a judge, a lawyer, and a citizen of the State of North Carolina, I appreciate the legal community’s ongoing commitment to addressing these shortfalls in the budget for the judicial branch.

How can residents get involved in your campaign? Please include campaign manager or volunteer coordinator’s contact information.: Please contact Nick Ochsner at the phone number or email listed above. Or, please feel free to contact your friends and neighbors and let them know about your support for the campaign. Don’t forget to join us on Facebook and Twitter!