Chief Justice Cheri Beasley
Illustration by Abigail Giuseppe
The function of a Supreme Court, or court of last resort is, primarily, to decide questions of law in appeals arisen from lower courts. Every state has a Supreme Court, and presiding over North Carolina is Chief Justice Cheri Beasley.
What does work entail for a Supreme Court Justice?
I lead the entire judicial branch of government - courts all across the state of NC, district attorneys, magistrates, and a whole host of other folks who make up our more than 300 court facilities across the state. There are certainly a lot of responsibilities made increasingly lofty during this pandemic, so we’re doing what it takes to keep people safe and also handle the cases that we need to handle.
What makes a well equipped Justice?
I think experience is important, but also, integrity and compassion are important. An appreciation of the human condition is imperative as a skill. Certainly it's our role. It's important to have a sense of humanity- to appreciate the fact that all of us share the same hopes, dreams and concerns for our communities and families. So in dealing with cases that come before the court, we need to be mindful of that all the time.
Why did you become a Supreme Court Justice?
Well, I went to law school and I always wanted to be an advocate. I also applied to other kinds of graduate programs because I knew whatever I did, I could still be that advocate for the people. After serving in Cumberland county, I was ready for a change from showing up at the office at 7 and not leaving jail until 11 or midnight seeing clients. When two judgeships became available, a few of my colleagues encouraged me to seek an appointment and, here we are.
You know, I can say that as a young lawyer and young judge, I didn’t see for myself I would serve on the Supreme Court of NC, but it's important to remain open and thoughtful. Often we consider other people who are talented around us when opportunities avail themselves, when I would encourage us to look inward instead.
Why enact Emergency Directive 18?
Some eviction hearings were delayed. We want to be respectful of tenants and owners so we've offered a bit of relief while the CARES act evolves. It also allows owners to show that the mortgage is either backed by the Fed and protect from owners in some way receiving relief by ejecting tenants. We always try to hear cases timely and there are so many coming to this system. I’ve said before, these emergency directives are crucial to ensuring our court system administers justice while protecting the health and safety of those involved.
How can we address and prevent bias within the criminal justice system?
When George Floyd was killed, I made a statement on the nature of pain and complexities of race in America at the intersection of justice.
It's important to recognize when there are thousands of people across the state and across the world who recognize injustice and disparities in corporations and government entities. They offered a rallying cry, and it's clear to me that the cry for justice also includes the court system. We've begun continuing education for judges on racial and gender bias and disparities. We are having constructive and difficult conversations on how to go forward. The outcomes of these cases matter. We don’t want people to feel there are two kinds of justice. We don't want there to be two kinds of justice.
We must be proactive and vigilant to ensure we're addressing pretrial conditions and bond fees, and a whole host of other things surrounding implicit bias. We are the system, so we cannot be looking outward for a solution.
What role should religion play in the justice system?
Honestly, I'm not sure that it should. Certainly, I don't think it is appropriate for any justice or judge to impart their own religious beliefs on the people and cases before them. Judges shouldn't discriminate against people based on their belief, one way or another. In fact I'm sure it's completely inappropriate for us to inject our own personal religious views in what the law is or ought to be.
What does justice reform look like?
Reform can take many shapes. Our Governor has a task force on criminal justice I'm really excited to see develop. The courts will have a Commission on Justice and Fairness. This is important because there really has to be a long term commitment to making change. It's also important to be mindful the justice system is more than criminal justice, including family court, and juvenile proceedings. We want to make sure in every aspect of court there aren't disparities like ones based on race or gender or any "ism's."
You met the Notorious RBG, what was she like?
Ruth was fascinating. We last met a year ago at Meredith College and later, speaking with students in downtown Raleigh. Everyone was so excited to be in her presence and hear her story. She’s a maverick in women's rights and equal justice for everybody. It was heartening to hear how she graduated number one in her class yet wasn't able to get a job, despite her brilliance.
We also met back in 2008, when there were only 13 women serving as Chief Justice across the US. After I mentioned there are now 18 of us, she was so excited! Ruth has helped lawyers and even non-lawyers to understand why the work of the Supreme Court is hugely important. This work impacts everyday lives, whether all realize it or not.
How can we remove corporate interest from incarceration?
It's really difficult. So many of the services corporations provide, governments may not have capacity for. Emails, phone calls in jail and even house arrest are all managed by outside corporations. There are many entities engaged in various steps of justice. How to minimize or remove their impact is difficult to imagine. How would governmental institutions support all those entities? It's something worth exploring.
Justice Beasley shares a statement with our readers:
Everybody is feeling passionate about the election this year, with particular focus on the top of the ticket Presidential race. I want people to know that all judges in North Carolina are elected. If you care about families, about different systems, all those matters come before our court.
Some cases will reach the federal court, yet so many matters are simultaneously decided or occur only within our state system. I don't think it's an overstatement to say “justice is on the ballot this year.” People say this is the most important election of our lives, however, I disagree. The most important election is every election of our lives. North Carolina has the 3rd longest ballot in the nation this year. Be mindful of all of those other offices as well.