Democrats currently hold 4 of the 15 seats on the NC Court of Appeals. Judge Carolyn Thompson holds one of those four seats, and she’s running in November to retain it.
Thompson has served on district court and superior court in addition to the Court of Appeals. She also served as the Deputy Commissioner on the North Carolina Industrial Commission. In 2023, she told the Daily Tar Heel that during her time as a judge, she developed a passion for helping victims of domestic abuse.
We interviewed Thompson about the Court of Appeals, her judicial philosophy, and what she wishes reporters would ask her. (More questions about the function of the Court of Appeals!)
You are a former District Court judge, Superior Court judge, and deputy commissioner for the Industrial Commission, and you’re now serving as a Judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals. Can you tell us a little bit about what the Court of Appeals does?
The Court of Appeals is an error-reviewing court for the lower courts throughout the state. Approximately 90% of appeals from the lower courts are handled by the Court of Appeals rather than the Supreme Court. It is in the court of last resort for most of the appeals under review by the appellate division. I often share with voters that the most important words you can say in response to an unfair day in court or incorrect outcomes are “I Appeal.”
What can you share about your judicial philosophy to help readers understand how you might approach important issues that come before the court?
In a time when the Judicial Branch of North Carolina is vulnerable to divisive and partisan politics, I stand firm in my commitment to uphold the Constitution, the Rule of Law, and precedent. True justice is independent of party affiliation, divisive ideologies, and social differences. I have taken and believe in the oath to consistently uphold our laws and Constitution and will continue to do so
If justices are obligated to impartially decide cases, why does it matter if people vote for a Democratic versus Republican candidate?
It should not matter. The legislative branch made it mandatory that each judicial candidate list her party affiliation when filing for office. The truth is I don’t have red or blue files to review on appeal. I make decisions based on the law and the factual record without bias or political agendas.
What do you wish reporters asked you? Why?
More questions about the function of the Court of Appeals because it is often overlooked in elections.
I heard someone say that if you care about women’s health, you must vote for Democratic judges. Why?
I can’t speak to other Democratic judges. I would ask voters to support my candidacy because I respect a woman’s right to make decisions about her own health without governmental interference.
(We ask every candidate this question) If you could design a pair of Crocs for yourself, what would they look like?
Clear like a glass slipper so it can match whatever I wear.
More good stuff:
FlipNC interview with Judge Carolyn Thompson
Daily Tar Heel: Judge Carolyn Thompson appointed to N.C. Court of Appeals
The Durham Voice: Q&A: N.C. Court of Appeals candidate Carolyn Thompson