news-record.com

Office you seek
NC Court of Appeals

Date of birth
4/14/66

Occupation
District Court Judge for Fayetteville, Cumberland County, NC

Web site/e-mail address
http://www.judgecheribeasley.com 
ElectJudgeCheri@gmail.com

Education

-1991: Juris Doctor: The University of Tennessee College of Law, Knoxville, TN

-1990: The University of Oxford, Oxford, England

-1988: Rutgers University/Douglass College, New Brunswick, NJ   

-Achieved B.A. in Political Science and Economics.

-Concentrations in Accounting and Finance.

Elective experience:

-1999-present: District Court Judge

Fayetteville, Cumberland County, NC

-Commissioned to preside in District Court to include traffic, criminal, domestic, juvenile and civil sessions.

-Assigned to Family Court and Certified Juvenile Court Judge.

-1994-1999: Assistant Public Defender

Fayetteville, Cumberland County, NC

-1993: Volunteer Attorney

Tenth Prosecutorial District, Raleigh, Wake County, NC

Professional credentials (specialized training or experience)

-2006-2007:  UNC-CH School of Government

-2006-2007:  National Institute for Trial Advocacy

2006, 2007:  Advanced Trial Advocacy, Faculty

-2006-present:  Professional Standards Committee

-New Judges School for District Court Judges, Presenter

-AOC presenter for New Magistrates School and NC Assistant and Deputy Clerks Conference

-Courtroom presenter and commencement speaker for several Basic Law Enforcement Training classes

-1993-present: American Bar Association

-1994-present: National Bar Association

Family

My husband Curtis Owens and I are the proud parents of seven year old twin sons, Thomas and Matthew. My family and I are active members of First Baptist Church, Moore Street, in Fayetteville. I also enjoy a close relationship with my mother, Dr. Lou Beasley.

Why have you chosen to run for this office?  

From my appointment by former Gov. Jim Hunt almost ten years ago, I have made important decisions everyday for families and other members of our communities. I am a Family Court Judge and Certified Juvenile Court Judge and preside over criminal and civil matters, offering vast experience for appellate court work. Fairness and integrity are the essence of high standards in court, in my family and in my community involvement.  I am able to understand and address the concerns of real people through my experience as a trial court judge, during which my decisions are subject to review by the Court of Appeals. My experience as a family court judge is necessary as cases addressing serious issues concerning a child's best interest and the constitutionally protected status of the parents are increasingly present in the caseload for the Court of Appeals.  Making sure that justice is truly accessible to all people is my commitment.

What about your training and experience most qualifies you for this position?

I decided to run for NC Court of Appeals after speaking with family law practioners, guardian ad litem, and other individuals who work with families and children across the state. I recognize a need for someone with extensive experience as a Family Court Judge to serve on the Court of Appeals.  I am grateful for all of the encouragement I have received from people who understand that in this important area of the law, competence, prudence, and commitment are paramount.  I am pleased to be endorsed by former Gov. Jim Hunt, NC AFL-CIO, NC Association of Educators, NC Academy of Trial Lawyers, NC Troopers Association, NC Association of Women Attorneys, NC Police Benevolent Association and so many others.

What do you see as a particular strength of our court system?

The leadership in our court system is outstanding. Chief Justice Sarah Parker and Chief Appeals Court Judge John Martin have worked hard to provide judges with much more support from the other branches of government. I look forward to working with this leadership to help them continue to develop a stronger judiciary.

Where does it fall short?

Clearly, there is a shortage of judges to carry the very heavy case loads in some of the urban counties. Better pay for judges will also attract more qualified attorneys to the bench.

What can be done to help the public better understand the role of our appellate courts?

The awareness that is brought forth by the News & Record and many other newspapers is a wonderful way for people to get an insight into the importance of electing good judges. Countless organizations are making similar efforts to ensure that the people of North Carolina are educated in their political decisions.  The increasing awareness of our appellate courts is far greater than it was ten years ago.

How can you make a distinct impact on the quality of decisions rendered by the court?

I am conscientious and because I preside in court daily, I understand that people come to the courts seeking solutions.  They are more than cases.  Due to the fact that cases before the Court of Appeals are reviewed without the parties present, I would remain cognizant of the magnitude of my decisions on the people who are greatly affected.

To what extent should judges or judicial candidates express their views about political and social issues of the day?

Judges have an ethical obligation to follow the law.  A judge's personal viewpoints about political issues are irrelevant and do not lend themselves to impartiality.  It is important to be aware of social issues and the effects they may have on legal issues. 

Who would be the one current state or federal judge you most admire, and why?

Justice Patricia Timmons-Goodson, Associate Justice, Supreme Court of North Carolina.  Justice Timmons-Goodson has a long record of service to the people of our great state, having served as a District Court Judge, a Court of Appeals judge and now and Associate Justice.  Her service is marked with integrity and hard work.