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Office you seek
District Court Judge

Date of birth
January 12, 1950

Occupation
Assistant Public Defender

Address
3300 Woodlea Drive, Greensboro, NC 27406

Web site/e-mail address
bettybrownforjudge.com
bjbrown51@bellsouth.net

Education

B.A., Business Administration, Bennett College; J.D., School of Law, North Carolina Central University

Elective experience

None

Professional credentials (specialized training or experience)

None

Family

Single; 4 sisters, 5 brothers (3 deceased); parents deceased

Why have you chosen to run for this office?

A commitment and desire to continue serving the citizens of Guilford County by utilizing all of the knowledge, skills, and wisdom I've gained in "on the job" training since beginning work in the judicial system in January, 1985. With each new position I've held, I've taken on increased responsibilities and challenges.

What distinguishes you most from your opponent?

I believe that I tend to look at issues from a more "common sense" approach, given my work history beginning as a legal secretary in a law firm, to being both a civil and criminal magistrate, to the Public Defender's Office. At these levels, you see problems that really hit home and you also get a sense as to what the law holds that we should do in making justice a reality for every citizen.

What key qualifications would you bring to the job?

Prior judicial experience, a strong work ethic, a sense of fairness and impartiality, a willingness to learn new areas of the law, a seasoned maturity, and an ability to work well with others.

Are you qualified to preside in every court or willing to gain the necessary qualifications?

I am qualified to preside in some courts (criminal, traffic, administrative, probable cause). I am willing and eager to gain the knowledge, qualifications, and certification necessary to preside in all of the courts.

Where do you see the greatest shortcomings in District Court, and how could they be corrected?

The greatest shortcoming is the lack of personnel to handle the growing dockets, particularly in criminal/traffic courts. At times, there may be only one assistant district attorney to handle a docket with hundreds of cases. One solution would be to have a maximum limit on the number of cases set on any given day. Everyone is entitled to have their cases heard without being rushed and judges should be able to hear and decide each individual case on its merits, without regard to others who are waiting to have their day in court.

Does everyone receive equal justice in District Court, regardless of race, ethnic origin, gender, language, income or legal representation? If not, what measures could help?

The law provides, through structured sentencing, that individuals who are similarly situated receive similar punishment, but judges are allowed some discretion within the guidelines. Of course, more support for the Public Defender's Office would be a great help.

In criminal matters, is enough done to ensure that dangerous offenders aren't released prior to trial with insufficient supervision?

With the expansion of Pretrial Services, another layer of monitoring and supervision is available to judges. Defendants awaiting trial are more closely monitored and can be reported back to court more quickly if they are noncompliant with their pretrial release conditions

How can the court help steer troubled young people away from gangs or further criminal activity?

I think it begins with making sure that young people have strong and healthy family environments, success in school, and good role models. We need to build coalitions and collaborate with community resources and support groups. However, judges may sometimes have to make the hard choices, i.e., removing the child from a harmful environment or even terminating parental rights.

What are common mistakes judges make, and how can you avoid them?

The most common mistakes are: not being focused in a trial, or, making incorrect judgments and rulings. I will try to avoid these mistakes by being attentive and listening to all parties in a dispute/lawsuit, and in being thorough, fair, and impartial in rendering decisions. But, if I should make a mistake - judges are human - I pledge to correct that error immediately or as soon as practicable to ensure that the sanctity of the judicial system or a party's rights will not be compromised or permanently damaged.

How can voters judge your abilities?

By observing me in court; by speaking to court and law enforcement personnel and other attorneys who have interacted with me over the years.