Cumberland County District Judge Cheri Beasley to Seek Seat on NC Court of Appeals

Friday, 28 December 2007

FAYETTEVILLE—Cumberland County District Court Judge Cheri Beasley announced today she is entering the race for NC Court of Appeals for the seat held by J. Douglas McCullough.

"I'm looking forward to my continued travels across the state meeting and talking with voters. I believe the courts belong to the people so it’s a pleasure working every day to garner their support and their confidence," said Judge Beasley. Judge Beasley has received support across the state, including an endorsement from the North Carolina Association of Educators.

Judge Beasley said her experience and leadership on the District Court bench give her a unique perspective to serving on the State Court of Appeals. Judge Beasley has served nine years on the district court bench.

Prior to being appointed to the district court in Fayetteville by Governor Jim Hunt, Beasley worked in legal departments at several corporations in Research Triangle Park, served a brief stint in the Wake County District Attorney’s Office and served for 5 years in the Fayetteville Public Defender’s Office.

Judge Beasley is a graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Law and Rutgers University. During law school, Judge Beasley studied comparative law at the University of Oxford in England. "I have the background, the experience and the leadership to serve the people of North Carolina on the State Court of Appeals. I believe that you must treat every person with dignity and respect. I work hard to follow the rule of law in each case and make access to our courts a priority. As a judge on the Court of Appeals, I will continue to uphold these judicial responsibilities."

"In my courtroom I see the faces of our judicial system. I see the victims of crime, I see the victims of domestic violence, I see business owners, I see the voiceless. I see those who commit crimes. I believe my experience as a district court judge, and my background as a prosecutor and public defender, and my responsibilities as a working mom, give me a unique perspective to take to the State Court of Appeals."

While balancing the demands of her professional and civic responsibilities, she remains a dedicated wife to her husband Curtis and mother to their second grade twins Thomas and Matthew. Judge Beasley and her family are also members of the First Baptist Church, Moore Street, Fayetteville.

Beasley said she will participate in the public financing program for appellate judges. The office is a non-partisan election.