N.C. Supreme Court held in Forsyth County
In celebration of the court’s bicentennial anniversary, last week, the Forsyth County Courthouse played host to the Supreme Court of North Carolina.
On Wednesday, Oct. 2, the panel of seven judges, including Chief Justice Cheri Beasley, Justice Mark A. Davis, Justice Anita Earls, Justice Sam J. Ervin IV, Justice Robin E. Hudson, Justice Michael R. Morgan, and Justice Paul Martin Newby, who make up the state’s highest court, heard oral arguments during two separate sessions in the courthouse located on North Main Street in Winston-Salem.
Although the law states that Supreme Court can only be held in Raleigh, Edenton, and Morganton, earlier this year the N.C. General Assembly granted a special request allowing the court to convene in other cities.
Before the start of the first of the two sessions last week, Forsyth County Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Todd L. Burke said he was honored that Forsyth County Courthouse was chosen to be a part of such a historic moment in history. During a brief interview with The Chronicle, Chief Justice Cheri Beasley said they decided to make Forsyth County one of their stops because of its rich history.
“It’s one of the oldest counties in the state and certainly in the Piedmont area and the histories of Winston and Salem coming together was very significant for the state,” Beasley continued. “We were trying to target areas around the state that had greater historic significance for the state.”
Beasley, who is the first African American woman to serve as Chief Justice, said holding court in various locations across the state gives citizens an opportunity to see and learn how the N.C. Supreme Court works. She said, “Most people don’t have an opportunity to come to Raleigh to hear our arguments.
“Most people probably have a hard time fathoming what the work of the court is so it’s a wonderful opportunity for us to bring our work to the people so they can really see what our work is.”
The N.C. Supreme Court is expected to continue its bicentennial tour next month. For more information, visit www.nccourts.gov.
