N.C. DISTRICT COURT JUDGE The role of a judge Kevin Eddinger
Age: 55 Address: Rudolph Road, Salisbury Education: University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, bachelor of arts degree and a Juris Doctor from Wake Forest University School of Law Background: Two prior terms as district court judge; North Carolina 19C Judicial Bar, past president; Rowan County Bar, past president; UNC School of Government, certified juvenile judge; Adolescent & Family Enrichment Council, former board member. A Presbyterian. Family: Wife, Liana, twins, Michael and Mia
Rosalee Hart-Morrison
Age: 41 Address: 5th Street, Spencer Education: UNC-Asheville, bachelor of arts in history; Juris Doctor from Vanderbilt University School of Law Background: Former volunteer and former board member Rowan Blues & Jazz Society, member Cornerstone Church, former co-chair of the Board of Adjustments of Spencer. Family: Husband, Patrick, and daughters, Jordan and Tyler.
Douglas Todd Paris Sr.
Age: 47 Address: East Council Street, Salisbury Education: UNC-Charlotte, bachelor of arts degree in political science and history; UNC-Chapel Hill, juris doctor degree. Background: Salisbury native, attends Southside Baptist, Salisbury; Eagle Scout, served as Cub Master for Shiloh UMC, Faith; former member of Rowan County Wildlife Association's Board of Directors. Family: One son, Douglas, fiancee, Robyn Shute, brother, Matt, and sister, Kim.
June Showfety
Age: 51 Address: Sherrills Ford Road, Salisbury Education: UNC-Charlotte, business degree; University of Tennessee-Knoxville, doctorate in law. Background: A member of the state bar, licensed to practice law in North Carolina and Tennessee. Member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, member Rowan County Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment, PBH, ARC/Rowan. Family: Did not provide
Streamlining the court process
Your best quality
In criminal cases, to afford all parties the opportunity to be heard and to apply the evidentiary standard of beyond a reasonable doubt; to allot mercy where it is warranted and to punish forcefully when necessary. In civil cases, the judge still decides the facts but utlilizes a different standard.
“Cases can be streamlined only to a point; it requires the full breadth and extent of my experience to perform my job — 22 years practicing law and almost 8 years as a judge.” He reads every civil, abuse neglect and dependency case the night before court. “That’s what expedites the process.”
“I have learned the art of patience and the application of my experience as a judge.” He said this position is learned. “My experience is one of the things that differentiates me from all of the other candidates. My experience is in the ability to separate the wheat from the chaff.”
In criminal cases, a judge must be fair and impartial in applying the law to the facts of a case. A judge must be decisive. There is no time to be indecisive. “A judge's decision can alter a person's life, or even the life of an entire family, substantially. And such a role should not be taken lightly.”
In a perfect economy a biweekly night court would help process many traffic and criminal cases. In reality, “administrative/traffic court” twice a week would help to process more simple cases. Maybe an extra couple of hours every week over several months would process more cases.
“I have represented many clients in criminal and civil court in Rowan County and am familiar with the court system. My respect for the judicial system means I have respect for the courts and for the people in the community who rely upon them for justice, whether they be defendant or plaintiff.”
A judge is charged with “deciding guilt or innocence, protecting the constitutional rights of the accused, safe-guarding victim’s rights and deciding the appropriate punishment, if any.” A prudent judge has to be mindful of these often competing interests and make sure that the state and defendant get a fair trial.
The only “backlog” in Rowan County that I am aware of is in Superior Criminal Court, and the only streamlining available there is the District Attorney's statutory power to offer a plea bargain. It would help if we could get a second superior court judge.
I have over 20 years of daily experience before the district courts. “My case records indicate that since 1984 that I have handled at least 600 to 700 cases per year.” He has appeared in nearly all types of cases that can be heard before the district court and has appeared before numerous judges.
Criminal matters merit punishment and consideration of a victim’s rights. “As a judge, I will strictly enforce the criminal laws. For civil matters, I will be fair and impartial to litigants and make fair resolution of controversies.”
Judges must avoid delay in trial matters, set limits for prosecution of crime, and render swift judgment. Also keep repeat offenders off the street so we won’t have a backlog. She suggests the use of night court for serious logjams.
My life experience coupled with my character. “I am good at listening to adversarial parties, deciphering legal issues and applying the law to the facts impartially. I have good decision-making ability and strong ethics.”