For most citizens in North Carolina magistrates are the “first face” of the judicial system. They serve the public with professionalism, continually staying updated on the ever-evolving civil and criminal laws. Teaching magistrates is a very fulfilling part of my job, because they are always eager to learn, and they readily participate in class.
In 2021, the legislature increased the magistrates’ training requirements from 12 hours every two years to 12 hours annually. As part of those 12 hours of training, magistrates are required to receive annual training on seven required subjects: (1) setting conditions of pretrial release, (2) impaired driving laws, (3) issuing criminal processes, (4) issuing search warrants, (5) technology, (6) orders of protection, and (7) summary ejectment laws. GS 7A-177.
In 2020 the North Carolina Judicial College launched the Magistrate Certification Program to recognize magistrates who complete continued training in the areas of civil and criminal law. These magistrates not only meet their minimum annual requirements but, over their careers, they participate in advanced courses to fulfill the five components necessary for Civil and/or Criminal Law Certification. Completing these components demonstrates the magistrate’s commitment to continuous learning. A complete list of magistrates who have achieved certification since 2021 is available on the UNC School of Government website.
Applications for certification were received from November 1 through December 31, 2024. The next application period will be November 1 through December 31, 2025. It is my pleasure to announce the newly certified magistrates for 2024:
Civil Law
Deanne G. Brown, Montgomery County
Leslie M. Bruner, Scotland County
Greg T. Dail, Chowan County
Joseph Glen Faulkner, Stanly County
Mary Sue S. Harrell, Wilson County
Tara M. Honesty, Edgecombe County
Bryson B. Jenkins, Jones County
James G. McAteer, Jr., Gaston County
Althea Williams, Mecklenburg County
Criminal Law
Tara M. Honesty, Edgecombe County
Penny Lytle, Mecklenburg County
On behalf of the Judicial College, I extend my sincere congratulations to these magistrates on this extraordinary achievement. If you are a magistrate who is interested in certification, read more about it on the NC Magistrate microsite. If you have any questions about certification, please contact me at mcrenshaw@sog.unc.edu.