Candidate for NC Superior Court judge, Democrat Jennifer Bedford, answers our questions
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Candidates for NC Superior Court judge, District 10F, Seat 1
Democrat Jennifer Bedford is running against Republican incumbent Graham Shirley. Get to know the candidates with our 2024 NC Voter Guide.
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To help inform voters in the Nov. 5, 2024, election, this candidate questionnaire is available to be republished by local publications in North Carolina without any cost. Please consider subscribing to The News & Observer to help make this coverage possible.
Name: Jennifer Bedford
District/seat: Superior Court District 10F, Seat 1 (Wake County)
Political party: Democrat
Age as of Nov. 5, 2024: 45
Campaign website: https://www.judgejenniferbedford.com/
Current occupation: Judge
Professional experience: As a sitting judge, I have presided over thousands of cases and hundreds of trials. An enthusiastic ambassador for the courthouse, I am pleased to promote smart technology that increases transparency and accessibility. I continue my mission to increase community confidence in our justice system each day by practicing procedural fairness and applying evidence-based strategies to combat the cycle of violence. Together we can keep justice moving forward.
Education: I left college to enlist in the Army following 9/11 but was able to return on the GI Bill and eventually graduated Penn State Law as I completed my Reserve commitment.
Please list any notable government or civic involvement. I left college to enlist in the U.S. Army following the 9/11 attacks. A dedicated public servant, I have spent the last 16 years improving the justice system. As a prosecutor, I represented victims of the most serious crimes. I then worked with leaders from both parties, building bridges and solving problems, to improve the Victims’ Rights, Juvenile Justice, and Veterans’ Affairs. My commitment to public interest was recognized in 2022 when I was elected to the bench.
What areas of the law do you have experience in, as a judge or attorney?
Criminal, civil litigation, appellate, government/public interest and family law.
What is your judicial philosophy?
Fairness is more than a verdict. By providing an impartial process and the opportunity to be heard, I am increasing community confidence in the justice system.
Tell us about a specific event in your legal career of which you are most proud.
As a prosecutor, I identified the signs of sexual assault in a male victim who had only been comfortable reporting the beating he had received. By making a meaningful connection and truly listening to him, I was able to empower a victim and hold a dangerous sexual predator accountable for his crimes.
What is one of the biggest issues facing the judicial branch in NC and what should be done to address it?
Citizens have lost faith in our judicial system. There is an expectation that court rulings are arbitrary and politically motivated. We must instill confidence with fairness and consistency. Additionally, as a courthouse leader I promote smart technology to enhance transparency and increase accessibility. We must make eCourts the tool that it should be.
This story was originally published October 29, 2024 at 9:39 AM.
