Amanda Maris 

District Court Judge 

Judicial District 16

 

1.    What experiences do you believe qualify you to seek a judgeship ? 

I have been serving as a District Court Judge since my initial appointment in July 2017 (assumed bench August 2017) by Governor Roy Cooper. I have presided in multiple courtrooms day in and out from that time to present. At this point in my judicial and legal career, I am very familiar with the law that applies in each courtroom i preside in and the practical aspects of being a judge, engaging with the public, lawyers and courtroom staff to make a fair and reasoned decision in any case before me. I would humbly submit that I am a reasonably seasoned judge after serving for 8 years and committed to just and equitable outcomes in the court system overall and in every case. I also began practicing law in 2006 and have experience collectively now in the following areas: criminal/traffic, civil, family, juvenile, domestic violence matters, child support and more.
 

2.    Do you have a “judicial philosophy” that you can define in layperson’s terms?

My judicial philosophy is to know and apply the law fairly in every case based on the evidence presented and to treat each party with respect and compassion while understanding that the court system is a historically inequitable institution.
 

3.    Do you consider yourself a politician? Since the office is an elected one, why or why not?

I do not consider myself a politician, however I understand that others may based on the position being elected office. I think the position itself is “quasi-political” based on the electoral process and its influence, but I firmly believe that all judges should uphold the requirements of the N.C. Judicial Code not to be swayed by public opinion or clamor and rule based on the applicable law and evidence at hand. I personally do not enjoy the political side of the position but understand that the public needs to know who candidates are in preparing to exercise their vote.
 

4.    How will you balance judicial independence and being an elected official?

I will balance both in applying the law impartially without regard for any political considerations while in the courtroom. In the community, I will continue to separate my duties in the courtroom from my duties to the citizens of Durham County to be available for inquiry and discussion throughout the campaign and similarly available in community and educational events when election seasons are not running.
 

5.    How will you handle an appearance of conflict of interest on the bench? 

At the typically infrequent times when there appears to be a conflict of interest in a case, if I know that I cannot be impartial I will recuse after consultation with the parties. If I believe I can be impartial and do not have a true conflict, I will allow the parties to nonetheless confer outside of my presence, if they would like to consider if I can hear the case and then return to open court to inform me of their position or consent before proceeding further or hearing a motion for my recusal.
 

6.    What are the biggest changes you think we need to make to our justice system?

This is a big and important question. To answer concisely, the justice system continues to need widespread changes to ensure it does not promote inequitable outcomes based on race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, and legal representation (in civil courts). This means increasing access to the courts for all parties, with or without representation, ensuring ability to pay in all cases and working to create systemic remedies to all issues I have mentioned. 
 

7.    What reforms do you support to increase access to justice for all? How would  you fight for them? 

I support reforms that allow self-represented parties more access to the court in particular in the civil areas of law where representation is not guaranteed and not all persons can afford an attorney such as in family law cases or civil district matters or in some traffic matters. One example of reforms I have fought for is the program I helped found and continue to support: the DEAR (Durham Expunction and Restoration) Program offering free legal services for expunctions, drivers license restoration and certificates of relief. Website: www.deardurham.org or see my website for more: www.judgeamandamaris.com
 

8.    How do you define injustice?

Injustice is when a set of circumstances or facts call for a certain outcome that is unfairly denied without cause. This is either on a systemic level or case by case, for an individual or individuals.
 

9.    How will you deal ( or have you dealt)  with injustice when you confront it in your courtroom?

Of course, I do my best to avoid an unjust outcome in a case to the extent my ruling impacts this. Where injustice comes from the parties, court actors or court process, I seek to remedy it within the law such as, allowing an unrepresented party more time to prepare for a trial with a continuance or offering resources and sample forms they need to prepare. 
 

10. How will you work to ensure equality for people of all backgrounds in your courtroom? 

One way I work to ensure equality is to apply the law fairly and the same for everyone allowing variation where I have discretion to “level the playfield” such as, waiving court fees based on the ability to pay of the individual before me and not simply assessing the fees, fines and costs without regard for socioeconomic background. Another example is to respect the cultural background of a party and ensure I understand any values specific to a party I may not be familiar with such as dress or language/communication preference and any questions a party might have for me or others so that they understand the court process before them without being at a disadvantage to another party.
 

11. How do you believe your qualifications align with the values of the DCABP? 

I sought to become a judge in 2017 because I felt called to be a part of improving the justice system to ensure access and fair treatment for all. In particular, I was emotionally moved following a multiple day training on race equity that drove home the racial injustice I had observed personally revealing it with precision on a systemic level going back to the creation of this country. Within a year of becoming a judge I was actively working to found the DEAR Program to combat injustice. I am very aware that the court system was founded at a time when only one member of our society was considered a full citizen with all legal rights under the law afforded only to white males. The court system continued to oppress others especially African-American men (and women) over the centuries to present. I will not be complicit in any such inequitable policies or practices in the N.C. Court System. I am passionate about ensuring a just and equitable court system for everyone.

 

Thank you for your time! Amanda