From civil rights attorney to Senior Associate Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, Justice Anita Earls has spent her career fighting for fairness, equality, and democracy. In this episode of Beyond The Campaign, we talk about her journey to the bench, the critical role state courts play in protecting our rights, and why community engagement and judicial integrity are more important than ever as she seeks re-election.

Justice Earls opens up about landmark cases she’s worked on, the impact of gerrymandering on fair representation, and the challenges of balancing a demanding judicial role with family life. This is a conversation about justice, resilience, and the fight to keep our courts working for the people.

What We're Talking About...

• Justice Earls' background as a civil rights attorney shaped her judicial philosophy.
• The importance of state courts in protecting rights and democracy.
• Transitioning from attorney to judge involves different responsibilities and challenges.
• Judicial elections require candidates to engage with the public and share their stories.
• Significant cases like Shaw v. Reno highlight the impact of gerrymandering.
• Gerrymandering has serious implications for representation and democracy.
• Balancing personal life and a demanding career is a continuous challenge.
• Community support is crucial for pursuing a meaningful career in law.
• Justice Earls encourages others to stand up for their beliefs and rights.
• Grassroots campaigns can be effective in judicial elections.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Justice Anita Earls

01:27 The Journey of a Civil Rights Attorney

05:17 The Role of State Courts in Democracy

08:17 Transitioning from Attorney to Judge

09:24 Navigating the Political Landscape

11:51 Significant Cases and Their Impact

15:18 Gerrymandering and Its Implications

18:46 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

21:36 Call to Action and Campaign Information

Links Mentioned

Justice Anita Earls' Website

https://earls4justice.com/

Donate to Justice Earls' Campaign

https://secure.numero.ai/contribute/Earls-for-Justice

Justice Anita Earls on X

https://x.com/Anita_Earls

Justice Anita Earls on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/earlsanita