Katherine is originally from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She earned her bachelor's degree in English and politics and her law degree from Wake Forest University as well as her master's degree in creative writing from Queens University of Charlotte. Katherine lives in Oxford, North Carolina with her husband, Tom, and their 2 children. They attend St. Stephens Episcopal Church.

Prior to becoming a judge, Katherine worked as an assistant U.S. attorney and an assistant district attorney for the 11th prosecutorial district of North Carolina.

Katherine Burnette is currently District Court Judge for Judicial District 11A. She was appointed in 2018 and is serving her first full-term.

As an assistant district attorney, prosecuted criminal cases under state law on behalf of the district attorney’s office, supervised legal and clerical staff, and conducted interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases.

As an assistant United States attorney, prosecuted federal criminal cases on behalf of the U.S. attorney’s office, mentored and supervised clerical staff and attorneys, advised state and federal law enforcement agents during investigations, and presented cases to grand juries.

As a district court judge, oversees civil cases involving less than $10,000, misdemeanor criminal cases, probable cause hearings, and juvenile proceedings.

- As an assistant district attorney, prosecuted criminal cases under state law on behalf of the district attorney’s office, supervised legal and clerical staff, and conducted interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases.
- As an assistant United States attorney, prosecuted federal criminal cases on behalf of the U.S. attorney’s office, mentored and supervised clerical staff and attorneys, advised state and federal law enforcement agents during investigations, and presented cases to grand juries.
- As a district court judge, oversees civil cases involving less than $10,000, misdemeanor criminal cases, probable cause hearings, and juvenile proceedings.

Legal Experience

As of June 14, 2024, Katherine Burnette’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Candidate website

Supports community involvement through volunteer work, community service, and participation in local organizations. Believes in addressing issues like mental health and opioid addiction through community engagement.

Volunteers at  J.F. Webb High School in English classes and with Teen Court.

Believes in community involvement through service on local boards and participation in organizations like her church, Granville Little Theatre, and Kerr-Vance Academy.

Previously served on the  North Carolina Board of Elections, North Carolina Board of Ethics, and State Personnel Commission.

- Volunteers at  J.F. Webb High School in English classes and with Teen Court.
- Previously served on the  North Carolina Board of Elections, North Carolina Board of Ethics, and State Personnel Commission.

Community Involvement

Instagram

Facebook

Katherine Burnette

As of July 10, 2024, Adam B. Watkins did not have a website and did not complete our questionnaire.

As of June 14, 2024, Adam B. Watkins did not have a website or any information online.

Adam B. Watkins

- District Court judges hear civil, criminal, and juvenile cases. Civil cases dealing with divorce, child custody, and child support are heard in District Court. 
- Under the District Court, the magistrate can try small claims cases ($10,000 or less), landlord eviction cases, and suits for recovery of personal property. A magistrate is an independent judicial officer, recognized by the North Carolina Constitution as an officer of the district court. 
- District Court Judges are elected for a four-year term. Elections are partisan. 