From farm girl to Brunswick judge, how this Black leader is making a difference

Pauline Hankins

StarNews Online - Pauline Hankins: Bio and Q&A

Served as an associate at Ramos & Lewis from 1994 to 1999. 

Was sole practitioner of the Law Office of Pauline Hankins from 2000 to 2012. 

Served as Per Diem Assistant District Attorney and Arbitrator Judge at various times throughout her career. 

- Served as an associate at Ramos & Lewis from 1994 to 1999. 
- Was sole practitioner of the Law Office of Pauline Hankins from 2000 to 2012. 
- Served as Per Diem Assistant District Attorney and Arbitrator Judge at various times throughout her career. 

Legal Experience

As of January 31, 2024, Pauline Hankins did not have a website or any information online.

Ethics & Conduct

Said, "The constitution of North Carolina states that judges shall be elected... Should the law change, I will abide by it."

Supports the use of cameras in the courtroom to educate the public on legal procedures. Believes they should be limited in cases involving juveniles, national security, or high profile cases. 

- Said, "The constitution of North Carolina states that judges shall be elected... Should the law change, I will abide by it."
- Supports the use of cameras in the courtroom to educate the public on legal procedures. Believes they should be limited in cases involving juveniles, national security, or high profile cases. 

Judicial Administration

Supports deferred prosecution agreements for juveniles to rehabilitate and educate young criminal offenders. 

Said, "Brunswick County is fortunate to have a drug treatment court... For those individuals who possess for their own personal use, treatment is always the best answer, though a time may come when an active sentence must be entered because of behaviors that warrant an active sentence such as absconding from probation..."

- Supports deferred prosecution agreements for juveniles to rehabilitate and educate young criminal offenders. 
- Said, "Brunswick County is fortunate to have a drug treatment court... For those individuals who possess for their own personal use, treatment is always the best answer, though a time may come when an active sentence must be entered because of behaviors that warrant an active sentence such as absconding from probation..."

Judicial Philosophy

Plans to "create more programs, such as my high school initiative, on other levels to reach children earlier. In this term I will work on a grant writing project... for the implementation of a therapeutic court at the District Court level."

Created "a high school program where I conduct one-hour legal workshops educating the students on the most common crimes committed by youth offenders and the legal consequences of a criminal record."

Supports the Teen Court education program to educate youth about the law. 

- Plans to "create more programs, such as my high school initiative, on other levels to reach children earlier. In this term I will work on a grant writing project... for the implementation of a therapeutic court at the District Court level."
- Created "a high school program where I conduct one-hour legal workshops educating the students on the most common crimes committed by youth offenders and the legal consequences of a criminal record."
- Supports the Teen Court education program to educate youth about the law. 

Community Involvement

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- 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. 