North Carolina

2026 North Carolina General Election

Phillip Cornett

- 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. 

Judge who handles majority of trial level cases.

Criminal Justice

Property Rights

Legal Experience

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

District Court Judge

Buket Urgen

Phillip is from Norwood, North Carolina. He attended South Stanly High School. He has an associate’s degree in science in business computer programming from Stanly Community College, a bachelor’s degree in English from Western Carolina University, and a Juris Doctor degree from Elon University School of Law.

Cooper appoints Norwood resident to serve as District Court Judge ...

Judge Phillip Cornett - Professional Background & Legal Expertise ...

Phillip is a district court judge. He works at the North Carolina Judicial Branch for District 28, where he has been since November 2020.

As an Assistant District Attorney for Prosecutorial Districts 28 and 16C, Cornett has experience in prosecuting civil and criminal cases.

As a private practice lawyer with several years of experience, Cornett also served as a Judicial Clerk on the North Carolina Court of Appeals.

As of January 5, 2026, Phillip Cornett’s website did not contain information on this issue.