Who is Keith S. Smith, a Democratic candidate for District Court 26 Seat 18?
Political party: Democrat
Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 58
Campaign website: ksmithforjudge.com
Email: ksmithforjudge@gmail.com
Occupation: Senior Associate County Attorney
Education: JD, North Carolina Central University School of Law; MS Criminal Justice UNC at Charlotte; BS Admin. of Justice/Poli. Sci. UNC at Chapel Hill
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): No
Please list your highlights of civic involvement:
Mayor’s Mentoring Alliance Mentor of the Year 2014; Board Member Police Activities League Board of Directors; former chair of Youth Development Board, Char-Meck Workforce Development Board; Mentor Movement of Youth Program (100 BMOC); Mentor Sigma Beta Club Youth; volunteer-Boys to Men Youth Foundation; Advisor, Beauty for Ashes Domestic Violence Ministry; former member of Mecklenburg County Human Services Board; former member of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Domestic Violence Board.
Name two personal traits that best qualify you to be a Mecklenburg County judge?
Fair and even-tempered
Are the courts racially fair? If so, explain why. If not, list the specific steps you’d take to change that.
Structurally the courts are racially fair, as the law is designed to be neutral and not arbitrary.
The courts are challenged like other parts of society to ensure that biases do not enter into decisions that should primarily be based on law, the facts, and permissible considerations absent of race and/or social class.
Why should the public, the government or the accused trust that you’ll be a competent judge?
I have served the public for more than 35 years in various roles from working in a prison pre-release program, probation-parole officer, child protective services investigator, assistant district attorney and a trial and appellate attorney for one of the largest child welfare agencies in the state. I treat everyone with respect and dignity, even those who have been charged or alleged to have engaged in horrific acts. I believe everyone deserves an opportunity to be fairly and fully heard.
Is there an area where you disagree with your party? Why?
n/a
What separates you from your primary opponent(s)?
Experience in state court at the trial and appellate level. I have primarily practiced in the state courts of North Carolina for more than 21 years in criminal and juvenile court. I have additional experience in domestic violence court and have some civil court experience.
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
Successful appellate court decisions on case(s) which led children to be provided with permanent home in a more reasonable time.
This story was originally published April 22, 2022 at 3:00 PM.