Who is Matt Osman, District 26B NC Superior Court candidate?
Name: Matt Osman
Political party: Republican
Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 47
Campaign website: JudgeMattOsman.com
Occupation: District Court Judge
Education: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, B.A., 1997; Regent University School of Law, J.D., 2001
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought)
Yes, I was first elected as a district court judge in 2010. I then ran unopposed in 2014 and 2018, and have served as a judge for the last 12 years.
Please list your highlights of civic involvement
Former U.S. Navy JAG, Former Assistant District Attorney, Lead Criminal Court Judge, Lead Judge for District Drug Treatment Court, Lead Judge for DWI Treatment Court, Governor’s Statewide Impaired Driving Taskforce, Mecklenburg County Bar Association’s CLE Committee, Elder at Forest Hill Church, North Carolina Heroes Fund Awards Committee, volunteer with Samaritan’s Feet and Beds for Kids, little league baseball coach.
Name two personal traits that best qualify you to be a Mecklenburg County judge?
Calm temperament and respectful demeanor.
Do the courts provide judgments that are racially fair? If so, say why. If not, how could you change that?
Although the court system is not perfect, I believe we work hard to treat everyone fairly, regardless of their race, gender, beliefs or socio-economic status. It is important to recognize implicit bias to ensure it does not impact our judgment and that we seek to remove any such bias from our deliberative process. Part of that learning process includes attending educational seminars on implicit bias, which I have done, to better understand and address the issues facing our system of justice.
Why should the public, the government or the accused trust that you’ll be a competent judge?
For the last 12 years, I have demonstrated that I am fair and treat everyone who comes into my court with dignity and respect. I follow the law and ensure that victims are heard, while also protecting the constitutional rights of the accused. I have earned respect from both attorneys and law enforcement for my consistency and dedication to fair, equal and equitable application of the law for everyone who appears in my courtroom.
Is there an area where you disagree with North Carolina laws or policies and procedures in the courtroom?
I believe the Code of Judicial Conduct prohibits me from offering my personal opinions on the law and related policies and procedures. My personal beliefs should have no impact on my role as a judge. My job is to follow the law.
What separates you from your general election opponent?
Temperament. I have demonstrated for the last 12 years as a judge that I can remain calm and collected under even the most stressful circumstances. Court proceedings can be emotionally challenging and intense, and it is imperative that the judge maintain their composure at all times to ensure the fair administration of justice.
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
Running unopposed to retain my seat on the bench in both 2014 and 2018 speaks to the respect I’ve earned from the legal community in Charlotte for my work ethic, temperament, fairness and knowledge of the law.
This story was originally published October 14, 2022 at 12:01 PM.
