Name: Ameshia Cooper Chester
Age: 37
Party affiliation: Democrat
Campaign website: Ameshiaforjudge.com
Occupation and employer: Special Deputy Attorney General, North Carolina Department of Justice
1. What in your record as a public official or private citizen demonstrates your ability to be effective, fair, and impartial on the bench? What do you believe qualifies you to serve as a superior court judge? Please include your experience relevant to civil and criminal law.
My record as a public servant reflects a consistent commitment to fairness, preparation and the rule of law. Throughout my career, I have litigated in administrative, district, superior, federal and appellate courts. When I was an Assistant District Attorney, and now, as a Special Prosecutor, I manage serious felony criminal cases, evaluate evidence and witness credibility, make charging decisions and negotiate plea agreements guided by fairness, the facts of each case and the law. In my role as an Assistant Attorney General, I handled complex civil litigation, advised state agencies on regulatory compliance and represented the State in contested hearings requiring careful legal analysis and sound judgment.
I have demonstrated impartiality by applying the law consistently, treating all parties with dignity, and ensuring that case outcomes are based on facts and law, not personal views. My deep roots in our community, institutional knowledge of the court system and meaningful relationships with diverse stakeholders within have reinforced by ability to listen thoughtfully and decide matters objectively.
I am qualified to serve as a Superior Court Judge because of my significant superior court experience. Additionally, I possess a sincere love for the people in our community and a well-rounded legal background comprised of civil, criminal and appellate law. I approach every case with professionalism and integrity, prepare thoroughly for hearings and trials and draft legally sound briefs and orders. Also, my experience utilizing diversions and restorative justice coupled with my commitment to approach bail and sentencing carefully reflects my commitment to fair case resolutions that encourage accountability while considering individual circumstances.
2. How would you define your judicial philosophy? How do you define yourself politically? How does that impact your judicial approach?
My judicial philosophy is simple. I will approach each case with an open mind, carefully listen to the facts and fairly apply the law. The courtroom is an intimidating place, and I will be a judge who leads with humanity. It will be my mission to ensure people leave the courtroom feeling seen, valued and respected.
Politically, I identify as a progressive Democrat. I believe government should work to expand access to justice, reduce inequities and strengthen public safety in ways that are fair, effective and data driven. I also support policies that promote economic opportunity and access to healthcare and education.
At the same time, I am committed to being an impartial judge and my political values will not dictate my rulings. On the bench, my role will be to follow the law, apply precedents, and decide each case based on the facts and the law. My progressive values inform my commitment to fairness, preparation and respect for every person in the courtroom, but they will not replace the law. As a Superior Court Judge, I will ensure that justice is administered consistently, thoughtfully, and with integrity.
3. What do you believe are the three most important qualities a judge must have to be an effective jurist? Which judges, past or present, do you most admire? Why?I believe the three most important qualities of an effective judge are integrity and ethical judgment, legal competence and compassion.
First, integrity and ethical judgement are foundational. A judge must be independent, honest and guided by the law rather than personal or political considerations. Throughout my career I have been trusted with complex sensitive matters and have maintained a reputation for professionalism, sound judgment, and ethical decision making. Upholding the integrity of the justice system is essential to maintaining public confidence in our courts.
Second, legal competence is critical. Judges must have a thorough knowledge of the law and the ability to apply it thoughtfully and consistently. My diverse experience handling serious felony cases, advising state agencies, preparing for trials and hearings, drafting appellate briefs and other legal documents reflects my commitment to preparation and mastery of the law. Every litigant deserves the benefit of a judge who carefully studies the facts of their case and the applicable legal principles.
Third, compassion is paramount to the effective administration of justice. Compassion means acknowledging the human impact of judicial decisions and treating every person in the courtroom with dignity and respect. As a prosecutor, I have walked side by side with victims of crime and helped them navigate the court system after having experienced the loss of a loved one or significant injuries. Equally important, I have utilized restorative justice practices and diversion programs to resolve cases in ways that make the community whole. Likewise, I have implemented fair bail practices that prioritize public safety and accountability. That balance of compassion and responsibility will guide me as a Superior Court Judge.
I admire judges who exemplify these qualities, including Justice Thurgood Marshall, whose commitment to equal justice and deep understanding of the way the law impacts our lives shaped a more fair and inclusive legal system. I also admire trial court judges like Judges Michaela O’Foghludah, Shamieka Rhinehart, Brian Wilks and Josephine Kerr Davis, who are known for preparedness, fairness and professionalism.
Their examples reinforce my commitment to serve the people of Durham, and other parts of our state, as a principled, prepared and compassionate judge who applies the law faithfully while ensuring that every person who comes before the court is treated with dignity and respect.
4. Do you support restorative justice practices and diversion programs? What kinds of cases do you believe should be exempted from diversion programs?
Yes, I support both restorative justice practices and diversion programs as important tools for promoting accountability, reducing recidivism and strengthening the community as a whole.
Restorative justice and diversions serve different purposes that can work in tandem. Diversion programs are often focused on first -time and/or low-level offenders and usually reroute eligible defendants from traditional prosecution toward education, treatment and community services. Frequently, the outcome of a successful diversion is the dismissal of a criminal charge. Restorative justice directly focuses on bringing victims, defendants and other community members together to repair harm in a way that highlights healing, accountability and resolution. Unlike with diversion programs, participation in restorative justice programs does not typically result in the dismissal of charges.
As an Assistant District Attorney in Durham, I participated in the county’s first restorative justice case. That experience allowed me to see firsthand the benefits and challenges of restorative justice, including the careful preparation required, emotional complexity for victims and defendants, and the potential for accountability and healing. It reinforced my belief that these thoughtful approaches can serve victims, defendants and the greater community in ways traditional prosecution cannot.
Prosecutors exercise significant discretion in charging and disposition decisions. Whether a case is appropriate for diversion or restorative justice depends on the facts and circumstances of each case, including the nature and severity of the offense, the defendant’s desire to participate, the wishes of the victim and public safety considerations. This must be determined on a case-by-case basis. As a Superior Court Judge, my role will be to understand the inner workings of these tools, ensure that the outcomes for defendants and victims are equitable and to safeguard the rights of victims and defendants. Where appropriate, I will also explain and/or reinforce the benefits of compliance with restorative justice and diversion programs to defendants during sentencing.
5. The recently passed Iryna’s Law eliminates the option for judges to release people pretrial with only a written promise to appear in court and requires that they set secured bonds for defendants charged with violent offenses or with more than two prior convictions. Do you support these changes? Why or why not?
The North Carolina Code of Judicial Conduct required judicial candidates to avoid statements that suggest how they would rule on matters likely to come before them and to refrain from making comments that would indicate bias. For that reason, I cannot fully respond to this question.
Nonetheless, Iryna’s Law is a significant change to the pretrial release framework of North Carolina. As this question points out, it eliminates release on a written promise to appear and requires secured bonds or other restrictive conditions for defendants charged with violent offenses or defendants with three or more qualifying prior convictions in the past ten years. Iryna’s Law also requires judges to make written findings of fact whenever they authorize the pretrial release of such a defendant.
Iryna’s law has put a spotlight on the impact of pre-trial release and how serious these decisions should be taken. As a Superior Court Judge, my role will be to carefully consider the facts of each case and the circumstances of each individual and then apply the law as written. In making pretrial release decisions, I will fully consider defendants’ constitutional rights, the safety of the public and every option provided by statue.
6. No one on North Carolina’s death row has been executed since 2006. Provisions of Iryna’s Law open the door for executions to resume. In what circumstances, if any, do you support using the death penalty? In what circumstances do you support life sentences and de facto life sentences?
Should I be elected as your next Superior Court Judge, it is possible that the death penalty and life sentences are matters that will come before me. Pursuant to the North Carolina Code of Judicial Conduct, I must be careful not to take positions on these matters, as it could call my impartiality into question.
At the same time, I recognize the importance of human life and the gravity of decisions that determine a person’s freedom or right to live. My approach as a judge will be guided by the law, precedent, and the facts of each case. And I will ensure that defendants receive due process and their Constitution rights are honored.
7. Black North Carolinians are incarcerated at much higher rates than their white peers. What responsibility do judges have to address racial inequity in the court system?
Judges have a duty to ensure that the justice system treats everyone fairly. There is no question that structural racism has contributed to disparities, like the disproportionate incarceration of Black North Carolinians. Judges cannot eliminate these systematic inequities, but they do play a role in mitigating bias in the courtrooms where they preside. This can be done by ensuring that every decision is grounded in the facts, the law and fairness, as opposed to stereotypes and bias.
One way I combatted racial inequities in our court system during my time as an Assistant District Attorney was to utilize diversion programs, restorative justice practices and thoughtful pretrial release policies. Another way I have taken on this issue is through community involvement with boards and organizations like the Teen Court and Restitution Program, Rebound, Alternatives for Youth, and the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council which interrupt the school to prison pipeline and provide meaningful opportunities for young people to learn about the justice system and connect with social-emotional supports.
As a Superior Court Judge, I will continue this commitment by applying the law consistently and impartially, being vigilant about the influence of racial bias and fostering a courtroom culture where the dignity and rights of all participants is respected.
8. How should judges take immigration status into consideration, both in case resolutions and in courtroom proceedings?
Immigration status can arise in a number of court proceedings, as a result, I want to be careful not to take a position that could call into question my impartiality in conformity with the Rules of Judicial Conduct.
With that said, the United States Constitution guarantees due process to all persons, regardless of immigration status. Judges should apply the law equally to everyone. Immigration status should not affect how a person is treated in the courtroom, their access to justice or the fairness of proceedings.
By the same token, immigration consequences can be severe and where the law allows or requires consideration of collateral consequences, judges should ensure conformity with constitutional and statutory authority. As a Superior Court Judge, I will ensure that every person who comes before me is treated with humanity and professionalism.
9. In many cases, voters know very little about the judges they are electing. Tell us something about yourself that our readers may be surprised to learn.
I love this question! In high school, I was a member of the competing show choir and was invited to participate in Honors Chorus. While I do not sing often anymore, I love karaoke.
I have a younger sister and a twin sister and we all have dogs with relatively unique names. My dog is named Barrister, Aneshia Allister’s dog is named Esquire, and Alyssa’s dog is named Longyue.
I am a huge Downton Abby fan and when my schedule allows, I escape into British television shows like Poldark, Call the Midwife and Father Brown.
10. Identify and explain one principled stand you would be willing to take if elected that you suspect might cost you some points with voters.
I do not believe that low-risk, low-income defendants should be detained pretrial simply because they cannot afford to post bond. As a Superior Court Judge, I will be thoughtful in the exercise of judicial discretion afforded to judges by statute. For each case, I will investigate whether alternatives to a secured bond are appropriate. Pre-trial detention is a tool that a judge may choose only after weighing a number of factors that include not just the safety of the public but also the safety and well-being of the defendant.
11. Are there any issues this questionnaire has not addressed that you would like to address?
I would like to take this opportunity to highlight my appellate experience. Representing the State in criminal appeals has given me unique perspective and insight into the kind of missteps judges, attorneys and litigants make that result in reversal and remand of cases. I also have significant civil appellate experience which includes arguing before the North Carolina Court of Appeals. One such case dealt with the certification of law enforcement officers across the state. With this case, my office was able to reinforce the requirement that officers certified in North Carolina be qualified and have good moral character. This appellate work has given me a deep understanding of how trial decisions are reviewed, strengthened my legal analysis and writing skills and allowed me to protect the rights of North Carolinians. This skillset and experience will be top of mind if elected as Superior Court Judge.