Senior associate justice shared his career on the bench with students
Senior Associate Justice Paul Newby shared some of his experiences as a member of the N.C. Supreme Court with paralegal, history, and criminal justice students at Johnston Community College Wednesday during a visit to main campus.
Justice Newby’s visit coincides with the 200th anniversary of the N.C. Supreme Court. As part of its bicentennial celebration, the Supreme Court of North Carolina has held court sessions at various locations across the state throughout the year.
During his visit, Newby talked about the history and structure of government, discussed the federal and state constitutions and explained key legal terms and the different types of court to the students.
Jarod Benson, vice president of SGA at JCC, said he enjoyed Newby’s talk. Benson plans to transfer to East Carolina University next year and study history.
“I just got a really great compliment from Justice Newby when he told me to rethink going to law school and go for it because he said I think like a lawyer,” Benson said. “I really enjoyed the entire presentation. For someone of his stature to come down to campus and talk to us about our rights and the courts, it just means the world.”
On Friday, the N.C. Supreme Court is scheduled to hold a session in Smithfield at the Johnston County Courthouse. About 35 JCC students plan to attend.
“We saw this visit from Justice Newby as an opportunity to inspire our students about the justice system and bring the subjects they are studying to life,” said Dr. Jennifer Servi-Roberts, associate vice president of business and applied technologies. “This allows them to see what the pathway for judge and justice would be as they consider their future careers.”
A native of Jamestown, Justice Newby was first elected to a seat on the N.C. Supreme Court in 2004 for an eight-year term. He as re-elected in 2012.
