Celebrating legal pioneers

Justice Barbara Jackson and Justice Patricia Timmons-Goodson in the N.C. Supreme Court

RALEIGH — The Supreme Court of North Carolina held a ceremony last week in honor of the women justices who have served on the state’s highest court. This commemorative session was the second official event to be held as a part of the Supreme Court’s 200th anniversary celebration.

The event featured a portrait sitting of the justices and a short program honoring former Chief Justice Susie Sharp, former Chief Justice Rhoda Billings, former Chief Justice Sarah Parker, former Associate Justice Patricia Timmons-Goodson, Associate Justice Robin E. Hudson, Associate Justice Barbara Jackson and Associate Justice Cheri Beasley.

“Every member who has served on this court is important and highly valued,” said Chief Justice Mark Martin. “Today, we recognize the superb contributions that this court’s women justices have made and continue to make to our state’s jurisprudence and to the rule of law. Their wisdom and insight have benefitted this court and all North Carolinians.”

Speakers included Martin, Court of Appeals Chief Judge Linda M. McGee, former Associate Justice Franklin Freeman, Raleigh attorneys Renee Crawford, Catharine Arrowood and Denaa Griffin, Greensboro attorney Janet Ward Black, Judge Donna Stroud, eastern N.C. attorney Jenny Leisten and Hudson.

The Supreme Court will continue celebrating its 200th Anniversary as it begins traveling court sessions in May in Morganton, Hendersonville and Asheville. Later in the year, the court will hold sessions in Halifax, Greenville and New Bern.