Carolyn attended Hampton University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, and received her law degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law. She serves as a volunteer Teen Court Judge and youth mentor.

Carolyn has served as a District Court Judge and Superior Court Judge for over 27 years. She has presided over criminal, domestic, juvenile, and mental health proceedings. She is also an attorney at law at her own law office, opened in 2019, and has over 25 years of legal and judicial experience. Carolyn is a state-certified mediator for Superior Court cases as well.

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Carolyn was appointed to the NC Court of Appeals in 2023. She was also a Deputy Commissioner for the Industrial Commission.

Carolyn has served as a District Court Judge and Superior Court Judge since 2008. She has presided over criminal, domestic, juvenile, and mental health proceedings. 

Carolyn is also an attorney at law at her own law office, which she opened in 2019.

Carolyn is a state-certified mediator for Superior Court cases. A mediator is a neutral third party who settles disputes between parties, as an alternative to going to court.

- Carolyn has served as a District Court Judge and Superior Court Judge since 2008. She has presided over criminal, domestic, juvenile, and mental health proceedings. 
- Carolyn is also an attorney at law at her own law office, which she opened in 2019.
- Carolyn is a state-certified mediator for Superior Court cases. A mediator is a neutral third party who settles disputes between parties, as an alternative to going to court.

Legal Experience

As of January 31, 2024, Carolyn Jennings Thompson’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Has advocated to change the district's court dockets so judges can hear domestic violence cases separately from the general civil docket, reducing delays in the justice system.

- Has advocated to change the district's court dockets so judges can hear domestic violence cases separately from the general civil docket, reducing delays in the justice system.

Judicial Administration

States that "true justice is independent of party affiliation, divisive ideologies, and social differences."

Says she "understands the importance of upholding the Constitution and applying the law to the facts of each case."

- States that "true justice is independent of party affiliation, divisive ideologies, and social differences."
- Says she "understands the importance of upholding the Constitution and applying the law to the facts of each case."

Judicial Philosophy

Serves as a Teen Court Judge to aid first-time juvenile offenders in learning responsibility and more about the justice system.

- Serves as a Teen Court Judge to aid first-time juvenile offenders in learning responsibility and more about the justice system.

Community Involvement

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Carolyn Jennings Thompson

- The Court of Appeals Judge reviews proceedings that occurred in the trial courts for errors of law or legal procedure. They decide if the trial court correctly applied the law to the case.
- The Court of Appeals Judge deals with a majority of cases appealed from the Superior and District courts in civil and criminal cases.
- They are the only intermediate appellate court in the state, meaning they are the only court that sits between lower courts and the state Supreme Court.
- Judges on the Court of Appeals are elected for an 8-year term and there are 15 total judges.  Elections are partisan. 

North Carolina Court of Appeals Judge, Democratic Primary

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