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WINTON – Over the past 16 years, Teresa R. Freeman has served as a District Court Judge within what is now Judicial District 7 (Bertie, Halifax, Hertford and Northampton counties).

That service continues, but with a new twist.

Judge Freeman received the oath of office for a new four-year term here Wednesday afternoon (Jan. 1) at the Hertford County Courthouse. She also begins new duties as the District’s Chief District Court Judge.

“I thank [now retired] Judge W. Turner Stephenson for his work as our Chief Judge,” said Freeman, moments after taking the oath. “He passed me the Chief’s gavel and he trusts me with that. I’m looking forward to serving all the citizens of Judicial District 7 for many years to come and I ask for your prayers and continued support.”

Upon Stephenson’s retirement, Judge Paul Newby, the Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, appointed Freeman as the 7^th Judicial District’s new Chief District Court Judge.

Judge Freeman, a native of Halifax County, received her B.S. degree from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in 1998 and her Juris Doctor degree from the North Carolina Central University School of Law in 2001. She later earned a Masters of Law Degree at the School of Law at Campbell University.

Her legal career began in 2001 as an associate attorney in a private law firm. From 2004-08 she worked as an Assistant District Attorney in Halifax County

In November 2008, Freeman was elected as a District Court Judge, sworn in to her first term on Jan. 1, 2009 and won reelection in 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024.

Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Cy Grant presided over Wednesday’s judicial proceedings.

“Judge Freeman is renowned for using her time and talent to give back to the community, especially where young people are involved,” Judge Grant said. “She is a gifted public speaker, and an avid supporter of Teen Court and the Adult Drug Recovery Treatment Court.”

Judge Grant noted that while in law school, Freeman became close friends with three African American classmates. Now, all four are District Court judges in North Carolina.

“They formed an organization – Sisters Who Rule – who have traveled the state and the country telling their life story with a focus of inspiring other young people, especially young African American women, to dream big and pursue those dreams,” Judge Grant stated.

Judge Freeman thanked all citizens of Judicial District 7 for allowing her to serve as a District Court Judge for the past 16 years.

“I also want to thank my family; without them I cannot do this job,” she said. “I thank my judicial support team and thank Judge Grant for his continuing support. He swore me in as a new prosecutor when I moved back home to Halifax County 20 years ago.”

Freeman also offered praise for Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Brenda Branch, who administered the oath of office on Wednesday.

“I thank Judge Branch for her continued support and advocacy. We were just ‘baby’ assistant district attorneys 20 years ago and today she swore me in as Chief District Court Judge,” Freeman concluded.