BOYETTE SWORN IN AS DISTRICT COURT JUDGE By John Carson, Staff Writer With new responsibilities looming on the immediate horizon and a first session not far behind, Tarboro attorney Wayne Boyette was sworn in Nov. 26 as the 7th Judicial Circuit’s newest District Court Judge in a ceremony at Edgecombe County Courthouse. Boyette, who has been practicing law out of his Tarboro office for 26 years, was elected to the District Court bench – which services Edgecombe, Nash and Wilson counties – in November. In topping Rocky Mount attorney and city councilman Lamont Wiggins, Boyette will take the seat held by Joseph Harper, who retired in October. “I have worked with Wayne since 1989 as a fellow lawyer and since 1996 from the bench,” District Court Judge John Britt said prior to administering the oath. “He exhibits all the attributes to be a fine judge. He will be a good judge.” With son, Matthew, holding a Bible where he placed his left hand, Boyette took the oath of his new office before a packed gallery of well wishers in a District Court courtroom. Upon completion, Boyette’s wife, Allison, assisted him as he donned a robe. “The best advice I can give you is those things are hot,” Britt said. “When you get your own, I suggest getting as light weight a one as possible. It gets hot underneath when you’re wearing a shirt and tie.” Boyette’s mother-in-law, Barbara Hutchins, then presented him with a plaque with advice from an old lawyer to a newly elected judge. The plaque was from Hutchins’ husband – Boyette’s stepfather-in-law – who was hospitalized and unable to attend the ceremony. Admittedly still somewhat amazed by his campaign and election, Boyette told the gathering ascending to the bench was an unimagined dream. “This has all been quite an experience,” he said. “I never thought this would come my way when I began practicing law. However, over the past two years, I felt this was the best next step in my career. I sought advice from a lot of people – fellow attorneys, family, friends – and they all said I would be a good judge. “All I know is I will do the best job I can. I may not always be right, but I will do my best to be right all the time. I welcome all to sit in to make sure I am doing my job and critique how I’m doing.” Following the ceremony, there was a reception at St. James United Methodist Church and then the Thanksgiving holiday before Boyette headed to Chapel Hill this week for a five-day orientation for new District Court judges. Presented by the UNC School of Government, the orientation featured training sessions with sitting judges, as well as School of Government instructors. While some sessions focused on ethics, drafting civil orders, payroll and employee benefits, a majority of the orientation focused on family, domestic violence and juvenile issues. “The orientation is not about points of law,” Boyette said. “It is mainly about procedures and will predominantly deal with juvenile and domestic violence proceedings.” It is believed Boyette will get to put what he learns to almost immediate use. He is expected to take his seat at the bench and preside over his first court sessions beginning Dec. 10.
Posted on: Thu, 04 Dec 2014 11:30:43 +0000
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