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5 Key Facts About Judge Chris Freeman's First Year On The NC Court Of Appeals (2025 Opinions Revealed)

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Judge Christopher A. Freeman has completed his first year of service on the North Carolina Court of Appeals, having assumed his seat in January 2025. His tenure on the state's intermediate appellate court marks a significant transition from his long-standing role as a District Court Judge, bringing a conservative judicial philosophy honed by years of trial court experience to the appellate bench. The first year of his term has been defined by a steady output of opinions, primarily in criminal and juvenile law, setting the stage for his influence on North Carolina jurisprudence. The former District Court Judge secured his position as Judge for Seat 15 following a successful campaign, which highlighted his commitment to judicial restraint and a strict interpretation of the law. As of the current date, December 21, 2025, his work is now focused on reviewing the decisions of lower courts across the state, a critical function in shaping legal precedent in the Tar Heel State. This deep dive explores his biography, his judicial philosophy, and the key opinions that have defined his first year on the North Carolina Court of Appeals.

Judge Christopher A. Freeman: A Comprehensive Judicial Biography

Christopher A. Freeman's professional journey is rooted in public service, military law, and a deep commitment to the North Carolina judicial system. His extensive background in both prosecution and trial-level judging provides a unique perspective to the appellate court's deliberations.
  • Full Name: Christopher A. Freeman (often referred to as Chris Freeman)
  • Current Office: Judge, North Carolina Court of Appeals, Seat 15
  • Assumed Office: January 1, 2025
  • Political Affiliation: Republican Party
  • Education:
    • Bachelor's Degree: High Point University
    • Juris Doctor (J.D.): Regent University School of Law (Graduated 2002)
  • Prior Judicial/Legal Experience:
    • District Court Judge: 17A Judicial District (Rockingham and Caswell counties)
    • Assistant District Attorney: 17A Judicial District
    • Military Service: Air Force JAG Corps (Judge Advocate General's Corps)
  • Judicial Philosophy: Described as a Conservative Judicial Philosophy
  • Judicial Role Model: Cited Justice Neil Gorsuch of the U.S. Supreme Court as the Justice who best reflects his judicial philosophy
Freeman's career path from the Air Force JAG Corps to the District Court bench, and now to the Court of Appeals, reflects a strong emphasis on the rule of law and judicial discipline. His military experience, specifically, is often cited as a foundational element of his conservative approach to legal interpretation and decision-making.

The Conservative Judicial Philosophy Shaping Appellate Decisions

Judge Freeman's judicial philosophy is a cornerstone of his approach to the Court of Appeals, providing a clear framework for how he interprets the law and precedent. This philosophy is explicitly aligned with judicial conservatism, emphasizing textualism and originalism, similar to his stated judicial role model, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch. The conservative judiciary he advocates for centers on the belief that judges should interpret laws based on the original meaning of the text, rather than using the bench to legislate or infer evolving societal standards. This approach is particularly relevant in North Carolina, where the Court of Appeals handles thousands of cases annually, establishing precedent on issues ranging from criminal procedure to family law and civil disputes. During his campaign for Seat 15, Judge Freeman positioned himself as a candidate dedicated to applying the law as written by the General Assembly, not as he might personally wish it to be. This commitment is seen as a crucial check on judicial activism, ensuring that the separation of powers between the legislative and judicial branches remains intact. His background as a District Court Judge, where he was responsible for the initial application of state statutes, gives him practical insight into the real-world consequences of judicial interpretations. His conservative stance resonates strongly with the Republican Party platform in North Carolina, which seeks to appoint judges who prioritize constitutional fidelity and judicial restraint. Entities like the North Carolina Conservative Voter Guide have highlighted his views, affirming his commitment to a conservative judiciary.

Notable Opinions and Key Areas of Focus in 2025

Judge Freeman's first year on the North Carolina Court of Appeals has been prolific, with his name appearing on numerous appellate court opinions, both published and unpublished. The bulk of his work in 2025 has focused on criminal law, juvenile matters, and issues of legal procedure, reflecting the high volume of these types of cases appealed from the District and Superior Courts. One significant area of his early work involves Juvenile Code cases, which require a delicate balance between a child's best interests and the state's legal mandates. For instance, in an opinion released in March 2025, *In re E.B.*, Judge Freeman addressed complex issues related to the juvenile code, guardianship, and the best interests of a minor child. Another case, *In re: J.C.*, decided in August 2025, dealt with the severe and often sensitive issue of the termination of parental rights, an area where clear legal standards are paramount. In the realm of criminal law and procedure, Judge Freeman has authored opinions addressing common yet critical legal appeals: * Ineffective Assistance of Counsel (IAC): In *State v. Nunnally*, an August 2025 opinion, the Court considered a *per se* ineffective assistance of counsel claim. These cases are fundamental to a defendant's Sixth Amendment rights and require a rigorous examination of the trial attorney's performance. * Jury Instructions and Trial Error: In the December 2025 case *State v. Holsclaw*, Judge Freeman addressed issues related to jury instructions concerning larceny and attempted larceny. Appellate review of jury instructions is essential to ensure that juries are properly guided by the law during deliberations. * Procedural Law: His work also includes numerous opinions on procedural matters, such as the proper application of Rule 54(b) concerning final judgments, and the review of interlocutory orders, which are the backbone of appellate practice in the North Carolina Judicial Branch. While many of these initial appellate court opinions are unpublished, meaning they do not set binding statewide precedent, they are crucial in demonstrating Judge Freeman's methodical and text-focused approach to judicial review. They confirm his commitment to ensuring that the lower courts in North Carolina adhere strictly to established legal doctrines and procedural fairness.

The Impact of the Seat 15 Election Victory

The election of Judge Freeman to Seat 15 of the NC Court of Appeals was a closely watched race that underscored the political nature of judicial appointments in North Carolina. His victory over the Democratic challenger, Martin Moore, was part of a broader trend that saw Republicans secure multiple seats on the state's appellate courts. The campaign focused heavily on his extensive experience as a District Court Judge for the 17A Judicial District, which covers Rockingham County and Caswell County. This experience gave him a unique platform, allowing him to speak directly to the practical realities of the judicial system. Voters were drawn to his promise of a fair, impartial, and restrained judiciary, contrasting his conservative principles with what he and his supporters described as judicial overreach. His defeat of the incumbent in the Republican primary, Judge Hunter Murphy, was a significant event that cleared his path to the general election. This primary victory demonstrated a strong mandate from the Republican base for a judicial candidate with a clear, conservative judicial philosophy and a background in the Air Force JAG Corps. The subsequent general election win solidified his transition from the trial court bench to the critical role of an appellate judge, where his decisions will now influence the application of law across all 100 counties of North Carolina.

Judge Freeman's Future on the Appellate Bench

As Judge Freeman settles into his role on the North Carolina Court of Appeals, his conservative judicial philosophy and his proven focus on procedural detail will continue to shape his contributions. Legal observers and practitioners will be watching for his first published opinions—those that establish binding legal precedent—to fully gauge his long-term impact on North Carolina law. His early work in 2025, particularly in the complex areas of juvenile law and criminal appeals, suggests a judge who is meticulous about the application of statutes and committed to judicial restraint. His tenure will be crucial for the Court of Appeals as it navigates evolving legal challenges and maintains the integrity of the state's appellate review process. The North Carolina Court of Appeals remains a vital entity, and Judge Freeman’s presence ensures a conservative voice in its ongoing deliberations.
chris freeman nc court of appeals
chris freeman nc court of appeals

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