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In a trial presided over by Judge Meredith Shuford, Peter Rabbit was found guilty of criminal charges. Because this was his first offense, instead of jail time, the young rabbit received a sentence of community service.
Fourth and fifth grade students in Kelly Rudisillâs academically or intellectually gifted class read various fairy tales and chose one to use for a mock trial.Â
âThey researched felonies and misdemeanors and determined all sorts of things,â she said. âThey chose the âTale of Peter Rabbitâ and weâre prosecuting Peter Rabbit. The students all wrote their own scripts including opening and closing statements.â
When Meredith Shuford goes into a courthouse these days, she stands at the opposite side of the judgeâs bench.Â
Shuford had a long and distinguish career as a Cleveland and Lincoln County District Court Judge. She lost her seat after a contentious election in 2020.Â
Serving a total of 14 years, Shuford was initially appointed as a judge in 2007 by Gov. Mike Easley,Â
âMultiple attorneys applied and were interviewed, but I received the appointment,â she said. âThis was a new position. I applied because I thought there were things that I could do that would be beneficial to the community. I didnât have to run against any sitting judge. Iâve always respected people who were holding that position and performing their duties. I loved the job.â
The Shelby Star
After almost 14 years as a Cleveland and Lincoln County District Court Judge, Meredith Shuford will now be on the other side of the bench after a difficult election for her.
Losing in the 2020 election is a bittersweet moment for the Lincolnton resident. She said she will miss helping the children who came through her courtroom, but the political side of being a judge left a bitter taste in her mouth.
“It was heartbreaking to lose the position, but that is what happens when elections change from non-partisan to partisan,” she said.
As Shuford battled to keep her judge’s seat in 2020, she said she was met with threats of violence and intimidation via false Facebook accounts and anonymous emails. The Republican doesn’t believe that the messages came from anyone who had come before her in court but from people who may not have wanted to see a woman presiding over the courtroom.