Frances McDuffie Britt

- District Court judges hear civil, criminal, and juvenile cases. Civil cases dealing with divorce, child custody, and child support are heard in District Court. 
- Under the District Court, the magistrate can try small claims cases ($10,000 or less), landlord eviction cases, and suits for recovery of personal property. A magistrate is an independent judicial officer, recognized by the North Carolina Constitution as an officer of the district court. 
- District Court Judges are elected for a four-year term. Elections are partisan. 

Judge who handles majority of trial level cases.

Criminal Justice

Property Rights

North Carolina

Legal Experience

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

District Court Judge

Buket Urgen

Frances is from Scotland County, North Carolina. She attended Duke University. She has a bachelor's degree in English from Duke University. She has a Juris Doctor degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law.

Judge Frances Britt - Professional Background & Legal Expertise ...

Former teacher, public defender appointed to fill Cumberland ...

Frances McDuffie Britt is currently a judge for the Cumberland County District Court in the 12th Judicial District of North Carolina. She was appointed to the bench by Governor Roy Cooper in 2020, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Robert Stiehl.

Here's Who Has Filed For Office in Cumberland County's 2026 ...

As an assistant public defender in Cumberland County since 2013, began her legal career providing defense and representation to clients in criminal cases.

As of January 5, 2026, Frances McDuffie Britt’s website did not contain information on this issue.