LAURINBYURG — After 42 years of diligent service with only two sick days off, Chief Magistrate John B. Blue has submitted retirement documents to the Administrative Office of the Courts. July 31, 2021 is anticipated as his last day as a state employee. An appropriate celebration of his distinguished career is currently being planned, according to Clerk of Court Philip McRae.
Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Stephan Futrell extended his thanks to Mr. Blue and has announced that a suitable replacement is currently being sought. The requirements and procedures to become a magistrate are set forth in N.C. General Statute 7A-171.
Generally, any current resident of Scotland County at least 18 years old with a four-year university degree or a two-year associate degree and five years of work experience is eligible to be appointed. Interested applicants may complete form AOC-A-191 available on the NCCOURTS.ORG website and submit it to Clerk Philip McRae along with proof of residency.
McRae says the magistrate’s office is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is the front line of the justice system.
Among a broad range of duties are charging law breakers with crimes and setting terms of release, issuing domestic violence protective orders, issuing arrest and search warrants, presiding over small claims court, hospitalizing those who pose a serious danger to themselves or others, performing marriage ceremonies, etc.
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