Scott Holmes

Scott Holmes is a Clinical Professor of Law at North Carolina Central University School of Law, where he serves as Director of the Civil Litigation Clinic and Co-Director of the Social Justice and Racial Equity Institute. He teaches Criminal Procedure, Evidence, Legal Problems of the Poor, and Restorative Justice courses.

His educational background includes:

• J.D. from University of North Carolina School of Law
• Friday Fellowship for Human Relations

Professor Holmes' research and practice focus on civil rights, racial equity, and restorative justice. He investigates how racial inequity impacts the rule of law, examines issues of free speech and assembly, and explores restorative justice approaches to conflict resolution. His work addresses systemic issues in policing, housing, and the criminal justice system, with particular attention to how these systems impact poor and vulnerable communities including children, immigrants, and the mentally ill.

His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on racial justice, constitutional law, and civil rights. The articles examine topics such as white supremacy, Confederate monuments, police misconduct, and alternative approaches to justice. His scholarship connects historical patterns of racial discrimination with contemporary legal issues, revealing how establishment white supremacy continues to shape legal frameworks in North Carolina and beyond.

Professor Holmes has extensive practical experience, having served as a public defender in Durham, a clerk for Judge John Martin at the North Carolina Court of Appeals, and a partner at the Lockamy law firm handling serious criminal cases. He has represented a wide range of clients including anti-racism protesters, Black Lives Matter activists, Moral Monday protesters, panhandlers, immigration activists, and victims of police misconduct.

He directs the Civil Litigation Clinic, which handles cases related to police excessive force, First Amendment violations, prison conditions, fair housing, and eviction defense. Through this clinic and his role with the Social Justice and Racial Equity Institute, he provides students with hands-on experience addressing systemic inequalities while serving underserved communities in Durham and across North Carolina.