Tabitha Ann Holton
Encyclopedia
Tabitha Ann Holton was the first woman to be licensed as a lawyer
in North Carolina
and in the Southern United States
, in 1878. Her brothers, John Holton and Samuel Holton were licensed to practice law
by the North Carolina Supreme Court
on January 7, 1878, but Tabitha’s admission occurred several days later after the Court heard arguments for and against admitting her to the bar. She practiced law in the town of Dobson
, in Surry County
, from 1878 to 1886.
Lawyer
A lawyer, according to Black's Law Dictionary, is "a person learned in the law; as an attorney, counsel or solicitor; a person who is practicing law." Law is the system of rules of conduct established by the sovereign government of a society to correct wrongs, maintain the stability of political...
in North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
and in the Southern United States
Southern United States
The Southern United States—commonly referred to as the American South, Dixie, or simply the South—constitutes a large distinctive area in the southeastern and south-central United States...
, in 1878. Her brothers, John Holton and Samuel Holton were licensed to practice law
Practice of law
In its most general sense, the practice of law involves giving legal advice to clients, drafting legal documents for clients, and representing clients in legal negotiations and court proceedings such as lawsuits, and is applied to the professional services of a lawyer or attorney at law, barrister,...
by the North Carolina Supreme Court
North Carolina Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of North Carolina is the state's highest appellate court. Until the creation of the North Carolina Court of Appeals in the 1960s, it was the state's only appellate court. The Supreme Court consists of six associate justices and one chief justice, although the number of justices...
on January 7, 1878, but Tabitha’s admission occurred several days later after the Court heard arguments for and against admitting her to the bar. She practiced law in the town of Dobson
Dobson, North Carolina
Dobson is a town in Dobson Township, Surry County, North Carolina, United States. As of the 2000 census, the town population was 1,457. It is the county seat of Surry County...
, in Surry County
Surry County, North Carolina
Surry County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of 2010, the population was 73,673. Its county seat is Dobson.- History :The county was formed in 1771 from Rowan County...
, from 1878 to 1886.