Identical Twin Judges in Alabama Are Doubling Up on Justice

Shanta Owens and Shera Grant preside over criminal court and civil cases, respectively.

Meet Shanta Owens and Shera Grant, the first twins to serve together on the bench in Alabama.

Shera oversees civil matters.

"I run something that's similar to, like, the 'People's Court,''' Shera said. "People are suing their friends, their grandparents..."

Shanta presides over a drug court.

"I get an opportunity to really help a lot of people who are afflicted with drug addiction," Shanta added.

The sisters were only 5 when their father died, and their mother, a librarian, was very strict, but loving. The girls were constantly told they had to read, they said.

"To see them accomplish the things that they have accomplished, and work as hard as they have, I am super proud," their mom said.

Shanta and Shera both attended Alabama State University for undergrad and Louisiana State University for law school.

Shanta, who is four minutes older, was elected judge in 2008. In 2016, Shera took the bench.

"It's a lot of fun and I will tell you, we eat lunch together just about every day," Shera said.

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