1. NORTH CAROLINA COURTS

2. NC District Court
There is at least one district court located in each of the 100 counties.
The judge hears the case and decides the verdict. There is no jury.
Original jurisdiction in all misdemeanor cases, juvenile cases, probable cause hearings, civil cases up to $10,000.
Sometimes referred to as a bench trial.

3. NC Superior Court Judges elected for 8 yr. term.
Original jurisdiction-felony criminal cases, civil cases over $10,000.
Takes appeals from District Court
Trial by 12 member jury- jury often waived in civil cases.
Judges are elected for each county

4. Magistrates
Judicial officers there are 654 Magistrates in NC - 2 yr term.
Have original jurisdiction in certain misdemeanor cases usually when there is an admission of guilt;
Can issue warrants, set bail, handle worthless checks claims, small claims $4000 and less, handle some juvenile misdemeanors.

5. Other Judicial Officers
District Attorney- represents the state in all criminal cases in district and superior courts.
District public defender- state employee who represents low-income persons accused of a crime.

6. NC Court of Appeals 12 Judges that are elected for 8 yr. term
Sit in panels of 3 to hear and decide cases
Meet in Raleigh
Considers and decides on cases appealed from District and Superior Courts.
Reviews trial court decisions
Reviews evidence and procedures of trial courts
NC Constitutional issues go to the NC Supreme Court

7. THE NC SUPREME COURT 7 justices (1 Chief and 6 Associates)
Elected for 8 yr. term
Decides questions of law presented in civil and criminal cases appealed from lower courts ( Appellate and Trial Courts)
No witnesses or juries
Death Penalty Appeals automatically heard
Appeals from the NC Supreme Court go to the US Supreme Court