1. A: Trial Courts-hear evidence and arguments of the parties in a case.

2.   1. Judge hears the case and decides. No jury- called bench trials b/cause judge is the jury.  2. ex: family law, traffic violations, mental hospitalization  3. Civil lawsuits under $10,000  4. Misdemeanors; shoplifting under $1000, vandalism, etc.  5. May see witnesses.  6. Plaintiff v. Defendant Trial Courts/District Courts

3.   1. Handle civil cases involving more than $10,000 and felonies.  2. Jury trial with witnesses on both sides.  3. Felonies tried in Superior court; serious crimes- rape, murder, arson, robbery etc.  4. in capital cases, jury decides the sentence as well as delivers verdict.  5. State v. Defendant  6. Prosecutor is the attorney who works for the state  7. Defense attorney represents the defendant. B: Superior Courts

4.   1. Magistrates: issue search warrants and arrest warrants.  2. District Attorney (DA’s) represent the state in all criminal cases in district and superior courts.  3. Public Defenders: state employees ( salaries paid for by taxpayers) who represent low-income persons accused of crimes. C:Judicial Officers

5.   1. Hears most cases appealed from the state’s trial courts.  2. Can find the appealed case in order and the lower court ruling stands.  Can find mistakes in the trial and remand the case back to the lower court, which means case has to start over.  Can reverse the decision and the person goes free. D: NC Appellate Courts

6.   1. Highest court in North Carolina  2. reviews cases from lower courts  3. Interprets state constitution and if North Carolina legislators or Governor have violated it  4. voters elect the Chief Justice and 6 Associate Justices  4. 7 Judges sit on the State Supreme Court E: North Carolina Supreme Court