1. NC Court System

2. NC Trial Courts
Trial Courts- hear evidence and arguments of the parties in a case
District Courts
the judge hears the case and decides the verdict- there is no jury
ex: family law, traffic violations, mental hospitalization
civil cases less than $10,000

3. Superior Courts
handle civil cases involving more than $10,000 and felonies- may involve jury trials
felony- serious crimes with a victim, ex: rape, robbery, murder
in capital cases, jury also decides the sentence

4. Judges are elected for each county Other Judicial Officers
Magistrates- issue search and arrest warrants
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 crimes

5. NC Appellate Courts
NC Court of Appeals- hears most cases appealed from the state’s trial courts
Reviews trial court decisions
Reviews evidence & procedures of trial courts
Does not review death penalty case
NC Constitutional issues, go to NC Supreme Court
Sit in panels of 3, 15 Appeals judges total

6. NC Supreme Court NC Supreme Court highest court in the state
reviews cases of lower courts (Appellate & Trial courts)
interprets state constitution
voters elect chief justice and 6 associate judges
Decides NC Constitutional issues
Reviews death penalty sentencing
Judges are elected