Media

Providing helpful information for members of the media.

Help Us Keep the Public and Our Staff Safe

Courts are operating with reduced capacity. By order of the Chief Justice, only people with business at the courthouse will be allowed to enter. Masks or face coverings are required in all courthouses. Filings are encouraged to be mailed and will be treated as timely if received by mail within 5 days of the due date. You may be able to handle your ticket or citation through our online services. You can also sign up there for text and email reminders about your court date.

Check your county's information for changes to hours of operations, remote hearings, announcements, and more. If you need additional information, contact the clerk of superior court office before going to the courthouse. Find updates for the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and Business Court. View the Webex - Remote Proceedings for the Public (training resource).

Commenting on Cases

The Judicial Branch does not comment on cases that could come before the courts; pending cases, litigation, and / or investigations; final rules and opinions; matters pending or concluded before the Judicial Standards Commission; and protected personnel information and documents.

Generally, judges should not make any public comments relating to cases they are presiding over while the case is pending and until all appeals are final. Under Canon 3A(6) of the Code of Judicial Conduct, judges are also not permitted to make public comments about the merits of any pending case in any other court, state or federal, if it involves a case or controversy arising in North Carolina or addresses North Carolina law. Canon 3A(6) also requires judges to encourage court personnel under their direction and control not to make such comments.

Cameras in the Courtroom

Use of cameras and electronic equipment in the courtroom is at the discretion of the presiding judge. Read Rule 15.1. Canon 3A(7) of the Code of Judicial Conduct provides that judges should exercise discretion in allowing broadcasting, televising, recording, or taking photographs in the courtroom and in the areas immediately adjacent to the courtroom during civil or criminal sessions, as well as during recesses between sessions. Judges have the discretion to close court regarding juvenile matters and court hearings that involve involuntary commitment matters that are not open to the public (See, G.S. 122C-267 and G.S. 122C-268).

Contacting the clerk of superior court or trial court administrator/coordinator is the best way to get approval to bring devices and equipment into the courtroom.

Media Inquiries

Contact the clerk of superior court office in the relevant county for:

Court records and case information
County documents
Criminal records

Court records may also be accessed using the public computer terminals in any county courthouse.

For media inquiries, please email your questions and any specific details, including:

Your contact information
Organization
Location
Deadline
Any other information that would help us provide the specific information you need

The Judicial Branch Communications Office understands the nature of the media's reporting deadlines and will follow up with you as soon as possible regarding your inquiry.

Contact Us

Emailmedia@nccourts.org

Press Releases

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Connect With Us

News

April 14, 2021 General News

Man Who Threatened North Carolina Court Employees Receives Prison Sentence

Actions taken by NCAOC personnel helped bring the man to justice.

April 13, 2021 General News

Governor Roy Cooper Announces District Court Appointment

Governor Roy Cooper appointments District Court judge in Wake County.

April 12, 2021 Press Release

New All Things Judicial Podcast Bonus Episode Celebrates North Carolina's Role as First in Freedom with the 1776 Halifax Resolves

Today's episode commemorates the 245th anniversary of the Halifax Resolves.

See all news stories

Data and Statistics

View and search these most requested court statistics by fiscal year, or find additional reports available.

Civil Overall Caseload Activity Report

Criminal/Infraction Case Activity Report by County

Felony Case Activity Report

Find Additional Court Statistics

Find a Court Date

Search our online court calendars.

Find a Local Courthouse

Locate your local courthouse by city or zip code.

Calendars

Find and search court calendars available.

Court Dates Search

Search for upcoming criminal and infraction cases by defendant name, citation number, county, or court type.

Court Date Notifications

Subscribe to court date notifications and reminders for criminal cases via email or SMS/text message.

Civil Court Calendars by County

Criminal Court Calendars by County

Court of Appeals Calendar of Oral Arguments

Supreme Court Calendar of Oral Arguments

Reports

View these most requested annual reports available by fiscal year, or find and search additional reports available.

North Carolina Judicial Branch Annual Reports

North Carolina Courts Statistical and Operational Reports (Appellate, Finance, HR, Programs, Trial Courts)

Sentencing and Policy Reports (Recidivism, Structured Sentencing, and More)

Find Additional Reports

Opinions

Find and search court opinions.

Supreme Court Opinions

Court of Appeals Opinions

Business Court Opinions

About the Judicial Branch

View publications and information to learn more about the Judicial Branch.

North Carolina Judicial Branch Fact Sheets

NCAOC Fact Sheets

Judicial Branch Pocket Guide

Judicial Branch Publications

Judicial Branch Seal and Branding Guidelines

Learn About the Court System

North Carolina Judicial System Booklet

Guide to Structured Sentencing

Legal Glossary

Raise the Age Resources

COVID-19 Digital Assets

eCourts Digital Assets

Photos and Biographies

Find photos available of judicial officials and courthouses. Search Other Judicial Officials to find local officials' photos, if available. If unavailable, please contact the judicial officials' office in the appropriate county for assistance.

North Carolina General Statutes

Find some of the General Statutes relevant to the Judicial Branch.