Media
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 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 appropriate county for:
- Court records and case information
- County documents
- Criminal records
Court records may also be accessed using the public 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.
Reports
North Carolina Judicial Branch Annual Reports
Annual Reports of the North Carolina Judicial Branch by fiscal year.
N.C. Courts Statistical and Operational Reports
Annual statistical and operational reports for appellate courts, financial, court programs, human resources, and trial courts.
Sentencing and Policy Advisory Commission Reports
Annual reports, statistics, projections, and key findings on recidivism, structured sentencing, study reports, and other publications.
About the Judicial Branch
North Carolina Judicial Branch Fact Sheets
Fact Sheets about the North Carolina Judicial Branch.
NCAOC Fact Sheets
Information about the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts.
Judicial Branch Pocket Guide
Provides basic information about North Carolina’s three branches of government with specific emphasis on the North Carolina Judicial Branch
North Carolina Judicial System Booklet
A detailed booklet about the North Carolina Judicial Branch and the unified court system.
Citizen's Guide to Structured Sentencing
This publication describes Structured Sentencing - the method of sentencing and punishing criminals in North Carolina.
Learn About the Court System
Learn more about North Carolina’s unified court system, cases, officials, routes of appeal, and more.
Legal Glossary
Find definitions of legal words in an alphabetical list.
Judicial Branch Seal and Branding Guidelines
Learn about and download the Judicial Branch seal, proper usage, and other guidelines.
Judicial Branch Publications
The Judicial Branch produces a number of publications to inform stakeholders and the public on various court-related matters and subjects.
Data and Statistics
Civil Overall Caseload Activity Report
This report provides county-level and statewide statistics for filed, pending, and disposed civil cases for the given fiscal year.
Additional Court Statistics
Data and information for felonies, misdemeanors, infractions, and other case types searchable by county, district, statewide, offense, and more.