N.C. Judicial Branch

Courthouses and court offices will be closed tomorrow (Friday, April 3) in observance of Good Friday. * Magistrate offices remain open 24/7

Let us rejoice for life and freedom. Chag Sameach! Happy Passover!

The North Carolina Court of Appeals has filed new opinions today, Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Read those new opinions here: buff.ly/4975KNB

April is Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Volunteer Appreciation Month and today, April 1, is #ChildHelpNationalDayOfHope. GAL provides unique volunteer opportunities for people with a sincere concern for the well-being of abused and neglected children. Learn more about GAL: buff.ly/ZZDCFoV

With the madness of March bouncing to its championship conclusion, basketball season is almost over and while many of us can only dream of playing college or professional hoops, there’s a great squad that’s looking to draft you as a teammate. "Do Your Career Justice" by checking out the great job opportunities available across the state of North Carolina and join our team! Nccourts.gov/careers

Chief Judge Linda M. McGee was appointed to the Court of Appeals in 1995 by Gov. Jim Hunt. She is the longest serving judge of the Court of Appeals in state history, having served nearly 26 years. Judge McGee was elected to an eight-year term in 1996 and was re-elected in 2004 and 2012. In August 2014, she was named Chief Judge. In 2016, Chief Judge McGee chaired the Celebrate NC Courts Committee, which was responsible for planning and executing the anniversary celebrations for each level of North Carolina’s court system. #WomensHistoryMonth #Celebration250

216,348 North Carolinians served in the Vietnam War. Fortunately, a vast majority of them returned home. Today is Vietnam Veterans Day when we commemorate the sacrifices of military veterans who fought in Southeast Asia and celebrate their accomplishments and perseverance. Thank you for your service. We remember.

SCAM WARNING: If you have failed to appear for jury service, you cannot be fined or arrested by telephone or email. Any phone call or email stating that a warrant has been issued for your arrest due to not reporting for jury service is a SCAM. Court and/or law enforcement officials do not contact the public requesting sensitive financial information or payment to avoid arrest. buff.ly/Gc5qoE3

Did you know that when someone dies, some or all of their property may transfer directly to others because of legal arrangements made by the deceased person before death? Learn about estates, how to file an estate, and the administrative process here: buff.ly/aqJKUdY #JudicialServices

Ever wonder who some of North Carolina's counties, cities and towns might be named in honor of? Check out "Putting Faces to Places: Who's Where of the American Revolution" to learn more about how our Founding Fathers' legacies live on across an interactive map of the Tar Heel State. buff.ly/zVhzZJg

Aren’t there other things you’d rather be doing than standing in line at the courthouse to file paperwork? Guide & File is a free online service to help users prepare court documents to file for certain case types. Learn more about Guide & File and start a filing today: buff.ly/YsSw2vX

The North Carolina Court of Appeals is pleased to announce that Judge Fred Gore has been selected for a prestigious and highly competitive assignment as a Military Judge within the U.S. Army Reserve Judge Advocate General Corps. Read the press release about the appointment here: buff.ly/L9EpoTr

SCAM ALERT! North Carolina courts do NOT issue "failure to appear" summons for parking or traffic violations via text or email. There is no Wake County judge named Michael Rodriguez nor is there a Paul Lopez in the Clerk of Court's office. Do NOT scan the QR code! Delete any communication that displays this image and mark as spam/junk. Learn more about this SCAM here: buff.ly/3dj7oiW

North Carolina's ninth governor, Samuel Ashe, was born on this date in 1725. Ashe served as the presiding justice of the North Carolina Superior Court from 1777 to 1795 and was heavily involved in the Revolutionary War as a member of the North Carolina militia and served in both the Provincial Congress (1775-1778) and Halifax Congress (1776). Ashe was also appointed to the committee that drafted the first Constitution of North Carolina. Ashe County and the cities of Asheville and Asheboro are named in his honor. #Celebration250

North Carolina Guardian ad Litem (GAL) equips community volunteers to serve abused and neglected children by advocating for their best interests in court. Volunteers are adults who come from diverse communities, cultures, and life/work experiences. And while no specific experience is required, all GALs share a sincere concern for the well-being of children. Be a voice for children in our community: buff.ly/SwrdjDN

Gov. Mike Easley appointed Justice Patricia Timmons-Goodson to the North Carolina Supreme Court on January 19, 2006. Upon taking her seat in February 2006, she was the first African American woman to serve on the state's highest court. #Celebration250 #WomensHistoryMonth

Did you know that courthouse services can vary from county to county? Learn more here - buff.ly/NjZKH2w - about available online services, requesting disability accommodations, finding a bail bondsman, court dates, etc. in your specific county.

The Supreme Court of North Carolina has filed new opinions today, Friday, March 20, 2026. buff.ly/eOBmY9Q

Happy First Day of Spring!

Governor James G. Martin appointed Chief Justice Rhoda Billings to the North Carolina Supreme Court as an associate justice in 1985, after the resignation of Justice Earl W. Vaughn. When Chief Justice Joseph Branch retired in 1986, Gov. Martin then appointed her Chief Justice, making her the second woman to head the state's highest court. #Celebration250 #WomensHistoryMonth