The Appellate Division includes the N.C. Supreme Court and the N.C. Court of Appeals. Appellate courts do not hold new trials. Instead, they review decisions from lower courts to decide if the law was applied correctly.
North Carolina Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the state. Its decisions are final. It’s made up of seven justices, elected statewide, who serve eight-year terms. The N.C. Supreme Court also has an important leadership role. It sets rules, policies, and standards that judges and court staff across the state must follow. The N.C. Supreme Court upholds the North Carolina Constitution and serves as a protector of your rights. It’s made up of seven justices, elected statewide, who serve eight-year terms.
Current Makeup of the NC Supreme Court
- Paul Newby (Chief Justice), Republican. Up for reelection in 2028
- Anita Earls, Democrat. Up for reelection in 2026
- Phil Berger Jr., Republican. Up for reelection in 2028
- Tamara Barringer, Republican. Up for reelection in 2028
- Richard Deitz, Republican. Up for reelection in 2030
- Trey Allen, Republican. Up for reelection in 2030
- Allison Riggs, Democrat. Up for reelection in 2032
North Carolina Court of Appeals
Most cases are heard by a rotating panel of three judges assigned by the NC Supreme Court’s Chief Justice. The NC Court of Appeals reviews cases from trial courts to make sure the law was applied correctly. If someone disagrees with the decision made by the Court of Appeals, they can ask the N.C. Supreme Court to review the case. It’s made up of 15 judges, elected statewide, who serve eight-year terms.
Current Makeup of the NC Court of Appeals
- John Arrowood, Democrat. Up for reelection in 2026
- Jeffrey Carpenter, Republican. Up for reelection in 2028
- Allegra Collins, Democrat. Up for reelection in 2026
- Chris Dillon (Chief Justice), Republican. Up for reelection in 2028
- Julee Flood, Republican. Up for reelection in 2030
- Christopher Freeman, Republican. Up for reelection in 2032
- W. Fred Gore, Republican. Up for reelection in 2028
- Jefferson Griffin, Republican. Up for reelection in 2028
- Toby Hampson, Democrat. Up for reelection in 2026
- Thomas Murry, Republican. Up for reelection in 2032
- Michael Stading, Republican. Up for reelection in 2030
- Donna Stroud, Republican. Up for reelection in 2030
- John Tyson, Republican. Up for reelection in 2032
- April Wood, Republican. Up for reelection in 2028
- Valerie Zachary, Republican. Up for reelection in 2032
Superior Court
These trial courts decide serious criminal cases, such as felony charges, and civil cases involving over $25,000. They also hear appeals of misdemeanor cases from the District Court. In Superior Court, people charged with serious crimes have the right to a jury trial. Judges serve eight-year terms and rotate among counties within the court districts on a set schedule.
District Courts
District courts are trial courts that hear civil, criminal, and juvenile matters. These courts handle less serious criminal cases, such as misdemeanors, as well as traffic cases and small claims. It also hears many family law matters, including divorce, child custody, and child support. Most cases in the District Court are decided by a judge, not a jury, though some civil cases may include a jury. District Court judges are elected by voters in their local district every four years.
Not all voters may have Superior Court or District Court races. To see if an election is being held in your district and learn about candidates, visit ncvoter.org/guide.
How do the Courts impact you?
In 2017, North Carolina shifted from non-partisan to partisan judicial elections, and in 2022, the NC Supreme Court’s majority flipped, leading several landmark cases that were previously decided to be overturned. It’s an important reminder that the ideological balance of the court can affect laws surrounding crucial issues such as education, voting rights, environmental protections, and reproductive access.
Education is on the ballot. Leandro v. State
In 1994, school boards in Cumberland, Halifax, Hoke, Robeson, and Vance counties sued the State of North Carolina, arguing that the way schools were funded violated the North Carolina Constitution. Over the years, the N.C. Supreme Court has ruled that every child in the state has a constitutional right to a “sound basic education,” which includes well-trained teachers, strong principals, and adequate resources. The Court ordered the state to fix the problem and fund a comprehensive plan. But lawmakers have repeatedly delayed or resisted full funding. The case has returned to the courts multiple times, and the Supreme Court is again reviewing key issues. The outcome will shape whether the constitutional promise of a sound basic education is real or just words on paper.
Democracy is on the ballot. Harper v. Hall
In 2022, the North Carolina Supreme Court ruled that partisan gerrymandering violated the state constitution and struck down legislative and congressional maps. In 2023, after the Court’s majority changed, it reversed that decision and ruled that partisan gerrymandering claims are not for courts to decide. That reversal reshaped who has the power to draw voting maps in North Carolina, and the case shows how much power the State Supreme Court has over elections and the rules of democracy.
Environmental protections are on the ballot. Clayton, et. al. v. Person County
Residents in Person County challenged rezoning decisions that allowed the construction of Dominion Energy’s Moriah Energy Center, a liquefied natural gas storage facility. They argue the decision ignored health and environmental risks, including air pollution, water safety concerns, noise, and traffic impacts.
Cases like this show how courts can influence local control, environmental protections, and corporate accountability.
Reproductive freedom is on the ballot.
After Roe v. Wade was overturned, state courts became the front line for decisions about reproductive rights. Some state supreme courts have ruled that their constitutions protect abortion access. Others have allowed strict bans to remain in place. In 2023, North Carolina lawmakers passed a 12-week abortion ban. That law is currently being challenged in federal court. But future challenges under the North Carolina Constitution could reach the state Supreme Court. The makeup of the Court will determine how state constitutional rights are interpreted in the years ahead.
Criminal Justice issues are on the ballot. State v. Hobbs
In State v. Hobbs, the North Carolina Supreme Court ruled that lower courts did not properly consider evidence that Black jurors were excluded because of race during jury selection. The Court ordered a new hearing. The case highlights the Court’s role in protecting the right to a fair trial and addressing racial discrimination in the justice system.
Where can I learn more about the issues in front of the courts? Check out Why Courts Matter? at whyjudgesmatternc.com to learn more. To find races on your ballot, visit ncvoter.org/guide