Court procedures generally refers to the strict processes and procedures the parties to a civil lawsuit must follow during the pretrial, trial, and posttrial phases of civil litigation. These procedures are usually defined and set forth in detail in the applicable rules of civil procedure, rules of court, and local rules.
In North Carolina, court procedures for civil litigation are governed by the North Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure as well as any applicable local rules of the county where the court is located. These rules outline the processes for pretrial activities such as pleadings, motions, and discovery, as well as the conduct of the trial itself and post-trial motions. Pretrial procedures include filing a complaint, serving the defendant, and engaging in discovery to exchange information pertinent to the case. During the trial phase, the rules dictate how evidence is presented and how testimony is given. After a trial, there may be post-trial motions, and the procedures for appeals are also set forth in these rules. It is important for parties to adhere to these procedures to ensure a fair and orderly process and to avoid any potential dismissals or delays in their case.