Court Observation

Anyone who wishes to observe a court in session may go to the Mecklenburg County Courthouse and watch a proceeding.

Weddings will be conducted by appointment only Monday through Friday, from 2:00 until 4:30 p.m. at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse. Appointments must be made online by clicking here to confirm.

The Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Court Office is open to the public between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Access to public records is available onsite at the courthouse during operational hours. Starting October 9, to electronically access public case information, court dates, or retrieve copies of court documents, click onto Portal, a convenient eCourts information system, that makes accessing public records quick and convenient. If you are seeking a document filed prior to October 9, 2023, and it cannot be found on Portal, requests for electronic copies of criminal, civil, or estate special proceedings documents may be obtained by sending an email request to the following Clerk Division. Please include the type of record request, party name(s), and the file number if known.

To access Criminal files, email [email protected]
To access Civil files, email [email protected]
To access Estate Special Proceedings files, email [email protected]

The right of public access to court proceedings is partly derived from the Constitution and partly from court tradition. By conducting their judicial work in public view, judges enhance public confidence in the courts, and they allow citizens to learn first-hand how our judicial system works. The Mecklenburg County Courthouse is designed to inspire in the public a respect for the tradition and purpose of the American judicial process. Anyone who wishes to observe a court in session may go to the Mecklenburg County Courthouse and watch a proceeding.

Generally, each step of the state judicial process is open to the public. However, there are a few exceptions where the public may not have full access to court records and court proceedings. Access to the courtroom also may be restricted for security or privacy reasons, such as the protection of a juvenile or a confidential informant. Or, in a high-profile trial, for example, there may not be enough space in the courtroom to accommodate everyone who would like to observe. Access to records may be restricted if a judge orders that certain documents be placed under seal. When a record is sealed, it is not accessible to the public and may only be viewed by authorized individuals, such as the parties involved and their attorneys. Some records are confidential under North Carolina law. This means they are not available for public inspection, regardless of whether a judge has issued a sealing order. Examples include juvenile records, adoption records, and other records protected by statute.

Courtrooms

Level 1. District, Criminal (Administrative Misdemeanor) Court, Presided by Judge or Magistrate, No Jury, Room 1130; District, Criminal (Felony) Court, Presided by Judge, No Jury, Room 1150
Level 2. District, Small Claims, Civil (less than $10,000) Court, Presided by Magistrate, No Jury, Room 2310, 2330, 2350, 2370
Level 4. District, Criminal (Misdemeanor) Court, Presided by Judge, No Jury, Room 4130, 4150, 4170, 4310; District, Criminal (Felony and Misdemeanor First Appearance) Court, Presided by Judge, No Jury, Room 4330; District, Civil (Domestic Violence) Court, Presided by Judge, No Jury, Room 4110
Level 5. Superior, Criminal (Felony) Court, Presided by Judge, Jury, Room 5150, 5170, 5370; Superior, Criminal (Felony Administrative) Court, Presided by Judge, No Jury, Room 5310, 5350
Level 6. Superior, Civil ($25,000+) Court, Presided by Judge, Jury, Room 6110, 6130, 6150, 6170; Superior, Civil (Motions) Court, Presided by Judge, No Jury, Room 6310; District, Civil ($10,000 - $25,000), Presided by Judge, Jury, Room 6330; District, Civil (Domestic Relations) Court, Presided by Judge, No Jury, Room 6350
Level 8. District, Civil (Domestic Relations) Court, Presided by Judge, No Jury, Room 8100, 8130, 8150, 8170, 8300, 8310; District, Civil (Child Support) Court, Presided by Judge, No Jury, Room 8110; District, Civil (Juvenile) Court, Presided by Judge, No Jury, Room 8330, 8350, 8370, 8390

Calendars and SchedulesSuperior and District Court Judges’ assignments are posted each week to the Local Administrative Schedules page. These schedules provide an overview of which courtrooms are operating and the types of proceedings taking place in each courtroom.

You may also search for case information using Portal. Portal allows users to view case details, including pleadings and other documents that have been filed in a case (unless restricted by law or court order).

Cases can be searched in Portal using a variety of methods, including case number, party or defendant name, and courtroom number. This can help you determine what matters are scheduled in a particular courtroom.

Courtroom Rules and Etiquette

You should dress appropriately when observing court so as to maintain the dignity of the court. Business casual dress is preferred.
Talking is not permitted inside the courtroom. Do not approach or walk to the front of the courtroom.
All cell phones are to be turned off or placed on silent only. The use of electronic devices is permitted as long as they do not interfere or disrupt courtroom proceedings. Electronic devices cannot be used to take photographs or to make audio or video recordings of court proceedings. Violation of this policy may result in the confiscation of your electronic device. The presiding Judge may further restrict, or prohibit the use of an electronic device if it interferes with the administration of justice or disrupts the proceedings.
No food or drinks are allowed inside the courtroom. Eating, drinking, and sleeping while in the courtroom is not permitted.