As part of its bicentennial celebration, the Supreme Court of North Carolina will hold its May sessions of court in Halifax, Greenville and New Bern on May 13-15.

WHAT
The Supreme Court of North Carolina will hear two cases at each location, with a 30-minute break between the first case and the second case, which will begin at 11:00 a.m. View the calendar of arguments for cases and more details.

“This year marks the 200th anniversary of the Supreme Court of North Carolina. Continuing the momentum of the court sessions held in Western North Carolina in 2018, the Court is pleased to bring the bicentennial celebration to communities in Eastern North Carolina beginning with Halifax, Greenville and New Bern,” said Chief Justice Cheri Beasley.

Under state law, the Supreme Court can meet in only two other cities outside of Raleigh - Edenton and Morganton. The General Assembly granted the Supreme Court’s request to allow the justices to convene in cities across the state during the Court’s 2018-2020 bicentennial celebration.

WHO
Chief Justice Beasley will preside over oral arguments, joined by the six associate justices of the court. The legal communities of each county also will gather for the sessions.

WHEN and WHERE
Two sessions will take place at each location. The first session will convene at 9:30 a.m., followed by a 30-minute break. The second session will convene at 11:00 a.m. News media should arrive 30 minutes prior to the convening time, particularly broadcast media who will require setup. No setup will be allowed after court has convened.

Monday, May 13 - Halifax
Halifax County Courthouse
357 Ferrell Lane, Halifax, NC 27839
Watch live on Facebook.

Tuesday, May 14 - Greenville
Pitt County Courthouse
100 W 3rd St, Greenville, NC 27834
Parking is reserved for media near the courthouse on 3rd Street.
Watch live on Facebook.

Wednesday, May 15 - New Bern
The New Bern City Hall
300 Pollock Street, New Bern, NC 28560
Watch live on Facebook.

New Bern Sun Journal, Gray Whitley, will provide the pool camera.

Due to limited seating, admission to these sessions of court is by ticket only. To reserve a seat at any session for your news organization, please contact [email protected].

MORE INFORMATION
The Supreme Court of North Carolina is the state’s highest court and there is no further appeal from its decisions on matters of state law. It comprises the Chief Justice, who also serves as the head of the Judicial Branch, and six associate justices, each serving eight-year terms.

For more information about the Supreme Court, or to request a speaker to discuss the role and importance of the Judicial Branch and court systems at your next event, please visit Celebrate.NCcourts.org.