Courtroom appearance questions should be addressed through the case record, counsel, and court instructions rather than assumptions drawn from a person’s appearance or a single hearing.

Keep the procedural record

  • Case number, hearing notice, orders, calendar, and clerk communications
  • The courtroom, judge, counsel, and date identified on the record
  • Questions for counsel about the applicable procedure or request

The North Carolina Judicial Branch’s going-to-court guide explains general preparation and trial stages. Individual procedures and rulings vary by case.

Source