In the early 1900s, the North Carolina Superior Court grew increasingly burdened criminal cases and other local affairs.
In response, the North Carolina General Assembly created over 100 separate lower courts by "special act".
These tribunals varied greatly in procedure, jurisdiction, jury composition, fees and compensation, and other affairs.
[2] In 1955, the North Carolina Bar Association convened a Committee on Improving and Expediting the Administration of Justice to draft proposals for court reform in the state.
[10] Magistrates in the court issue criminal processes, perform marriages, hear eviction and other small claims cases, and order involuntary commitments.