Small claims court is part of the District Court Division. It handles civil cases where a plaintiff requests assignment to a magistrate. The amount in controversy in a small claims action may vary from county to county, depending on local rule, and may range from $5,000 to $10,000.
The principal relief sought in small claims court is money, the recovery of specific personal property, or summary ejectment (eviction). A magistrate presides over small claims court. There is no jury and usually no lawyers. A person who loses in small claims court may appeal for a trial by jury before a judge in District Court.
For additional information see the Guide to Small Claims Court maintained under the Publications area of the Legal Aid of North Carolina website.