North Carolina

Courts in North Carolina have always had the role of dealing with crimes and disputes, but in the past they also handled much more routine items that can be of great interest to your research.   County courts handled many functions now done by other government offices such as proving deeds, probate, petitions, taxes, appointment of local officials, licenses, bastardy, manumission – the list goes on.  To complicate things the type of courts and what they were responsible for has changed over time.   This discussion will help you know not just what you can find but how and where to find it.