VI. Access to civil records

Overview

North Carolina

The North Carolina Public Records Act, N.C.G.S. 132 et seq., defines public records as "all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, films, sound recordings, magnetic or other tapes, electronic data‑processing records, artifacts, or other documentary material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance in connection with the transaction of public business by any agency of North Carolina government or its subdivisions. Agency of North Carolina government or its subdivisions shall mean and include every public office, public officer or official (State or local, elected or appointed), institution, board, commission, bureau, council, department, authority or other unit of government of the State or of any county, unit, special district or other political subdivision of government." N.C.G.S. 132-1(a). The statute is liberally construed in favor of access. See, e.g., Advance Publications v. City of Elizabeth City, 53 N.C. App. 504, 506-07 (1981).

The public's right of access to court records is provided by N.C.G.S. 7A-109(a), which specifically grants the right to inspect court records in both civil and criminal proceedings.