Moore County
Moore County was created in 1784 from parts of Cumberland County in North Carolina. It was named in honor of Alfred Moore, a military officer in the Revolutionary War who became Attorney General of North Carolina. The county's land area is about 698 square miles, and its population is over 100,000. The Town of Carthage serves as the county seat, while the largest community is Pinehurst Village.
The two trial courts in Moore County include the Superior and District Courts. Moore County's general jurisdiction court, the Superior Court, decides all felony criminal proceedings and civil actions where the amount in controversy is more than $25,000. Other legal matters exclusive to the Superior Court include contested wills, guardianships, conservatorships, and administration of decedents' estates. Being an intermediate appellate court, the Superior Court in Moore County can review or modify certain decisions from the District Court. Meanwhile, misdemeanor trials and civil lawsuits involving up to $25,000 in financial disputes are typically resolved at the Moore County District Court. The District Court also rules on juvenile and domestic relations cases. Illegal evictions and small claims under $10,000 are heard at the Magistrate Division of Moore County's District Court. Magistrates generally handle civil and criminal cases without juries.
According to the North Carolina Public Records Act, documents, books, and recordings created during court proceedings in Moore County should be publicly accessible. These records show details about the county's legal matters, including filings, court schedules, case outcomes, transcripts, and sentences. Public access to Moore County court records helps with research and ensures the judiciary is fair and transparent. It also allows members of the public to review case information and hold the county's justice system accountable. The Clerk of Court in Moore County keeps and distributes the following public court records:
- Civil records
- Criminal records
- Probate records
- Traffic records
- Small claims records
- Family law records
However, juvenile and mental health records are confidential and available to only record owners and their legal representatives. Anyone can call or email the Court Clerk to request copies of Moore County public court records using the contact details below:
Moore County Clerk of Court
102 Monroe Street
Carthage, NC 28327
Phone: (910) 722-5000
Email: Moore.Clerk@nccourts.org
Individuals interested in accessing Moore County court records online can do so using the eCourts Portal. Note that the Court Clerk may request search and duplication fees, per NC General Statutes § 132-6.2b.
