Behind the Bench: A Guide to Two-Week Court Sessions in Pender, New Hanover, and Brunswick Counties, NC
If you have ever had to deal with the court system in North Carolina, or if you are just curious about how things work, you may have heard of two-week court sessions. These sessions are a specific feature of the judicial calendar in counties like Pender, New Hanover, and Brunswick. But what exactly does that mean for the people who have cases in these counties? Let’s break it down.
What Are Two-Week Court Sessions?
In North Carolina, court is held regularly throughout the year, but in some counties, including Pender, New Hanover, and Brunswick, court sessions are structured into two-week blocks. These sessions are designed to ensure that all cases, whether criminal, civil, or family-related, are handled in a timely manner.
Essentially, the court calendar is split into two-week periods with each block dedicated to a particular type of case. For example, one session might focus on criminal trials, while another could address civil disputes or family law cases like custody hearings or divorce proceedings.
How Do Two-Week Sessions Work?
During a two-week session, a variety of cases are scheduled to be heard. The idea is to give the court time to address a large number of cases in a short period while also making sure each case gets the attention it deserves. Here is how it generally works:
Case Scheduling: Cases are pre-scheduled for these two-week sessions. The specific week assigned depends on the type of case and the judge’s docket.
Hearings and Trials: Depending on the number of cases on the schedule, hearings may be brief, or there could be multiple days of proceedings for more complex cases. Trials, including jury trials, are generally reserved for these blocks of time.
Continuances and Delays: If a case is not ready to be heard or if one of the parties is not prepared, the case may be continued (postponed) until a later session. While continuances are sometimes necessary, they can delay resolution for the involved parties.
Judge Rotation: In some districts, judges rotate in and out of sessions, so the judge handling a case in one two-week block may not be the same judge in the next session. This helps balance workloads and ensures that all cases are heard in a timely manner.
Benefits of Two-Week Sessions
There are a few key advantages to this system:
Efficiency: By organizing court proceedings into structured two-week sessions, the court can process a large number of cases more efficiently. This scheduling helps prevent cases from lingering for months on end.
Flexibility: Two-week sessions allow more flexibility in scheduling, as different types of cases can be rotated through the sessions. It is also easier to adjust schedules if a case needs to be postponed or delayed.
Focused Attention: With a concentrated schedule, court officials such as judges, attorneys, and clerks, can focus specifically on the type of cases they are assigned to during a given session. This often helps ensure that cases are resolved with more attention to detail.
Court Sessions in Pender, New Hanover, and Brunswick Counties
While the two-week session structure is used across multiple counties in North Carolina, each county has its own court system, which may result in slightly different schedules or procedures. Here is how it works in Pender, New Hanover, and Brunswick counties:
Pender County
Pender County typically follows the two-week court session structure. Cases in Pender may be scheduled for criminal, civil, or family law sessions. The sessions alternate with different types of hearings such as district court for smaller matters and superior court for more serious or complex cases.
New Hanover County
New Hanover County, which includes the city of Wilmington, follows a similar structure. Criminal cases, civil disputes, and family matters are generally grouped into two-week sessions with felony cases and more serious civil matters handled in superior court.
Brunswick County
Brunswick County operates on a similar two-week court session system. Court proceedings in Brunswick are divided between district and superior courts. The scheduling follows a block system, with different types of cases handled during different sessions. Cases in Brunswick County are typically scheduled in advance, and like in Pender and New Hanover, it is important to be prepared for the possibility of delays or continuances.
What to Expect if You Are in Court During a Two-Week Session
If you are involved in a case in Pender, New Hanover, or Brunswick County, you will receive a notice specifying when your case is scheduled. Here is what you can expect:
Be Prepared: Since the court session is structured, it is important to be fully prepared for your hearing or trial. This means having all your documents, evidence, and any witnesses ready to go.
Be Flexible: Even though your case is scheduled for a certain time, court proceedings can be unpredictable. If there are delays or other cases that need more time, your case may not be heard exactly when you expect it to be.
Check the Schedule: If you are unsure about when your case will be heard, or if you have been rescheduled, always check the court’s docket or call the clerk’s office for updates.
Stay Calm: Court sessions, especially with a packed docket, can get busy and sometimes stressful. Try to stay patient and prepared for the process to take time. Your attorney or public defender will be there to guide you.
Conclusion
Two-week court sessions in Pender, New Hanover, and Brunswick counties are a unique feature of the North Carolina court system, designed to keep things moving efficiently and ensure that justice is served in a timely manner. Whether you are dealing with a criminal case, a civil lawsuit, or a family law matter, understanding the structure of these sessions can help you navigate the process with confidence.
If you have a case coming up in court, be sure to mark your calendar for the appropriate session, gather your materials, and prepare to stay flexible as your case moves through the system.