It is intended to be convenient, inexpensive, and non-technical. And, for many, it is the first and only contact with the Judicial System of North Carolina. Magistrates for each county are appointed to two-year terms by the Senior Resident Superior Court Judge, on nomination by the Clerk of Court. Magistrates are officers of the District Court, and as such, are subject to the supervision of the Chief District Court Judge. The number of magistrates allowed for each county is established by the General Assembly of North Carolina.
Magistrates have jurisdiction in both criminal and civil cases.
Magistrates issue arrest and search warrants, and set the conditions for bail. The magistrate is the only civil official in the State that is allowed to perform marriages. In Pittsboro, the Magistrate's Office is located in the Law Enforcement Building located at 295 West Street. In Siler City, the satellite Magistrate's Office is located in the Municipal Building. A magistrate is on duty 24 hours a day.