§ 7A-222. General trial practice and procedure. - North Carolina Statutes

§ 7A‑222.  Generaltrial practice and procedure.

Trial of a small claim action before a magistrate is without a jury.The rules of evidence applicable in the trial of civil actions generally areobserved. At the conclusion of plaintiff's evidence the magistrate may renderjudgment of dismissal if plaintiff has failed to establish a prima facie case.If a judgment of dismissal is not rendered the defendant may introduceevidence. At the conclusion of all the evidence the magistrate may renderjudgment or may in his discretion reserve judgment for a period not in excessof 10 days. (1965, c. 310, s.1; 1971, c. 377, s. 11.)