N.C. R. Prac. Sup. & Dist. Ct. Civ. P. 14
Once any item of evidence has been introduced, the clerk (not the court reporter) is the official custodian thereof and is responsible for its safekeeping and availability for use as needed at all adjourned sessions of the court and for appeal.
After being marked for identification, all exhibits offered or admitted in evidence in any cause shall be placed in the custody of the clerk, unless otherwise ordered by the court.
Whenever any models, diagrams, exhibits, or materials have been offered into evidence and received by the clerk, they shall be removed by the party offering them, except as otherwise directed by the court, within 30 days after final judgment in the trial court if no appeal is taken; if the case is appealed, within 60 days after certification of a final decision from the appellate division. At the time of removal a detailed receipt shall be given to the clerk and filed in the case file.
If the party offering an exhibit which has been placed in the custody of the clerk fails to remove such article as provided herein, the clerk shall write the attorney of record (or the party offering the evidence if he has no counsel) calling attention to the provisions of this rule. If the articles are not removed within 30 days after the mailing of such notice, they may be disposed of by the clerk.
N.c. R. Prac. Sup. & Dist. Ct. Civ. P. 14
Amended September 12, 2022, effective 10/3/2022; amended June 18, 2024, effective 6/18/2024.