N.D. Cent. Code § 44-11-09
The clerk of the district court shall notify the governor of the filing of an appeal by registered or certified mail. The governor, within ten days after the receipt of such notice, shall mail to the clerk of said court the testimony in such removal proceedings, together with a copy of any order made by the governor in such proceedings. Said appeal must be heard by the judge of said court upon the record in such proceedings, without a jury, at the next regular term of court or prior to said term, in the discretion of the judge of said court. After such hearing by the district judge, the district judge shall make an order affirming the order of the governor or an order reinstating the defendant officer if the decision is clearly erroneous.
N.D.C.C. § 44-11-09