In an era when transparency and accountability are more important than ever, North Carolina’s eCourts system stands out as one of the most significant advancements in our state’s justice infrastructure in decades. Despite the inevitable quirks of any large-scale modernization effort, the benefits of this online court record system are already clear—and overwhelmingly popular.
According to recent CCJR polling, support for eCourts modernization in 2024 was sky-high. North Carolinians, regardless of political affiliation, recognize that making our court records accessible online is not only convenient—it’s an essential step toward safer communities and a stronger justice system.
A Game-Changer for Transparency
As the News & Observer’s recent “Guide to Using eCourts” detailed, the platform gives citizens the ability to search police affidavits, lawsuits, arrest warrants, and court dates—all without stepping foot in a courthouse. For years, such access required in-person visits, endless phone calls to clerks’ offices, or expensive third-party databases. Now, with a few clicks, the public can see who’s been charged, when their case will be heard, and what law enforcement agencies are involved.
This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about empowering the people of North Carolina with the same tools journalists, attorneys, and law enforcement officers use. In a free society, informed citizens are the first line of defense against both crime and government overreach.
Justice in the Sunshine
North Carolina’s courts belong to the people. For too long, that principle was limited by outdated systems that made it nearly impossible for the average citizen to follow the paper trail of justice. With eCourts, those days are coming to an end.
Yes, the state must continue improving the speed, completeness, and user-friendliness of the platform. But the trajectory is the right one—and it’s one the public overwhelmingly supports. We should not allow perfection to be the enemy of progress.
By making court information easier to access, eCourts is doing more than modernizing record-keeping. It is reinforcing the foundations of public trust, enabling a better-informed citizenry, and strengthening both safety and justice in our communities.
That is a win for everyone in North Carolina—especially for those committed to the rule of law.