In NC civil cases, which statement best describes how costs are allocated?

In NC civil cases, which statement best describes how costs are allocated?

• A. Costs are taxed to the prevailing party, with statutory guidelines and court rules.
• B. Costs are taxed to the losing party.
• C. Costs are split evenly between the parties.
• D. Costs are paid by the court.

Answer: (A)

In North Carolina civil cases, who pays the costs is guided by the rule that costs are taxed to the prevailing party. After a judgment, the court uses statutory guidelines and the NC Rules of Civil Procedure to determine which items count as costs and how much can be taxed. The prevailing party—essentially the winner—gets those costs awarded to them, while the losing party bears the typical costs, subject to any statutory exceptions or court-made adjustments. Typical cost items include filing and service fees, court reporter expenses, and copying, among others; attorney fees, however, are generally not considered costs unless a statute or contract provides otherwise.

In North Carolina civil cases, who pays the costs is guided by the rule that costs are taxed to the prevailing party. After a judgment, the court uses statutory guidelines and the NC Rules of Civil Procedure to determine which items count as costs and how much can be taxed. The prevailing party—essentially the winner—gets those costs awarded to them, while the losing party bears the typical costs, subject to any statutory exceptions or court-made adjustments. Typical cost items include filing and service fees, court reporter expenses, and copying, among others; attorney fees, however, are generally not considered costs unless a statute or contract provides otherwise.