Purpose of the Rules. These rules shall govern the procedure in the superior and district courts of the State of North Carolina in all actions and proceedings of a civil nature.Topics on this page. Answering Discovery; Objections; Filing and Serving Discovery. These local civil rules shall govern civil actions and proceedings before the United. (a) A civil investigative demand is an administrative subpoena. Defendants refused to disclose documents on grounds of attorney client privilege and work product privilege, trial court erred in releasing. In justice court, if one (or both) of the parties does not have a lawyer, the court must grant the parties permission before any more discovery can take place. No discovery regarding a custody or visitation claim shall be served, noticed, or conducted until the mediation process is complete or the claim has been. The defendant shall file a copy of the notice with the clerk.