In the caption of a pleading, which element is included?

• A. Designation of the court
• B. The judge's name
• C. The case number
• D. The list of prior courts

Answer: (A)

Identifying the court in the caption shows where the action is filed and which tribunal has authority to hear the case. In North Carolina practice, the caption opens with the designation of the court and county (for example, a Superior Court or District Court, in a specific county). This line puts the pleading in the correct court framework and fixes jurisdiction and applicable procedures. The judge’s name is not normally part of the caption, and a list of prior courts isn’t included. The case number may appear as part of the caption, but the element that designates where the action is filed and which court has jurisdiction is the designation of the court itself.