Which rule governs service of process in North Carolina civil actions?

• A. Rule 12 governs service of process.
• B. Rule 1 governs service of process.
• C. Rule 8 governs service of process.
• D. The rule governing issuance and service of process (Rule 4).

Answer: (D)

Service of process is about how a defendant is properly notified so the court can obtain jurisdiction. In North Carolina civil actions, that process is governed by the rule that covers issuance and service of process. This rule lays out the mechanics: who may serve (such as the sheriff or another authorized person), how service must be performed (personal delivery, service at a defendant’s home or place of business, service on an authorized agent, and, in certain situations, service outside the state or by other permitted methods), what documents are needed (summons and complaint, plus proof of service), and when service is considered complete. It also addresses special situations like service on corporations or other entities.

Rule 12 concerns defenses and objections to pleadings, Rule 1 sets the scope and purpose of the rules, and Rule 8 covers pleadings and responses. The rule that directly governs the issuance and service of process is the correct one.