The NC court system is hierarchical, with the NC Supreme Court at the top hearing appeals from lower courts. Below it are the NC Court of Appeals, which hears appeals from agencies and lower courts, and the Superior Court, which handles felony cases, civil cases over $10,000, and appeals from District Court. District Court handles misdemeanors, civil cases under $10,000, traffic violations, and initial felony hearings. Key people in the courts include the Clerk of Superior Court who administers court records and finances, Magistrates who handle warrants and small claims, District Public Defenders who represent indigent defendants, and the Chief Justice who oversees judicial assignments.