North Carolina Funeral Law Practice Exam

Who is authorized to serve papers and subpoenas in North Carolina?

1. Funeral directors

2. Inspectors

3. State attorneys

4. Board members

The correct answer is: Inspectors

In North Carolina, inspectors are specifically authorized to serve papers and subpoenas in relation to the enforcement of state laws and regulations, particularly those concerning public health and safety. This role typically involves oversight and ensuring compliance with legal standards, which includes the ability to deliver legal documents that require a formal response. Funeral directors, while they may hold significant responsibilities within their domain of service, do not have the legal authority to serve subpoenas as it falls outside the scope of their professional duties. Similarly, state attorneys primarily handle legal representation and prosecution matters, but they do not serve papers themselves; this duty is usually delegated to inspectors or designated personnel. Board members also lack the specific authorization to serve these legal documents as their primary function often revolves around governance and regulatory oversight rather than direct enforcement actions. Thus, the role of inspectors in serving papers and subpoenas is a specialized function intended to maintain regulatory compliance within various legal contexts in North Carolina.