North Carolina § 8-3 - Laws of other states or foreign countries.

Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 8-3 — Laws of other states or foreign countries., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 8-3. Laws of other states or foreign countries.

A printed copy of a statute, or other written law, of another state, or of a territory, or of a foreign country, or a printed copy of a proclamation, edict, decree or ordinance, by the executive thereof, contained in a book or publication purporting or proved to have been published by the authority thereof, or proved to be commonly admitted as evidence of the existing law, in the judicial tribunals thereof, shall be evidence of the statute law, proclamation, edict, decree, or ordinance. The unwritten or common law of another state, or of a territory, or of a foreign country, may be proved as a fact by oral evidence. The books of the reports of cases, adjudged in the courts thereof, shall also be admitted as evidence of the unwritten or common law thereof. Any party may exhibit a copy of the law of another state, territory, or foreign country copied from a printed volume of the laws of such state, territory, or country on file in The offices of the Governor or the Secretary of State, and duly certified by the Secretary of State, or The State Library and certified as provided in G.S. 125-6, or The Supreme Court Library and certified as provided in G.S. 7A-13 (f). History (1823, c. 1193, ss. 1, 3, P.R.; R.C., c. 44, s. 3; C.C.P., s. 360; Code, s. 1338; Rev., s. 1594; C.S., s. 1749; 1967, c. 565.)

Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 8-3

What does North Carolina General Statutes § 8-3 cover?

Section 8-3 ("Laws of other states or foreign countries.") is part of the North Carolina General Statutes, the codified statutory law of North Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite North Carolina § 8-3?

A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 8-3" (North Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of North Carolina law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Carolina attorney.

How does North Carolina § 8-3 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in North Carolina.