Administration of Justice Bulletin #2025/05
Confidential Informants in North Carolina: Discovery, Audio/Video Recordings, and Motions to Reveal Identity
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
This bulletin addresses the law on confidential informants (CIs) in North Carolina, with an emphasis on discovery, audio/video recordings, and motions to reveal a CI’s identity. Technological developments have made it more common for law enforcement to document the activity of a CI through audio and video recording. This change in practice complicates the questions whether the identity of the CI must be revealed to the defense and what must be turned over in discovery.
Public Officials - Courts and Judicial Administration Roles
Topics - Courts and Judicial Administration
Public Officials - Local and State Government Roles