United States Courts
Most court records are public documents, meaning that anyone can request access to them. However, there are some exceptions. For example, juvenile court records are typically sealed, and records of adoption proceedings are also typically confidential. But in general, if you want to find court records, you should be able to do so without too much trouble.
There are many reasons why you might need to find court records. Court records can be useful for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to researching a person’s background, finding out the outcome of a court case, or verifying that someone has been arrested. Perhaps you’re researching your family history, trying to locate a long-lost relative, or trying to find out more about someone’s criminal background. Whatever the reason, there are a few different ways to go about finding court records.
How to Find Court Records?
There are many different types of court records, and each type can be accessed in different ways. The best way to access court records will depend on the type of record you are looking for and the jurisdiction in which the case was tried.
One way to find court records is to contact the clerk of the court in the county where the case was tried. The clerk’s office will have a record of all cases that have been tried in that particular court. Once you have found the Court Records you are looking for, you can request copies from the court clerk’s office. Court clerks can usually provide copies of Court Records for a small fee.
Another way to find court records is to search online. Many courts now make their records available online, and some third-party websites also offer access to court records. These databases typically include a wide variety of Court Records, including but not limited to criminal records, civil records, traffic records, and bankruptcy records. Case files and court records can be found on PACER.gov. However, it’s important to be aware that not all court records are available online, so you may need to do some digging to find what you’re looking for.
If you cannot find the Court Records you are looking for online or from the court clerk’s office, you may need to contact the specific court where the case was tried. Court contact information can usually be found on the Court’s website. Court staff can often help you locate specific records or documents.
Whatever method you choose, it’s important to remember that court records are public information and anyone can request access to them. So if you’re looking for someone’s criminal history, for example, you may be able to find it – but so can potential employers, landlords, and others. Use this information wisely and always consult with an attorney before using court records in any legal matter.
Types of Court Records
Court records are the official documents filed and maintained by courts. Court records include a wide variety of documents, from criminal complaints and indictments to divorce decrees and property settlements. Court records can be useful in a number of ways. For instance, they can provide information about a particular case, help locate individuals with similar cases, or serve as evidence in court proceedings.
Court records are typically divided into two categories: civil and criminal. Civil court records involve disputes between individuals or businesses, while criminal court records involve allegations of criminal activity. Both types of records are available to the public, though some information may be sealed or restricted.
National Archives Court Records
Court records are an important source of information for researching your family history. The National Archives holds a wealth of material on court cases from all over England and Wales. For more detailed information about court records held by the National Archives, consult the National Archives Catalog.
Federal Court Records
The United States district courts are the trial courts of the federal court system. Federal Court Records are the official records of the Federal Courts. U.S. District and Appellate case dockets and filings are available via the federal system’s Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER). The main type of record the federal courts create and maintain is a case file, which contains a docket sheet and all documents filed in a case. Federal Court Records include all documents filed with the court, including:
- case files
- dockets
- transcripts
- orders
- judgments
- opinions
Generally, federal court records less than 15 years old are still in the possession of individual courts and are not held by the National Archives. Federal Court Records are generally open to the public, but there may be some restrictions on certain types of records, such as:
- juvenile cases
- sealed cases
- adoption records
- mental health records
- trade secrets
If you need to access Federal Court Records, you can contact the clerk’s office of the Federal court where the case was filed. To access recently issued opinions, use this listing of federal courts to locate a specific court’s website. You can also search for Federal Court Records online through a variety of websites that offer access to public records. Compared to state court documents, federal court case documents are frequently available electronically.