This database updates at midnight each day. Access federal case documents in real-time if you know the specific court the case was filed in by logging into PACER. Paper Case Files Most cases created before are maintained in paper format only.
Phone Access to Court Records All bankruptcy courts have a telephone information system, also known as the Voice Case Information System , that enables callers to obtain basic case information through a touchtone phone.
Fees Electronic and paper court records retained at the court site can be viewed at the courthouse for free, however there is a fee of 10 cents per page to print from a public access terminal. Reporters who cover courts should consider establishing a PACER account and becoming familiar with the system.
Users can open an account and receive technical support at pacer. The media and public may view most filings found in this system. Documents not available to the public are discussed in Sealed Documents and Closed Hearings. Even in public court documents, however, some information is not available. Federal rules require that anyone filing a federal court document must redact certain personal information in the interest of privacy, including Social Security or taxpayer identification numbers, dates of birth, names of minor children, financial account information, and in criminal cases, home addresses.
Remote Access by the Public If it can, a court that keeps electronic records must allow the public to see them at the courthouse or through remote access. Party — If you are a party, you can use remote access to look at electronic records of your case.
The other party in your case can also look at the electronic records. This does not apply to electronic records of criminal, juvenile justice, or child welfare cases. It also does not apply to confidential electronic records. Even if you are a party in those kinds of cases, you cannot authorize just anyone to look at the electronic record. But, if you have an attorney, your attorney can still see the electronic record. This is only if they are assisting your attorney with your case. Paralegals, legal secretaries, interns, and other attorneys are all example of people who may be assisting your attorney with your case.
As another example, the court may appoint an investigator to find information. In situations where the court has appointed a person to participate in a case, that person is allowed to use remote access to view electronic records to fulfill the responsibilities the court assigned. Legal Aid Staff — Sometimes legal aid organizations have lawyers represent parties before a court. Often though, legal aid organizations may provide more limited scope services like a brief consultation, help understanding the procedures in a case, and help with forms and documents.
If you go to legal aid for help with your case, the legal aid staff may be authorized to use remote access to look at the electronic records in your case with your consent. Government Staff — State and local government agencies often need staff to view court records in the performance of government functions.
Staff from these agencies may be authorized to view records using remote access. Know where to go for the records you want. Before visiting a courthouse, make sure you are going to the right place.
Each court whether a federal or state court, and whether at the trial, appellate, or supreme court level will ordinarily only maintain records for that specific court's own cases and business. A little investigation before heading out the door can save substantial time driving around, so try to figure out which specific court is handling the case s in which you are interested. When you do reach the courthouse, your first stop should be the clerk's office.
In a trial court, it is not uncommon for there to be separate clerks for civil cases and for criminal cases, so know which type of case you are researching. There is usually a desk staffed by assistant clerks, who can help you with your request.
Make sure your request is clear. Even though court clerks will generally accept oral requests, draft a clear description of the records you wish to request before visiting the courthouse. Try to be as specific as possible. General requests -- such as "all files relating to X subject, Y person, or Z company" -- are unlikely to work and will often result in delays and additional costs.
If you are interested in a particular case, try to identify the number assigned to the case by the court often called the "docket number," "case number," or "index number" before visiting the courthouse.
You might be able to find the docket number through some searching online, especially if others have written about the case before you. Be willing to compromise. You should anticipate that problems will arise. The court might need more time to locate and review the records, or the information might be covered by one or more exemptions. When appropriate, offer to revise or narrow the scope of your request to move things along.
Be ready to deal with paper copies.
0コメント