Post on 16-Dec-2015
FINDING DOCKETS AND CASE FILINGSLegal Research Refresher
Lindsay Steussy
lhs27@drexel.edu
Dockets
What is a Docket?
• Contains information about a trial or case:• Judge, Parties, & Attorneys• Documents: motions,
testimony transcripts, jury instructions and worksheets, judge rulings, expert witness names, etc.
• Tracks case timeline and actions
Why Research Dockets?
• Tracking cases you are participating in or are interested in
• Vetting clients and conducting due diligence
• Finding sample documents
• Researching opposing counsel, opposing parties, & expert witnesses
• Finding background on judges
• Current awareness and client development
Docket Terminology
• Docket Number – assigned by the court to each newly filed case
• Docket Sheet / Register of Actions – chronological list of actions and papers filed for each• Docket Item Number –
given to each paper• Filing Date • Date of Entry – date court
clerk added to sheet
Federal Docket Number• Long version - 3:05cv07953 ABC(XYZ)• 3 – filing location/courthouse• ABC – judge• XYZ – magistrate judge
Where to Find Docket Information
Free Online Sources
• U.S. Supreme Court - www.supremecourt.gov/docket/docket.aspx
• RECAP The Law - www.recapthelaw.org/
• LegalDockets.com/• Justia -
dockets.justia.com/• Some State Court
websites
Paid Online Sources
• PACER - www.pacer.gov/• Charges $.10/page
• Bloomberg Law – PACER access included for free, substantial state coverage
• WestlawNext - cases with opinions only, but may have filings and sheets
• Lexis Advance – Courtlink docket search not available to students
Bloomberg Law• Search Dockets
• Breaking Complaints - recently filed cases
• Docket Coverage – access
• Docket Tracking – follow cases in progress
• Docket Requests
• Docket Analytics – find cases by specific company or person
Search DocketsChoose Courts by either entering name or using Browse menu
Keywords: may use Boolean searching and operators
Docket number is the easiest search option
Federal Courts have extra search options:• Ticker: Stock ticker• Nature of Suit: type,
such as antitrust or civil rights
• Type: Civil or Criminal
Search Results
Keyword search
Filter by Circuit, State, Court
Limit by date
Create Search Alert
Understanding the Docket
Case Name
Docket Number
Filing Date
Parties and Attorneys
Track Docket
Understanding the DocketShown in chronological order
Entry #s in blue can be downloaded
Red must be requested from PACER (free for law students)
Type of document is in CAPS
Requested documents are found under Docket Requests and emailed
Docket Analytics
WestlawNextDockets page allows searching across court, jurisdiction, topic – only cases with opinions
Coverage varies by jurisdiction
May only have docket sheet, not documents
Can also see Filings attached to a case - typically briefs, but may include motions, orders, filings, and pleadings for some courts
State Court Dockets in Bloomberg LawVaries by state and court
Fully Electronic – Docket and filings available
Docket-Only – no filings
All Paper – little/no online access
Search using Docket Search and select jurisdiction
State Court Dockets OnlineGoogle search <state> dockets / court filings / court records
LegalDockets.com
Philadelphia – • Case number• Person/Organization• Case Filing Date
Pennsylvania• Docket Number• Person/Organization• OTN – Offense
Tracking Number• SID – Student
Identification Number