Case Lookup consolidates nationwide federal case search and state court records into a single, searchable interface that lets users retrieve docket information, party details, and filing dates with a few clicks. By entering a case number lookup or a party name search, the system pulls data from the PACER case search, court record database, and public court records to display the current case status check and recent docket entries. Researchers can also perform a civil case lookup or criminal case search across district and appellate courts, while a bankruptcy case search reveals trustee filings and creditor notices. The platform supports citation search and CNR lookup, ensuring that attorneys, journalists, and scholars can verify claims without navigating multiple portals. Advanced filters let users narrow results by filing date, jurisdiction, or document type, turning a complex court case finder into a straightforward, reliable source for accurate legal information. In addition, the online docket search feature supports a comprehensive lawsuit search and detailed court docket lookup for any filing within the past ten years.
Case Lookup also serves as a powerful resource for tracking case progress through a case status check and accessing the full docket when a party initiates a court case search by party name. Users can find case by number, search court cases by name, or conduct a party name search that returns up‑to‑date entries from both federal and state court docket search engines. The service includes a court records portal that aggregates appellate case lookup, civil case lookup, and criminal case search results, letting investigators confirm whether a lawsuit is active, pending, or closed. For attorneys handling multiple matters, the legal case database provides bulk export capability and real‑time alerts, while the free case search tier provides essential information without charge. Whether the need is a simple citation search, a detailed CNR lookup, or an exhaustive bankruptcy case search, the platform’s intuitive design simplifies the often‑confusing task of how to look up a court case and ensures that every query returns precise, verified data from the official court case finder.
How to Search Case Lookup
You can search Case Lookup through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records system, known as PACER, which the federal judiciary runs for the United States Courts. A Case Lookup lets you enter a case number, a party name, or an attorney name into one search box and pull results from federal court docket search and state court records portals. For related documentation and local filings, you can consult official court calendar resources. The system connects to the court record database at the federal level and to many state court docket search systems through linked feeds. You do not need a legal background to run a Case Lookup, but you do need a working PACER account to view full federal court docket entries.
Official Search Portal: https://pacer.uscourts.gov
Steps to Search
- Open the PACER website at pacer.uscourts.gov and log in to your account, or register for a new account if you do not yet have one.
- Pick the court type you want to search, such as U.S. District Court, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, or U.S. Court of Appeals.
- Enter the case number lookup field if you already know the docket number, such as 2:24-cv-01234.
- Type a last name and first name into the party name search box if you are searching by a person.
- Pick a filing date range, a case type, or a court division to narrow the search court cases by name and number results.
- Review the list of matching cases, click the docket number link, and read the case information search results.
- View available filings, orders, and judgments from the docket sheet, and download documents for a fee of $0.10 per page.
How to Look Up a Court Case
A court case search starts with picking the right database. Federal cases live in PACER, and state cases live in each state’s court record database or online docket search portal. Many states also link their court case search by party name to a single state court docket search site, such as the state administrative office of the courts. You can move between a federal case locator and a state court docket search through the same browser session. Knowing which court handled the matter saves time and cuts down on dead-end searches.
Case Lookup by Case Number
The fastest way to run a Case Lookup is by case number. A federal case number follows a format like YY-CODE-NNNNNN, where YY is the year, CODE is the court office, and NNNNNN is the sequence number. A state case number uses a different format, such as 24-CF-001234, that the local clerk issues at filing. When you enter the full number into the case number lookup field, the docket opens directly. A federal court docket shows the assigned judge, the filing date, the case type, and the party list. State dockets follow a similar layout but may list local motions and orders in a different order. Keep the case number exact, since one wrong digit triggers a Case Not Found result.
Case Lookup by Party Name
A court case search by party name works well when you do not know the docket number. Type the last name into the party name search box, then add the first name or business name. The PACER system returns every federal case filed by that person or company across all districts. State portals also run a search court cases by name query, but the depth varies by state. Results show the case title, the court, the case number, and the filing year. You can click any result to open the full docket sheet for that matter. A free case search tier on some state portals shows the case caption and status without a fee.
Case Lookup by Attorney Name
An attorney name search shows you every active and closed case linked to a specific lawyer or firm. You enter the bar name into the PACER attorney search field, and the system returns a list of cases where that attorney appears as counsel of record. State bar portals also offer an attorney search that links to the court dockets for that lawyer. This helps you verify a lawyer’s licensing status and recent case load. It also helps journalists and clients confirm that an attorney of record has handled the type of case in question. Always cross-check the attorney registration number against the state bar database to avoid fake listings.
Case Lookup by Filing Date
A filing date search narrows results to cases filed between two dates. You pick a start date and an end date in the date range picker on the PACER advanced search screen. The system returns every case filed in that window that matches your other filters, such as case type or court. This search approach works for tracking new lawsuit filings in a specific court or division. You can also run a date filter on state portals to find cases filed within a week or a year. Date-bound lookups return a narrower list than open searches and cut false matches.
Case Lookup by Court or Division
A court or division filter lets you pick a specific court, such as the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, or a state superior court in a given county. You pick the court from the dropdown menu or the court map on the search screen. The court lookup returns only cases filed in that one court. This search approach helps when you know the venue but not the case number. You can combine the court filter with a case type filter to find, for example, only civil case lookup results from one division. A federal case locator works the same way at the circuit level.
Information Needed for a Case Lookup
You need at least one piece of data to run a Case Lookup. The most useful pieces are the case number, the full name of a party, the attorney bar number, the filing date, or the court name. The more details you enter, the tighter your search results become. You should also know whether the matter is federal or state, since each system uses a separate database. Having the case type, such as civil, criminal, or bankruptcy, cuts the false match count. Keep your search terms clean and avoid adding titles like Mr. or Ms., since PACER and state portals strip those words out of the search index.
Case Lookup Results
A Case Lookup result screen shows a docket header, a party list, an attorney list, a docket entry list, and a document list. Each section pulls live data from the court record database, so you see the same entries the clerk sees. The header lists the court, the judge, the filing date, and the case status. The party list shows plaintiff and defendant names with their roles. The docket entry list shows every filing, motion, order, and judgment in reverse chronological order. The document list links to the PDF version of each filing, with a fee of $0.10 per page for federal documents.
Case Number and Case Title
The case number sits at the top of the docket, followed by the case title. The title lists the first named plaintiff on the left and the first named defendant on the right, separated by a “v.” For example, “Smith v. Jones Holdings, Inc.” shows that Smith is the plaintiff and Jones Holdings is the defendant. The case title stays the same across the life of the matter. If the court grants a party name change, the docket notes the change but keeps the original title format. Some bankruptcy cases show the debtor name in the title instead of a plaintiff and defendant pair.
Party Names and Roles
The party list shows the full legal name of each side, with the role next to the name. Roles include Plaintiff, Defendant, Petitioner, Respondent, Intervenor, and Interested Party. Criminal cases add roles such as Defendant, U.S. Attorney, and Victim. Bankruptcy cases list Debtor, Trustee, and Creditor. The list also shows the address of record for each party, as filed with the court. You can click a party name on PACER to run a linked search for every other case that party appears in. This cross-search helps you build a full case history for one person or company.
Attorney Information
The attorney block shows the name, bar number, firm, address, phone number, and email of every attorney of record. PACER pulls this data from the CM/ECF filing system, so the contact data stays current. State portals pull similar data from their filing platforms. You can click an attorney name to see every case that attorney has filed in that court. This helps you check a lawyer’s recent workload and active caseload. Attorney contact data stays in the public record unless the court seals it under a protective order.
Court and Assigned Judge
The court line on the docket shows the full court name and the division. The judge line shows the name of the district judge, magistrate judge, or bankruptcy judge assigned to the matter. In appellate cases, the judge line shows a panel of three judges. The clerk of court assigns judges based on random draw or local rules. If a judge recuses, the docket shows a reassignment to a new judge. You can click the judge name on some portals to see every case that judge has handled. This helps lawyers and researchers track judicial patterns.
Filing Date and Case Type
The filing date sits next to the case type on the docket header. The case type tells you whether the matter is civil, criminal, bankruptcy, family, probate, or another category. The filing date marks the day the clerk accepted the complaint, petition, or indictment. For removed cases, the filing date is the day the case entered the new court. For bankruptcy cases, the filing date is the petition date. The case type and filing date together drive most docket filters. They also help you tell a new filing from an older case reopened under the same number.
Case Status
The status line on the docket tells you whether the case is active, pending, closed, disposed, dismissed, or on appeal. The status updates each time the clerk enters a new order. You can see the status date next to the status word. A status of “Pending” means the matter has open motions or a future hearing. A status of “Closed” means the court has entered a final order. A status of “Disposed” means the court has entered a judgment. A status of “Dismissed” means the plaintiff dropped the case or the court dismissed it on its own. A status of “On Appeal” means the matter moved to an appellate court.
Case Disposition
The description line on the docket tells you how the case ended. Common dispositions include Judgment for Plaintiff, Judgment for Defendant, Settled, Dismissed, and Vacated. Criminal dispositions include Guilty Plea, Not Guilty Verdict, Guilty Verdict, and Nolle Prosequi. The disposition date sits next to the disposition word. You can use the disposition field to filter closed cases by outcome. Disposition data also feeds public court records databases for background checks. Some courts seal the disposition on certain case types, such as juvenile matters.
Case Information
A Case Information section pulls from the docket and from the underlying filings. It shows the case filing details, the charges or claims, the events, the orders, and the outcome. You can find this section on most state portals under a Case Details link. Federal dockets show the same data spread across the docket entry list. Each line on the list links to the underlying PDF filing. You can read the full text of any filing for a per-page fee on PACER. State portals offer free viewing of most documents filed in the last ten years.
Case Filing Details
The filing details show the type of filing, the filer, the date, and the document number. Types include a Complaint, an Answer, a Motion, a Brief, an Order, a Judgment, and a Notice. The filer names the attorney or party who submitted the document. The date marks the entry date on the docket. The document number tracks the order of filings. You can sort filings by date, by type, or by filer. The filing details help you build a timeline of how the case moved through the court.
Charges and Allegations
The charges section lists every count or claim in the matter. In criminal cases, the count number, the statute, and the charge level (felony, misdemeanor, or infraction) appear in this section. In civil cases, the cause of action, the statute, and the relief sought appear here. The allegations section pulls the key facts from the complaint, indictment, or petition. This section helps you read the legal theory behind the matter. You can click a statute number to see the full text of the law on the state or federal code site.
Claims and Issues
The claims section lists every cause of action raised by the plaintiff or petitioner. Common claims include breach of contract, negligence, fraud, discrimination, and patent infringement. The issues section lists every legal question the court has decided or will decide. You can read the claims from the complaint and the issues from the court’s orders. This section helps you track the legal theory across the case. It also helps you find related cases on the same issue.
Case Events and Proceedings
The events section lists every hearing, motion, trial, and settlement conference in the matter. Each event shows the date, the type, the location, and the outcome. The events feed the case activity timeline on most portals. You can filter events by type to see only hearings or only motions. The events section helps you build a full picture of how the court handled the case. Some events, such as settlement conferences, may not appear on the public docket.
Orders and Judgments
The orders section lists every ruling the court entered. Each order shows the date, the judge, and a short summary. Click the order number to read the full PDF text. The judgments section lists every final judgment, including money judgments, injunctive relief, and sentences. Each judgment shows the amount, the terms, and the date entered. The orders and judgments drive the case outcome. You can use these entries to verify how the court resolved each motion and claim.
Case Outcome
The outcome section summarizes how the case ended. Outcomes include Settled, Dismissed, Judgment for Plaintiff, Judgment for Defendant, Acquittal, Conviction, and Appeal Filed. The outcome pulls from the final order or judgment on the matter. The outcome date is the date the court entered the final order. The outcome appears on the docket header. It also appears on public court records databases for background checks. Sealed matters show the outcome as Sealed instead of the actual result.
Related Case Information
The related cases section links to every other matter linked by party, attorney, or issue. PACER shows related cases under the Related Cases tab. State portals show related cases under a Linked Matters link. The link helps you see how a person or company moves across cases. It also helps you spot reused motions or counsel across related dockets. Related cases include consolidated matters, removed cases, and cases on appeal. You can click any linked case to open its full docket.
Case Status
The case status tells you where the matter sits on the docket. Status updates each time the clerk enters a new order or judgment. You can pull the status from the docket header or from a case status check on most portals. Status words include Active, Pending, Closed, Disposed, Dismissed, and Appealed. The status drives filters in court record database searches. It also drives alerts on case tracking tools. The status stays accurate as long as the clerk updates the docket.
Active Cases
An active case shows that the court has open business in the matter. Active cases have pending motions, upcoming hearings, or pending judgments. The status reads Active on the docket header. Active matters show on the active cases list under the court’s public reports. You can filter the docket list by active status on most portals. Active cases also appear in weekly court calendars.
Pending Cases
A pending case sits before the court with no final order. Pending matters include cases awaiting a ruling on a motion, a trial date, or a sentencing hearing. The status reads Pending on the docket header. The pending list shows open matters with future court dates. You can sort the pending list by next hearing date. Pending matters stay on the docket until the court enters a final order.
Closed Cases
A closed case has a final order or judgment on the docket. Closed matters have no pending motions or hearings. The status reads Closed on the docket header. The closed cases list shows matters closed within a set date range. You can filter by closing date, by judge, or by case type. Closed matters stay on the docket as public court records unless the court seals the file.
Disposed Cases
A disposed case has a final judgment that resolves the claims. The status reads Disposed on the docket header. The disposition line shows the type of judgment. Disposed matters appear in the public court records database for background checks. The disposed cases list shows closed matters with a final judgment. You can search by disposition type, by date, or by party.
Dismissed Cases
A dismissed case has an order that ends the matter before a final judgment on the merits. Dismissals come from the plaintiff dropping the case, the court granting a motion to dismiss, or the court dismissing the matter on its own. The status reads Dismissed on the docket header. The dismissal order shows the type of dismissal. Dismissed matters appear on the docket unless the court vacates the dismissal.
Appealed Cases
An appealed case has moved from a lower court to an appellate court. The status reads Appealed on the lower-court docket and Pending on the appellate docket. The appeal docket shows the appellate court, the case number, and the panel. You can pull the appellate case lookup from PACER or from the appellate court’s portal. Appealed matters have a separate docket at the circuit level. The original docket stays open until the appellate court issues its mandate.
Case Status Updates
Case status updates post to the court record system each time the clerk enters a new docket entry. Federal courts update the docket within minutes of the clerk’s entry. State courts update dockets daily in most states. Some states update within an hour of the entry. The update lag depends on the court’s filing system. You can set a case status alert on PACER to get an email each time the docket updates.
| Status Type | Meaning | Where It Appears |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Open matter with live activity | Docket header, active list |
| Pending | Awaiting court action | Pending list, docket header |
| Closed | Final order entered | Closed list, public records |
| Disposed | Final judgment entered | Disposition list, public records |
| Dismissed | Case dropped before judgment | Dismissal list, docket header |
| Appealed | Matter moved to appellate court | Appellate docket, lower docket |
Case Lookup by Case Type
A case type filter narrows your search to one category, such as civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, or traffic. Each type lives in a separate docket section in the court record system. The case type shows on the docket header under the case type field. You can also run a search by case type from the advanced search screen. This filter helps you cut out unrelated matters that share a party name.
Civil Cases
A civil case lookup shows lawsuits between private parties, businesses, or government entities. Civil dockets list the cause of action, the relief sought, and the damages. Civil case numbers follow a format like 2:24-cv-01234 in federal court. Civil matters include contract disputes, torts, civil rights claims, and intellectual property suits. You can search civil dockets by case number, party name, or attorney. Civil cases stay on the public docket unless the court seals the file.
Criminal Cases
A criminal case search shows prosecutions brought by a government attorney against a defendant. Criminal dockets list the charges, the pleas, the verdicts, and the sentences. Criminal case numbers follow a format like 2:24-cr-00123 in federal court. State criminal numbers use local formats, such as 24-CF-001234. You can pull criminal dockets by case number, defendant name, or indictment date. Sealed indictments do not show on the public docket until unsealed.
Family Cases
A family case lookup shows matters such as divorce, custody, child support, adoption, and protective orders. Family dockets list the petitions, the hearings, and the final orders. Family case numbers vary by state, but most use a code like DR for divorce or FA for family. Many states seal family dockets from the public view. You can search family matters by party name or by case number on the state family court portal.
Probate Cases
A probate case lookup shows matters tied to wills, estates, guardianships, and mental health commitments. Probate dockets list the petition, the will, the inventory, and the final order. Probate numbers use a code like PR or PBT in most states. You can search probate matters by decedent name or by case number on the probate court portal. Some probate filings stay sealed, such as mental health commitments.
Juvenile Cases
A juvenile case lookup shows matters involving minors, such as delinquency, status offenses, and dependency. Juvenile dockets list the petition, the hearings, and the disposition. Juvenile numbers use a code like JV or JUV in most states. Juvenile matters stay sealed from the public view in nearly every state. Access to juvenile dockets requires a court order or party status.
Misdemeanor Cases
A misdemeanor case lookup shows lesser criminal charges, such as simple assault, petty theft, or driving under the influence. Misdemeanor dockets list the charges, the plea, and the sentence. Misdemeanor numbers use a code like M or MIS in most states. You can search misdemeanor matters by defendant name or by case number on the criminal court portal. Some states seal misdemeanor dockets after a set period.
Felony Cases
A felony case lookup shows serious criminal charges, such as murder, robbery, or aggravated assault. Misdemeanor dockets list the charges, the plea, and the sentence. Felony numbers use a code like F or FEL in most states. You can search felony matters by defendant name or by case number on the criminal court portal. Felony dockets stay open to the public during the case.
Traffic Cases
A traffic case lookup shows infractions, such as speeding, running a red light, or driving without a license. Traffic dockets list the citation, the plea, and the fine. Traffic numbers use a code like TR or TK in most states. You can search traffic matters by defendant name or by citation number on the traffic court portal. Many states offer a free case search for traffic matters.
Case Parties and Attorneys
The parties section on the docket lists every person, business, or government body that takes part in the matter. The attorney section lists every lawyer of record, with bar number, firm, and contact data. The court record system updates both sections each time a party enters or leaves the matter. You can pull the parties list from the docket header under the Party Information link. You can also pull the attorney list under the Attorney Information link.
Plaintiff and Defendant Information
The plaintiff brings the claim in a civil case or the petition in some other matters. The defendant answers the claim or faces the petition. The docket lists each party with the role next to the name. Roles include Plaintiff, Defendant, Counter-Plaintiff, and Counter-Defendant. The docket also shows the address of record for each party. You can click a party name to run a linked search for that person’s other cases. Address data stays in the public record unless the court seals it under a protective order.
Petitioner and Respondent Information
The petitioner brings the petition in special proceedings, such as habeas corpus, immigration, and appellate matters. The respondent answers the petition. The docket lists each side with the role next to the name. Roles include Petitioner, Respondent, and Interested Party. The petitioner and respondent roles appear across federal and state dockets. You can search for the petitioner name to find the petition filing. Address data stays in the public record for appellate and immigration matters.
Attorney of Record
The attorney of record is the lawyer the court recognizes as the primary counsel for a party. The docket lists the attorney of record with bar number, firm, address, phone, and email. The court sends all notices to the attorney of record. You can click the attorney name on PACER to see every case that attorney has filed in that court. The attorney of record stays the same across the matter unless the court grants a motion to substitute counsel.
Representing Attorney
The representing attorney is the lawyer who acts for a party at a specific stage of the case. The representing attorney may differ from the attorney of record on a particular motion or hearing. The docket notes the representing attorney next to each filing. The representing attorney also appears on court orders and minute entries. You can search the representing attorney name to find every filing that attorney submitted. The representing attorney may change from filing to filing.
Party Roles and Case Relationships
The party roles list shows how each side connects to the matter. Roles include Plaintiff, Defendant, Petitioner, Respondent, Intervenor, Movant, Garnishee, Trustee, Debtor, Creditor, and Victim. The relationships show how parties connect across cases, such as a co-defendant in a related criminal matter. The relationships section helps you map how a case fits into a larger litigation. You can click a related party to open the related docket.
| Party Role | Where It Appears | Case Type |
|---|---|---|
| Plaintiff | Civil docket header | Civil |
| Defendant | Civil or criminal docket | Civil, Criminal |
| Petitioner | Appellate or special docket | Appellate, Habeas, Immigration |
| Respondent | Appellate or special docket | Appellate, Habeas, Immigration |
| Debtor | Bankruptcy docket | Bankruptcy |
| Trustee | Bankruptcy docket | Bankruptcy |
| Creditor | Bankruptcy docket | Bankruptcy |
Case Filing and Court Activity
The filing section on the docket lists every paper filed in the matter. The court activity section lists every hearing, motion, and order. Both sections feed the case activity timeline on most portals. You can pull the filing list from the docket sheet under the Filing History link. You can pull the court activity from the docket sheet under the Court Events link. Both sections update each time the clerk enters a new entry.
Filing Date
The filing date marks the day the clerk accepted the paper. The filing date appears next to the document number on the docket sheet. The filing date also appears on the case activity timeline. The filing date drives most date-range filters in case filing search tools. The filing date differs from the entry date, which is the day the clerk entered the docket text. Federal clerks post filings within minutes of the entry. State clerks post filings within hours or days.
Court Hearings
The court hearings section lists every hearing scheduled or held in the matter. Each hearing shows the date, the time, the location, the type, and the outcome. Types include a status conference, a motion hearing, a trial, a sentencing hearing, and a settlement conference. You can click the hearing date to see the minute entry from the hearing. Court hearings also appear on the court calendar search tool. You can filter hearings by judge, by courtroom, or by case type.
Motions and Filings
The motions section lists every motion filed in the matter. Each motion shows the type, the filer, the date, and the outcome. Types include a Motion to Dismiss, a Motion for Summary Judgment, a Motion in Limine, and a Motion to Compel. You can click the motion entry to read the underlying brief. The filings section lists every paper, such as a complaint, an answer, a brief, and an exhibit. You can sort filings by type, by date, or by filer.
Orders and Court Actions
The orders section lists every order the court entered. Each order shows the date, the judge, and a short summary. You can click the order number to read the full PDF text. Court actions include minute orders, scheduling orders, and discovery orders. The orders drive the case outcome. You can also pull orders from the judge’s orders list on most portals. Orders from the judge become public court records unless the court seals the file.
Judgments and Dispositions
The judgments section lists every final judgment entered. Each judgment shows the date, the judge, the amount, and the terms. Types include a money judgment, an injunctive judgment, and a declaratory judgment. The dispositions section lists every disposition on the docket. Dispositions include Settled, Dismissed, Judgment for Plaintiff, Judgment for Defendant, Acquittal, and Conviction. You can sort dispositions by type, by date, or by judge.
Case Activity Timeline
The case activity timeline shows every event in the matter in date order. Each entry shows the date, the type, the description, and the filer. Types include a filing, a hearing, an order, and a judgment. You can filter the timeline by type or by date range. The timeline helps you build a chronological picture of the case. The timeline also appears as a visual chart on some portals. You can export the timeline as a CSV file for further analysis.
Case Lookup Documents
The documents section on the docket lists every paper filed in the matter. You can open any document by clicking the document number on the docket sheet. Documents stay in the public record unless the court seals the file. PACER charges $0.10 per page for federal documents, with a $3.00 cap per document. State portals offer free viewing of most documents, with a fee for certified copies. You can download documents as PDFs from any portal.
Available Case Documents
Available documents include complaints, answers, motions, briefs, exhibits, declarations, orders, judgments, and notices. The available list pulls from the docket entry list. You can click any entry to open the underlying PDF. The available list updates each time the clerk enters a new filing. The available list also appears on the court record database public reports. Sealed documents do not appear on the available list.
Filings and Court Documents
Filings include every paper submitted by a party or attorney. Court documents include every paper issued by the court, such as orders, judgments, and notices. The filings and court documents appear on the docket sheet under the Document Number column. You can click the document number to open the PDF. The filings and court documents feed the public court records database. Sealed filings do not appear on the public docket.
Orders and Judgments
Orders and judgments are court documents that resolve motions and cases. Each order or judgment shows the date, the judge, and the text. You can read orders and judgments on PACER for $0.10 per page. You can read orders and judgments on most state portals for free. The orders and judgments become public court records once entered. Sealed orders do not appear on the public docket.
Document Access and Availability
Document access depends on the court, the case type, and the sealing status. Federal documents are available on PACER with a fee. State documents are available on the state portal, sometimes for free. Sealed documents require a motion and a court order to access. Expunged documents are removed from the public docket. Document availability changes as the court enters new orders. You can check the docket for the most current access status.
Certified Copies and Official Records
A certified copy is an official copy of a court document with a court seal and a clerk signature. You can order a certified copy from the clerk of court for a fee. The fee varies by court and by document type. Certified copies are required for many legal filings, such as immigration applications and real estate transfers. Official records include the docket sheet, the case file, and the audio recordings of hearings. You can order official records from the clerk of court.
Case Lookup Problems
Search problems happen when the input data does not match the docket entry, the file is sealed, or the system has not yet updated. You can solve most problems by changing the search term, the date range, or the court filter. Some problems require a call to the clerk of court or a visit to the courthouse. The PACER service center helps with PACER account issues at (800) 676-6856 between 8 AM and 6 PM Central Time, Monday through Friday.
Case Not Found
A Case Not Found result means the docket number, party name, or attorney name did not match a record in the database. Check the spelling of the name, the format of the case number, and the court filter. Try a broader search with a smaller date range or a wider name match. If the case is very recent, the system may not have indexed the filing yet. Wait 24 to 48 hours and run the search again. If the case is sealed, the docket will not show on the public search.
Incorrect Case Number
An incorrect case number triggers a Case Not Found result. The case number format varies by court, so check the local format. Federal case numbers use a format like 2:24-cv-01234. State case numbers use a local format like 24-CF-001234. A single wrong digit or letter breaks the search. Try a search by party name instead of case number if you have the wrong number. The party name search returns the case number in the result list.
Similar Party Names
Similar party names create false matches and hidden matches. A common name like John Smith returns thousands of results across all courts. Narrow the search with a middle name, a date of birth, or a state filter. Use the date of birth field on PACER to cut false matches. Check the address of record to confirm the right person. The court record database stores party names as filed, so spelling differences create separate entries.
Recently Filed Cases
Recently filed cases may not show on the public search for 24 to 48 hours after the clerk enters the filing. Federal courts update the public search within minutes of the entry. State courts may take up to 48 hours. Check the docket after the delay period. If the case still does not show, the filing may be sealed. Sealed filings do not appear on the public docket. Check with the clerk of court for sealed matters.
Incomplete Case Information
Incomplete case information happens when the filer leaves a field blank or enters partial data. The docket shows the partial data as filed. The clerk may add missing data later through a docket correction. You can also cross-reference these findings by accessing verified bankruptcy records online. You can see corrections as new docket entries with the word “Correction” in the entry text. Incomplete data also appears when the court seals part of the docket. Sealed data shows as “Sealed” instead of the actual text.
Sealed or Restricted Cases
Sealed or restricted cases do not appear on the public docket. The court seals cases to protect victims, minors, trade secrets, or national security. Access to sealed cases requires a court order. You can request access by filing a motion to unseal. Some sealed cases show only the case number and the docket header. You can check the sealing status with the clerk of court. The clerk can confirm the case exists without showing the sealed content.
Delayed Case Updates
Delayed case updates happen when the clerk has not yet entered a new filing or order. Federal clerks update the docket within minutes of the entry. State clerks may take hours or days. The delay depends on the court’s filing system and staffing. You can set a case alert on PACER to get an email each time the docket updates. The alert service costs a fee per case. State portals offer free alerts on some matters.
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Case Not Found | Wrong input data or sealed file | Recheck input, contact clerk |
| Incorrect Case Number | Wrong format or wrong digit | Check format, search by name |
| Similar Party Names | Common name | Add middle name, date of birth |
| Recently Filed Cases | Indexing delay | Wait 24 to 48 hours |
| Incomplete Case Information | Partial filing data | Check docket corrections |
| Sealed or Restricted Cases | Court seal order | File motion to unseal |
| Delayed Case Updates | Clerk entry delay | Set case alert, contact clerk |
Case Lookup and Related Court Information
A Case Lookup sits next to other public court search tools. Each tool answers a different question about a court matter. Knowing the difference helps you pick the right tool for your search. The federal court system runs PACER for docket searches and CM/ECF for filing. State court systems run their own portals for docket searches. The U.S. government also runs a separate system for federal inmate lookup and a separate system for bankruptcy claims.
Case Lookup vs. Case Search
A Case Lookup pulls a single docket by case number, party name, or attorney name. A Case Search returns a list of cases that match your search terms. The lookup opens one docket directly. The search opens a list of matching dockets. You use a lookup when you know the case number. You use a search when you only have a party name or an attorney name. Both tools pull from the same court record database.
Case Lookup vs. Court Calendar
A Case Lookup pulls a single docket by case number, party name, or attorney name. A Court Calendar lists every hearing scheduled in a court on a given day. The lookup returns one case file. The calendar returns a list of hearings across many cases. You use a lookup to read a case file. You use a calendar to find when a hearing happens. Some portals combine both tools into one search screen.
Case Lookup vs. Court Docket
A Case Lookup pulls a single docket by case number, party name, or attorney name. A Court Docket is the full list of filings and orders in a single case. The lookup opens the docket directly. The docket is the result of the lookup. You use a lookup to find a docket. You read the docket to see the filings. Every docket has a unique number that the lookup uses to open the file.
Case Lookup vs. Court Records
A Case Lookup pulls a single docket by case number, party name, or attorney name. Court Records is the broad term for every public file held by a court. The lookup opens one record. The records database holds every public file. You use a lookup to open a record. You use a records search to find every record that matches your input. Court records include dockets, filings, orders, judgments, and audio recordings.
Case Information vs. Criminal Records
Case Information shows the docket entries, parties, attorneys, and filings in a single matter. Criminal Records show the arrest history, conviction history, and incarceration status of a person. Case Information lives on the court docket portal. Criminal Records live on the state criminal history repository or the FBI background check portal. You use Case Information to read a court file. You use Criminal Records to run a background check on a person.
- PACER service center email: pacer@psc.uscourts.gov
- Federal court system general information: https://www.uscourts.gov
- U.S. Supreme Court docket: https://www.supremecourt.gov
- National Archives federal court records: https://www.archives.gov/courts
Frequently Asked Questions
Case Lookup tools let anyone view court records without visiting a clerk’s office. By entering a case number, a party name, or an attorney name, users can pull data from federal docket systems and many state portals. The service saves time, cuts travel, and helps track a lawsuit’s progress. Below are quick answers that guide you through the most common searches.
How can I use Case Lookup to find a federal case number?
Start at the PACER website and create a free account. After logging in, choose the “Case Locator” option. Enter the full or partial case number, or type a party’s name into the search bar. The system scans all district, appellate, and bankruptcy courts and returns matching docket entries. Click a result to view filing dates, involved parties, and the case’s current status. The search normally finishes within seconds, and the first page of results is free of charge.
What steps are needed for a court docket lookup on PACER?
First, register on PACER and verify your email. Next, select the specific court where the case was filed or use the nationwide locator. Input the case number, party name, or attorney name, then press “Search.” The platform lists each docket entry with a brief description. To see a document, click the link; PACER charges a small fee per page, but the fee is waived if your quarterly total stays below the threshold. Finally, log out to protect your account.
Can I search for a civil case by party name for free?
Many state courts provide a public portal that does not require payment. Locate the state’s official website, click the “Case Search” link, and choose “Civil” from the case‑type menu. Type the party’s full name, then add the filing year if you know it. The system returns a list of case numbers, filing dates, and status icons. Most portals let you view the docket summary at no cost; printing or downloading full documents may involve a nominal fee.
What should I do if a case search returns no results?
First, verify the spelling of the name or number; even a single letter error hides the record. Next, confirm the correct court jurisdiction—federal cases appear only in PACER, while state cases need the local portal. If you still see nothing, contact the clerk’s office by phone or visit in person. Provide the party’s name, approximate filing year, and any known docket number. Clerks can run an internal query and tell you whether the case is sealed, pending, or simply missing from the public system.
How can I check the status of a bankruptcy case with a case number lookup?
Open PACER and select the “Bankruptcy” tab. Enter the full case number into the search field; the system pulls the docket for that bankruptcy proceeding. The top of the docket shows the case’s current status, such as “Chapter 7 – Discharged” or “Chapter 13 – Confirmed.” Review recent filings to see any motions or notices. If the case is older than fifteen years, it may have been moved to the National Archives; in that case, search the NARA catalog using the same case number.