ACAccess
Public Access to Court Records
Learn how the public can find and request federal court records through PACER, the Clerk's Office, and the National Archives.
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Court records are the official memory of the judicial process, and knowing how to find them is a core skill for legal professionals and interested citizens. Federal court records are generally accessible, but the path to them depends on the age of the case and the level of detail you need. This guide explains the main routes: electronic access through PACER, direct contact with the Clerk's Office, and archival research through the National Archives. It also covers what to expect when records are sealed, how to request copies, and when to consult current official guidance.
How do I find a federal court case?
The primary way to locate a federal court case is through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records system, known as PACER, or by visiting the Clerk's Office of the courthouse where the case was filed. According to the U.S. Courts, case files and court records can be found on PACER.uscourts.gov. PACER provides online access to case and docket information for a fee, as noted by the National Archives. For cases less than 15 years old, federal court records are generally still in the possession of individual courts and are not held by the National Archives, so your first stop should be the court itself or PACER.
What information do I need to request a court record?
To request a court record, you typically need identifying details such as the case name, docket number, court location, and the type of document you seek. A docket sheet lists all documents filed in a case, so obtaining it first can help you pinpoint the exact filing you need. If you visit the Clerk's Office, staff can assist you in locating the case file. For electronic requests, PACER allows you to search by party name, case number, or other criteria. Keep in mind that some documents may be sealed or restricted, which limits access.
How can I access court records online?
Online access to federal court records is provided through PACER, which is managed by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. PACER offers case and docket information for a fee. The system is part of the federal Judiciary's electronic filing and case management system, CM/ECF, which allows documents such as pleadings, motions, and petitions to be filed electronically. While PACER is the main portal, some courts may also offer public terminals at the courthouse for free access. The Electronic Public Access Public User Group provides a forum for PACER users to share ideas for improving the service.
When should I contact the Clerk's Office instead of using PACER?
You should contact the Clerk's Office when you need paper copies, certified copies, or assistance with a case that is not fully available online. The Clerk's Office can also help if you are unsure about the docket number or if you need to view a case file in person. For records less than 15 years old, the court may refer you to a Federal Records Center to obtain copies. Additionally, if you are seeking access to court proceedings, the public may visit a federal court to watch each step of the judicial process, with few exceptions.
How do I find older court records held by the National Archives?
For court records older than 15 years, the National Archives and Records Administration holds more than 200 years of federal court proceedings, with the earliest records dating to approximately 1790. It is estimated that there are more than 2.2 billion textual pages of court materials in the National Archives. These materials are created by district courts, circuit courts, courts of appeals, the Supreme Court, and select territorial courts. Types of records include case files in categories such as civil, admiralty, equity, law, criminal, and bankruptcy, as well as dockets, indexes, minutes, administrative files, execution books, order books, rule books, and final record books. To find these records, consult the National Archives Catalog and determine the appropriate regional facility based on the state or court. For example, all bankruptcy case files are at the National Archives at Kansas City, and circuit court records from New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are at the National Archives at Philadelphia. A full state-by-state point of contact table is available on the National Archives website.
What are the restrictions on accessing court records?
Access to court records is not absolute. Some documents are sealed by court order, and others may be redacted to protect privacy or confidentiality. Case files may contain sensitive information, and access to certain proceedings may be limited. The public may visit a federal court to watch proceedings, but there are few exceptions where access is restricted. When requesting records, be prepared to explain your need if the records are not publicly available. For sealed materials, you may need to file a motion with the court to unseal them. Always consult the current local rules of the court and the National Archives guidelines, as policies can change.
Comparison: Where to look based on record age
| Record Age | Primary Source | Access Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 15 years | Federal court where case was filed | PACER (fee-based) or Clerk's Office | Records still in court possession; may refer to Federal Records Center |
| 15 years or older | National Archives and Records Administration | National Archives Catalog, regional facilities | Holdings date back to 1790; includes case files, dockets, indexes, and more |
| Bankruptcy (all ages) | National Archives at Kansas City | Contact facility directly | All bankruptcy case files are centralized there |
How do I request copies of court records?
To request copies, you can use PACER for electronic documents, or contact the Clerk's Office for paper or certified copies. For older records held by the National Archives, you can order copies through the National Archives Catalog or by contacting the appropriate regional facility. The National Archives provides research assistance and can help you navigate materials, especially for records shared between two points of contact. Some records may require a fee for reproduction. If you need a certified copy for legal purposes, the Clerk's Office is the proper authority.
When should I seek professional guidance?
If your request involves sealed records, complex litigation, or historical research across multiple facilities, consider consulting an attorney or a professional researcher. Court rules and access policies can vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For the most current information, always check the official websites of the U.S. Courts and the National Archives. This article provides general information only and is not legal advice.
For more on how court records are created and used, explore our related articles on real time transcription in the courtroom, what makes a transcript official, and archiving legal records.
