How do I have documents retrieved if I can't download them ?
What is a "case docket" or "docket sheet" ?
A docket contains a summary of the basic information about a litigation, bankruptcy, or other type of court case. This generally includes the case (or "docket" or "index") number, court, assigned judge, relief demanded, nature of suit, type of claim alleged, criminal information, case status, litigants, and attorneys. Dockets also contain a summary of most, if not all, of the documents on file with the court, as well as a record of certain events in the life of a case.
Dockets provide an ongoing record of the case, allowing attorneys to obtain information, monitor filings and avoid missing deadlines. Obtaining new dockets can also alert attorneys to new lawsuits that have begun against their clients or potential clients.
What is a "court docket" or "calendar" ?
This is the court's calendar of certain case events, such as oral arguments. We refer to all similar databases as a calendar.
What is Web PACER ?
PACER is an acronym for Public Access to Court Electronic Records. Web PACER allows Internet access to federal court records, is provided by the U.S. Judiciary, and billed through the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. Courts generally charge $.08 per page with a 30 page pricing cap, or $2.40, for docket sheets, documents, and reports. more
How do I obtain a PACER account ?
Simply fill out an application online and submit it by Internet, fax, or mail. There is no initial deposit or credit card required. If you do chose to submit a credit card you will gain access immediately. If not, you will receive your registration materials in the mail in about a week. You will be billed quarterly for the research you perform when your total exceeds $10.
How do I view document images using Web PACER ?
Contained in the case docket, if the document description or docket entry number is not directly linked to an image, choose "local options", and re-run the docket sheet. Most case document images utilize PDF. A free PDF viewer can be downloaded from Adobe.
What is Racer ?
Racer is an acronym for Remote Access to Court Electronic Records. Racer is similar to Web PACER and also provides public Internet access to federal court records. Racer is a product of Court Watch, LLC, and billed through the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. Courts generally charge $.08 per page with a 30 page pricing cap, or $2.40, for docket sheets, documents, and reports. There are only a small handful of courts left that use Racer, as most have converted to the government's CM/ECF system.
What is CM/ECF ?
CM/ECF is an acronym for Case Management/Electronic Case Files and also allows Internet access to federal court records, is provided by the U.S. Judiciary, and billed through the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. This system is replacing each court's internal electronic case management system and provides the opportunity to utilize electronic filing and noticing. Deployment of this system is expected to be completed in 2005. Using CM/ECF costs $.08 per page with a 30 page pricing cap, or $2.40, for docket sheets, documents, and reports. more 20 minute video on CM/ECF
Which are the best browsers to use with CM/ECF and Legal Dockets Online ?
CM/ECF has been tested and works best with Internet Explorer 5.5, Netscape 4.6x, and Netscape 4.7x. Legal Dockets Online has been tested and works best using any version of Internet Explorer.
What is NOS ?
NOS is an acronym for Nature of Suit, a subject matter categorization for federal civil litigation cases. NOS listing
Why are there a few federal courts that do not charge a fee ?
Although many federal courts have already converted to the CM/ECF system, some haven't, and do not impose the mandatory fee. After switching to CM/ECF the mandatory fee will be imposed.
If Legal Dockets Online's opinions, orders, and decisions area does not have the decision I am seeking where else can I look ?
Decisions can also be accessed from docket sheets that contain document images. So if the court your are searching does not have the opinion or decision in the opinion area, check to see if that court offers document images in the docket area. If it does, obtain the docket and see if the decision image is available.
If Legal Dockets Online's calendar area does not have the court calendar I am seeking where else can I look ?
Calendars can also be accessed using CM/ECF databases. After logging in select "Reports", and then "Calendar Events."
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