Define: Court Record

A court record is a written account of all the proceedings, actions, and decisions made during a court case. It includes documents such as pleadings, motions, orders, transcripts, and exhibits.

Court records are generally public records, and you can access them by visiting the courthouse where the case was heard. Some courts also provide online access to court records through their websites.

While most court records are available to the public, certain sensitive information may be redacted or kept confidential to protect privacy or national security interests. Examples include sealed records in cases involving minors, victims of certain crimes, or classified information.

In general, you can obtain court records for any case that is not sealed or otherwise restricted. However, some jurisdictions may have specific rules or limitations on accessing certain types of court records, such as those related to juvenile or family law cases.

Yes, you can usually request copies of court records by paying a fee. The fee amount may vary depending on the court and the number of pages or documents requested. Some courts also offer the option to request records electronically.

The length of time court records are kept varies depending on the jurisdiction and the type of case. In general, criminal court records are kept indefinitely, while civil court records may be retained for a certain number of years before being destroyed or transferred to an archive.

Once a court record is filed, it becomes part of the official record and generally cannot be modified or corrected. However, if there is an error or mistake in the record, parties may file a motion to correct or amend the record, and the court will decide whether to grant the request.

Yes, court records are often used for background checks, especially in employment or housing applications. However, it is important to comply with applicable laws and regulations governing the use of such records, as well as to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the information obtained.

While some courts provide online access to court records for free, others may charge a fee for accessing or downloading documents. Additionally, certain third-party websites may offer access to court records for a fee. It is advisable to check with the specific court or jurisdiction to determine the availability and cost of online access to court records.