- 1). Determine where the records are kept. You will find them at the courthouse or on the court's online record-keeping system. Once you are online or at the courthouse you need certain specific information to find the legal proceedings. While it may not be necessary to have all of the listed information, you should gather as much information as possible to help you in your search. Check the specific requirements of the court because each may ask for slightly different information.
You should compile the name of a party to the case--for example, "Plessy" or "Ferguson" for Plessy v. Ferguson. Knowing both parties in the case is a good idea because other cases could have one of the same names as your case. Other information that you should gather to help you locate legal records includes the case number, the division where the case was filed, the filing date and the date of the decision. - 2). Now that you have compiled your information you need to plug in your search terms. Whether you search online or use a card catalog, the information you enter will direct you to the case. Once you believe that you have found the correct case, read it over carefully to ensure that this is in fact the one that you want.
- 3). Print out the case or make a photocopy of the case. In some courthouses, you will have to ask an employee to make a copy for you, and you may have to pay a fee.
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