How to Create a Docket Number Search on Lexis CourtLink

 
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The following information provides guidance on searching by docket number on the Lexis^® CourtLink^® service.
 

Docket Number Search	Docket Number Formats
Retrieving a Docket by Number Using the Docket Number Field	Retrieving a Docket by Docket Number Using the Enter Search Terms, Docket Number, Keywords or Boolean Box
Retrieving Multiple Dockets by Numbers Using the Docket Number Field	Docket Number Viewing Periods
Updating Docket from Court	Attempt to Retrieve This Docket From the Court

 

 Docket Number Search

Any case filed in the United States federal or state courts has a unique number assigned to it, a docket number. Lexis CourtLink provides a Docket Number field to search by docket number. This is the most common way to retrieve a docket. You can search for docket numbers using the Docket Number field in federal courts, state courts, and selected agencies.

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 Docket Number Formats

The docket number format varies by court. For more information on the exact format for your jurisdiction, click View formatting options when it appears under the Docket Number field after selecting the court.

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 Retrieving a Docket by Number Using the Docket Number Field

Take the following steps to retrieve a docket by number using the Docket Number field:

1. Select Dockets from the for drop-down.
2. Select a court from the within drop-down if you know the court. 
   Note: You must select a court before you enter the docket number in the Docket Number field. If you do not, selecting the court deletes the information entered in the Docket Number field. You can run the search without selecting a court though.
3. Enter the docket number in the Docket Number field.
   Note: You may have to enter leading zeroes to make the number match.
4. Click Search.
   Note:  If your docket number is not recognized and you have selected a specific court, the service generates a window with the acceptable docket number format(s) for the selected court. If you want to force the service to look for the entered docket number entered as is, click Continue. Maximise the window if you don't see the Continue.

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 Retrieving a Docket by Docket Number Using the Enter Search Terms, Docket Number, Keywords or Boolean Box

1. Select Dockets from the for drop-down.
2. Select a court from the within drop-down if you know the court.
   Note: You can run the search without selecting a court though.
3. Enter the docket number in the search terms box. 
   Note:  You may have to enter leading zeroes to make the number match.
4. Click Search.

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 Retrieving Multiple Dockets By Numbers Using the Docket Number Field

Take the following steps to retrieve multiple dockets by number using the Docket Number field:

1. Select Dockets from the for drop-down.
2. Select a court from the within drop-down if you know the court.
   Note:  You must select a court before you enter the docket numbers in the Docket Number field. If you do not, selecting the court deletes the information entered in the Docket Number field. You can run the search without selecting a court though.
3. Enter the docket numbers in the Docket Number field separated by commas.
   Note:  You may have to enter leading zeroes to make the numbers match. There is a 4,000 character limit for the Docket Number field.
4. Click Search. 
   Note:  Click Continue, if the service generates a window with the acceptable docket number format(s) for the selected court. 

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 Docket Number Viewing Periods

You can view a retrieved docket from History at no charge within the 90 day period.

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 Updating Docket from Court

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 Attempt To Retrieve This Docket From the Court

If you are searching with the Docket Number field in a specific court and Lexis CourtLink does not find the docket, the zero results screen displays the Attempt to retrieve this docket from the court link. Clicking the link prompts Lexis CourtLink to dial out to the court to retrieve the docket. After clicking the link, the product displays dynamic messaging indicating that it is working on getting the docket (similar to searching in Direct Access courts):  This may take a minute. You can go back to your original window and conduct more searches.

If Lexis CourtLink is able to retrieve the docket from the court, it comes up in the docket. That docket is normally available through a Lexis CourtLink search in less than an hour. If the docket is not available from the court, Lexis CourtLink displays the message:  Get docket failed. 
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