Pennsylvania Court Records

How to Run a Pennsylvania Court Case Search

If you are interested in researching legal history or need to access court records for personal or professional reasons, Pennsylvania has a wealth of information available. With a little knowledge and the right resources, you can easily run a Pennsylvania court case search online. In this article, we will discuss the different types of courts in Pennsylvania, how to access and get copies of court records, and the duties of the clerk of the court.

If you are interested in obtaining copies of someone’s court records, there are some easy ways you can run a Pennsylvania court records search by name. The first option is to use the courthouse websites. You can make inquiries to the clerk of the courts to inquire about specific cases. Another popular option is to use a public records website. Many people choose this option because you can also lookup a person’s criminal history, prior convictions, and run a comprehensive background check.

Obtain Copies of Pennsylvania Court Records

The first option to get copies of Pennsylvania court records is to visit the Pennsylvania Judicial Branch website. The website offers a free online search for court records, including case information, party names, and court dates. You can also request copies of court records by mail or in person at the clerk of the court’s office. There is an additional fee for obtaining certified copies of documents, and the process may take several days to complete.

If you are merely trying to research some court case information, or run a background check on someone, a public record site is a good option. With just a first and last name you can search the entire state in moments. You will have access to a person’s complete court case history, their criminal records, arrests, police reports, convictions, arrest warrants, probation information, jail and prison records. This option is popular because it is a one-stop-shop for everything you want to know about a person’s past.

Different Types of Courts in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a diverse judicial system consisting of the Supreme Court, Superior Court, Court of Appeals, and District Courts. Each has its own specific jurisdiction and responsibilities. Here is a breakdown of their duties in more detail:

1. Pennsylvania Supreme Court: This is the highest court in Pennsylvania and has final appellate jurisdiction over all others in the state. Its main responsibility is to review decisions made by lower courts and ensure that they are consistent with the law. This courthouse also has the power to set rules for the operation of the judicial system within the state.
2. Pennsylvania Superior Court: This is an appellate courthouse that sits directly below the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in the state’s judicial system. It is responsible for reviewing and deciding appeals from trials across the state. They primarily handles appeals in civil and criminal cases, including issues related to family law, personal injury, property disputes, criminal convictions, and more.
3. Pennsylvania Court of Appeals: This is an intermediate appellate court in Pennsylvania. Its purpose is to provide an additional level of review for cases that have been decided on the District level. They mainly deal with appeals and focus on making sure that the law has been properly applied in each case. This courthouse consists of a panel of judges who review cases and make decisions based on the arguments of the parties involved.
4. Pennsylvania District Courts: This is the main trial courthouses of general jurisdiction in the state. They manage a wide range of cases, including criminal, civil, family, probate, and juvenile matters. They also have the responsibility of interpreting the law for the cases brought before them. Each county in Pennsylvania has at least one district to represent them.

The Pennsylvania Court Calendar

The Pennsylvania Judicial Branch website also provides a court calendar, which lists all upcoming cases and hearings. This calendar is helpful for those who need to attend a hearing or proceeding or want to track the progress of a case. The calendar can be searched by county, court type, and date. This calendar is available on every courthouse website and is made publicly available for everyone to use.

Duties of the Clerk of the Court

The Pennsylvania clerk of the court is responsible for maintaining records, dockets, and documents. They can be used as a public resource to assist people in locating records and providing access to them. They also assist with filing case documents, collecting fees, and managing calendars. In addition, the clerk of the court is responsible for issuing marriage licenses, processing passport applications, and administering oaths and affirmations.

Conclusion

The Pennsylvania Judicial Branch is a valuable resource for legal history research and accessing important information. With the state’s tiered judicial system, accessing and obtaining records and documents is relatively straightforward. These resources allow you to search for case records and see upcoming hearings on dockets and calendars.