Pennsylvania Public Records /Pennsylvania Court Records Online

Pennsylvania Court Records Online

Are Court Records in Pennsylvania Open to the Public?

Yes, court records in Pennsylvania are open to the public according to the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law. This law defines a public record as any information documenting the transactions or activities of Commonwealth and local agencies, created, retained, or received in connection with their business. However, the law specifically grants public access only to the financial records of judicial agencies. For other court records, the Public Records Policies of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania provide access.

Requesters must provide specific details to receive court records, such as:

Case number
Defendant's first and last name
Filing date of the case (or a date range)

What Information Appears in a Pennsylvania Court Records Search?

A Pennsylvania court records search typically reveals:

Identifying information of participants
Details of the court proceedings
Case outcomes
Documents such as dockets, photographs, and books

How To Find Court Records in Pennsylvania

To find court records in Pennsylvania, the first step is to identify the court where the case was filed. Pennsylvania's unified judicial system includes three appellate courts and several trial courts.

Next, contact the record custodian for the court. Prothonotaries maintain records for appellate courts, while Prothonotaries and Clerks of Courts maintain records for trial courts. Requesters may search records in-person, by mail, or online. Fees vary by court and type of record requested.

Public Access to Pennsylvania Court Records

Before accessing a Pennsylvania court record, requesters must provide certain information, such as the docket number and names of the parties involved. Fees for obtaining copies vary by county and type of record. For instance, Allegheny County charges $20 for certified copies, while Montgomery County charges 25 cents per page for paper records.

Searching Pennsylvania Court Records by Name

To search court records by name in Pennsylvania, one must visit the courthouse where the case was filed and provide the name of a case participant. Requesters can view or copy records by providing this information to the court clerk's office. Fees for copies are assessed per page and vary by court.

Electronic access is available via the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania portal. However, printable copies are limited to docket sheets and court summaries. Some counties offer online case portals for viewing or purchasing documents.

How To Access Court Records Online for Free in Pennsylvania

Court records can be accessed online for free through a court's electronic case management system using a name, case number, or other search parameters. Public computers at courthouses may also offer free access.

Another option is to use private aggregate websites, though a nominal fee may apply. Both government and third-party websites provide access to court records, but availability may vary.

Exemptions for Pennsylvania Court Case Lookup

Certain Pennsylvania court records are exempt from public inspection. These exemptions include:

Unexecuted search warrants
Sealed records (e.g., indictments, mental health records)
Juror notes
Pre-sentencing reports
Child support and adoption records
Juvenile delinquency records

Access to these records is typically granted only to involved parties or those with court approval.

Finding a Court Docket in Pennsylvania

A Pennsylvania court docket lists every proceeding, event, or filing in a case. It includes information such as case party names, docket number, court appearance dates, assigned judge, and case status.

To obtain a court docket, visit or contact the court clerk where the case was filed. Alternatively, search the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania's Case Search Portal using relevant search parameters.

What Information Is Found in Pennsylvania Judgment Records?

Pennsylvania judgment records contain:

Litigants' names
Judge's name
Judgment date
Specific claims or charges
Issued judgment

These records are public and can be obtained by visiting the court clerk's office and providing the case number or litigants' names. Requesters must cover copying or certification costs.

Are Bankruptcy Records in Pennsylvania Publicly Accessible?

Yes, Pennsylvania bankruptcy records are publicly accessible. These records are created when debtors file for bankruptcy in district courts. Requesters must provide the debtor's name or case number to access these records.

How To Search Bankruptcy Records in Pennsylvania

Bankruptcy records can be found by:

Visiting the bankruptcy courthouse where the case was filed
Mailing a request to the bankruptcy court clerk's office
Calling the Voice Case Information System (McVCIS)
Using the PACER service

Viewing records at the courthouse is free, but copies cost 50 cents per page. PACER charges 10 cents per page, with certain conditions for free access.

Different Types of Courts in Pennsylvania

Federal Courts:
- United States District Courts
- United States Bankruptcy Courts
State Courts:
- Supreme Court
- Superior Court
- Commonwealth Court
- Courts of Common Pleas
- Magisterial District Courts
- Municipal Courts

Understanding the Differences Between Civil and Small Claims Courts in Pennsylvania

Courts of Common Pleas have unlimited jurisdiction over all civil matters, while Magisterial District Courts and the Philadelphia Municipal Court handle small claims involving sums not exceeding $12,000. Small claims courts are less formal, faster, and less expensive.

Small claims matters have statutes of limitations, such as two years for personal injuries and four years for contract breaches. While legal representation is not required, seeking legal advice is advisable before filing.

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