Case Management/Electronic Case Files (CM/ECF) System
Most docket sheets and documents in pending criminal and civil cases are available electronically over the internet through the Court's Case Management/Electronic Case Files (CM/ECF) System. The CM/ECF system includes documents for nearly all civil cases filed on or after July 1, 2000, as well as for many cases filed prior to that date. Once you have accessed the CM/ECF System, complete PACER login, select Public Query, enter a name OR case number in the format as outlined in Search Clues and select Run Query. After the case number is retrieved, select Docket Report to obtain a docket sheet (an index of the documents in the case). Scroll through the docket report and select the document you wish to retrieve by clicking on the document number.
PACER (Public Access Court Electronic Records)
The Public Access Court Electronic Records (PACER) System contains docket sheet information on most criminal and civil cases that are unavailable through the CM/ECF System. A national District Court case and party index is also available through PACER. You must register with PACER to view cases not in the CM/ECF system. The charge per page is $.10.
Copy Requests
Although you are encouraged to obtain the information you seek through CM/ECF or PACER, the Clerk's Office will fulfill copy requests at a cost of $.50 per page and $11.00 if you wish to have the document certified. Copy requests can be made in person at the courthouses, by mail, or online by completing the following form. When submitting your copy requests using the online form you will receive a phone call or email from Clerk's Office staff regarding copy charges and payment options at the phone number or email address listed in your online request.
If your request is for a Northern District of Ohio, Bankruptcy record please contact the United States Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Ohio at http://www.ohnb.uscourts.gov/