Case Lookup
The case lookup tools let you search for cases in the system and view their full history.
Searching for Cases
You can search for cases from two places:
Sidebar Search
The clerk sidebar includes a case search field. Type at least 2 characters to search by:
Case number (e.g., "2026-CV-00123")
Case title (e.g., "Smith v. Jones")
Results appear as you type, showing up to 15 matches from your court. Each result displays the case number, title, status, and case type. Click a result to open the full case view.
Case Search Page
Navigate to Case Lookup from the sidebar. The dedicated search page provides the same search fields with a larger results area.
Case View
The case view page shows the complete record for a CMS case. The header displays:
Case title (e.g., "Smith v. Jones")
Case number
Court name
Case type and subtype
Filed date
Status badge (Open, Closed, or Pending)
Below the header, four tabs organize the case data:
Timeline
A chronological view of all activity on the case -- docket entries, filings, and status changes. Each entry shows the date, event code, description, and any attached documents.
Parties
All parties associated with the case, showing:
Party name (individual or business)
Role (Plaintiff, Defendant, Petitioner, Respondent, etc.)
Active/Inactive status
Contact information (email, phone, address)
Documents
All documents filed into the case record. From this tab you can:
View any document by clicking its title.
Download documents.
Generate a Bench Book -- an assembled PDF containing a cover page, table of contents, and selected case documents. Use this to prepare materials for a judge.
Filings
All e-filings associated with this case, ordered by submission date (newest first). Each filing shows its status, documents, parties, and assigned clerk. Click a filing to open it in the review screen.
Verdict CMS Cases
Cases in the system mirror the Verdict CMS. When a filing is accepted, it is recorded into the CMS -- either creating a new case or adding to an existing one. The case view reflects the CMS state including:
Docket entries created by the CMS recording process
Documents with stamped versions
Financial records (fees assessed and collected)
The case view is read-only. To make changes to a case, process filings through the review queue. Changes to party information, case type, or other details should be made on the filing during review.
Linking a Filing to an Existing Case
If a filer submits a new-case filing that should be on an existing case (or links to the wrong case), you can correct this from the review screen:
Open the filing.
In the filing details section, click the CMS case field.
Search for the correct case by number or title.
Select it. The filing is now linked to that case and will be recorded there when accepted.
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