> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.cottfile.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.cottfile.com/clerk-guide/case-lookup.md).

# Case Lookup

The case lookup tools let you search for cases in the system and view their full history. There is no dedicated "Case Lookup" link in the clerk sidebar -- instead, you access case information directly from the filing review screen.

## Accessing Case Information

When reviewing a filing, the filing details panel on the right shows the linked case. Click the **case number** link to open the full case view. If the filing is for a new case, the case record is created when you accept the filing.

## 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.

{% hint style="info" %}
**📹 GIF:** The case view page -- clicking through the Timeline, Parties, Documents, and Filings tabs, then clicking "Bench Book" on the Documents tab to open the document selection dialog.
{% endhint %}

### 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)

{% hint style="info" %}
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.
{% endhint %}

## 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:

1. Open the filing.
2. In the filing details section, click the CMS case field.
3. Search for the correct case by number or title.
4. Select it. The filing is now linked to that case and will be recorded there when accepted.

{% hint style="info" %}
**📹 GIF:** Linking a filing to an existing case -- clicking the CMS case field in the review panel, typing a case number in the search box, selecting the correct case from the results, and seeing the case context update.
{% endhint %}


---

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