Federal Court Records 101

Federal court records are complete and detailed accounts of what has transpired in a controversy decided upon by a federal tribunal. These records involve cases ranging from misdemeanors to bankruptcies. The tribunals from which Federal court records are taken may be a court of general or special jurisdiction. Regardless of the subject matter of the case, these records may be conveniently obtained online.

Federal court records are simply records of federal court proceedings. Court cases in these tribunals may vary. This is especially true because there are two types of courts created under federal law: general jurisdiction courts and specific subject-matter jurisdiction courts.

General jurisdiction courts are created under the mandate granted by Article III of the U.S. Constitution. In essence, virtually any case not covered under specific subject-matter jurisdiction is heard or tried in these courts. Cases like felonies, misdemeanors, and other crime related cases are tried in general jurisdiction courts.

Specific subject-matter jurisdiction courts are created by the U.S. Congress using Article I of the constitution as basis. The name itself implies that these courts entertain cases related to specific subjects like bankruptcy and family relations.

Federal Court Records – A Look at Bankruptcy Courts

An example of a specific subject-matter jurisdiction tribunal is the Bankruptcy Court which adjudicates controversies governed by the Bankruptcy code.

A petitioner (whether an individual or business) may file for bankruptcy under any of the six chapters in the code. Chapter 7 deals with the complete (or almost complete) liquidation of assets of an individual or company.
On the other hand, Chapter 9 involves Municipal bankruptcy.
Chapter 11 reorganizes assets (allowing the individual or business to keep most if not all assets) and comes up with a payment schedule which takes into consideration existing income or revenue.
Chapter 12 is similar to Chapter 11 except that it is specifically for farmers and fishermen.
Chapter 13 is also like Chapter 11, but deals specifically with individuals.
Lastly, Chapter 15 is for foreign companies doing business with American individuals or companies.

Federal Court Records – Where You Can Find Them

Some courts hear only the original cases, while others entertain appealed ones. However, there are also courts that hear both. There are also groups of courts within a particular jurisdiction that have its judges roam and hear cases in the different branches alternately. These are called circuit courts.

But going back to federal court records, some court records are not available to the public due to several reasons, such as cases where a court order is executed to seal the records or if the suit is a grand jury case. Most records are available through the respective court clerk though. But for those who want or need to request for records from the comfort of their own home or in the office, these records are available online through PACER (which is the court system’s online record request system) or through various online detectives or record providers.

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If you have a particular federal court record in mind that you want to obtain, feel free to visit RecordsSiteReviews' federal court case records section, where you will find today’s leading online search service providers.
 
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