Court Cases

[10ClarionSt]

I don't know if this correct category to post this in, but does anyone know a web site that publishes recent court cases in your own area?

[Buenchico]

You won't find any websites like the ones you seek.

There are two types of court records available to the public, official and unofficial:
The only official record of court proceedings (to which the public has an automatic right of access) is the Court Register. This is a public document and records just the 'bare bones' of each case. (e.g. "John Smith pleaded guilty to a charge of dangerous driving. Fined �100 and banned from driving for 6 months"). Court registers may be consulted, in person, at each court but there is no central register available to the public. To the best of my knowledge, there are no plans to make any court registers available online.

The unofficial records of court proceedings are those created when members of the media are present in court. Not all court cases have the press in attendance. Some newspapers simply quote the basic details from the Court Register but many minor court cases are never reported at all. Those cases which are reported in the press sometimes appear on the website of the newspaper but most newpaper websites aren't archived. (i.e. the pages are frequently changed and older editions can't be viewed).

If you want to look up details of a particular court case, the best place to go would be the local library which normally archives copies of local newspapers. (If the case was so minor that it went unreported you'll have to visit the court to consult the Register).

Chris