59. docket

What is a Docket in Law?

A docket is an official record of legal proceedings that lists all filings, motions, hearings, and decisions in a case. It serves as a case management tool used by courts, attorneys, and the public to track the progress of a lawsuit or criminal case.

---

Key Features of a Docket:

1. Case Identification – Includes the case number, names of parties, and court information.

2. Chronological Record – Lists all legal actions taken in the case, such as filings, motions, and rulings.

3. Court Hearings & Deadlines – Shows scheduled hearings, trial dates, and deadlines for submitting legal documents.

4. Public vs. Sealed Dockets – Some dockets are public records, while others (like juvenile or classified cases) may be restricted.

---

Types of Dockets:

Type	Description
Court Docket	A record of all proceedings in a particular case.
Trial Docket	A schedule of cases set for trial on specific dates.
Criminal Docket	A record of criminal cases, including arraignments, pleas, and sentencing.
Civil Docket	Tracks civil lawsuits, including motions and hearings.
Appellate Docket	A record of appeals filed and their outcomes.

---

Example of a Docket Entry:

A docket might look like this in a court system:

Case Number: 2024-CV-12345 Parties: John Doe v. ABC Corporation Entries:

• 01/05/2024: Complaint filed by Plaintiff

• 01/12/2024: Answer filed by Defendant

• 02/10/2024: Motion to Dismiss filed

• 03/01/2024: Court hearing scheduled

---

Why is a Docket Important?

• Tracks Case Progress – Helps attorneys, judges, and litigants stay updated.

• Ensures Court Transparency – Allows public access to legal proceedings (except in confidential cases).

• Aids in Legal Research – Lawyers use past dockets to study case precedents and strategies.

A docket is essentially the roadmap of a case, providing a detailed history of court proceedings from filing to resolution.

---

reference

---

1. Merriam-Webster Dictionary – Docket

• URL: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/docket

• Explanation: Provides the definition of "docket" as a formal abridged record of the proceedings in a legal action, including a register of such records.

---

2. U.S. Courts – Court Records

• URL: https://www.uscourts.gov/court-records

• Explanation: Explains that the main type of record federal courts create and maintain is a case file, which contains a docket sheet and all documents filed in a case.

---

3. GW Law Library – Court Dockets, Records, & Rules

• URL: https://law.gwu.libguides.com/dockets

• Explanation: Describes a docket as a formal record in which a judge or court clerk briefly notes all the proceedings and filings in a court case.

---

4. Supreme Court of the United States – Docket

• URL: https://www.supremecourt.gov/docket/docket.aspx

• Explanation: Allows users to search for the docket in a particular case by using a Supreme Court docket number, a case name, or other words or numbers included on a docket report.

---

5. PACER – Public Access to Court Electronic Records

• URL: https://pacer.uscourts.gov/

• Explanation: Provides electronic public access to federal court records, including dockets, allowing users to search for case information and documents filed in federal appellate, district, and bankruptcy courts.

---