PUBLIC RECORD GUIDE
PACER Basics
Accounts, fees, docket sheets, and what PACER does not contain.
Where to look
- PACER — Federal dockets. https://pacer.uscourts.gov
- RECAP / CourtListener — Already-fetched public PDFs. https://www.courtlistener.com
Steps
- Create an account. Do not share login.
- Search, then read the docket before paying for every PDF.
- Prefer a RECAP copy when it already exists.
Questions
Does PACER include state court?
No. State portals are separate.
Independent public-records resource operated by Helm Legal Technologies. Not a law firm. Not legal advice. Topic-led, not anonymous. Methodology: /methodology. Corrections: /corrections.