### Civil, Family, and Orphans' Court Dockets (FJD Portal) For civil lawsuits, landlord-tenant disputes, family law matters (such as divorce or custody), and estate cases, the First Judicial District (FJD) of Pennsylvania maintains its own local search system. To access these records, visit the official First Judicial District of Pennsylvania website and navigate to the "Civil Inquiry" section. This portal provides real-time access to civil docket sheets, active filings, and scheduling information. ### Criminal Court Dockets (PA Unified Judicial System Portal)

For criminal cases prosecuted in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, records are maintained on the statewide Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System (UJS) Portal. The UJS Web Dockets section allows the public to search for criminal cases across the Commonwealth, including those in Philadelphia County. This portal is free to use and does not require an account to perform basic searches. ## How to Search the Portals Effectively Both the FJD and UJS portals offer multiple search parameters to help you locate a specific case docket. Depending on the information you have at the start of your search, you can utilize different search methods to narrow down the results.

* **Search by Name:** The systems support both partial and full name searches. If you only know a portion of a name or are uncertain of the exact spelling, entering a partial name can still generate relevant results. This flexibility helps ensure that searchers do not miss records due to minor spelling variations. * **Search by Docket Number:** If you have the unique docket number (e.g., MC-51-CR-... or CP-51-CR-...), this is the fastest and most accurate way to locate a case. * **Search by Date Range:** If you do not know the names of the parties but know when the case was filed, listings can be browsed by date range or month. This method is useful for individuals tracking cases initiated during a specific timeframe. * **Filtering Results:** To make the search process more manageable, listings can also be filtered by the first letter of the last name, case status (active vs. closed), or filing type. This filter helps narrow down large volumes of records, making it easier to locate the specific individual or case you are looking for. ## Information Available on Individual Docket Pages When you select a specific case from the search results, you will be directed to an individual page dedicated to that docket. These individual pages contain essential details regarding the case, including: * **Case Captions and Parties:** The names of the plaintiffs, defendants, judges, and representing attorneys. * **Docket Entries:** A chronological log of all actions taken in the case, including motions filed, orders issued, and hearing outcomes. * **Service Information:** Records of when and how legal documents, summonses, or notices were served to the parties involved in the case. * **Court Calendars:** Scheduled future events, such as conferences, hearings, and trial dates.

## Accessing Older or Restricted Records While the online databases are helpful tools, users should be aware of certain limitations. The availability of older records online is not guaranteed. Historical cases, particularly those resolved before the digitization of court records in the late 20th century, may not appear in online search results. Furthermore, sensitive cases—such as juvenile matters, certain family law cases, and sealed criminal records—are restricted from public view. If your online search does not yield any results, it does not necessarily mean the record does not exist. In such cases, you can request records directly from the court's administrative offices. ### In-Person Requests at the Office of Judicial Records

The Office of Judicial Records (formerly the Prothonotary for civil cases and the Clerk of Quarter Sessions for criminal cases) is the official custodian of records for the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. * **For Civil Records:** Visit the Office of Judicial Records located in City Hall (Room 296), Philadelphia, PA. * **For Criminal Records:** Visit the Criminal Filing Unit located in the Justice Juanita Kidd Stout Center for Criminal Justice (CJC), 1301 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, PA. Staff at these locations can assist with manual searches of physical archives and microfilmed records that are not accessible online. ### Requesting Certified Copies

If you require a certified copy of a docket or a specific filing for official or legal purposes, you must request it in person or by mail from the Office of Judicial Records. Unlike standard online printouts, certified copies carry an official seal and require a nominal processing fee. ## Verifying the Accuracy of Docket Information Because court dockets are official legal documents, accuracy is critical. Information on the online portals can change rapidly as new filings are processed, hearings are rescheduled, or administrative updates are made. To ensure the information you have is correct, always verify the details through the official court administration or the Office of Judicial Records. Relying on official channels rather than unverified third-party public record search engines ensures you receive the most accurate, up-to-date, and legally recognized information.