Case Inquiry Search Tips

The Case Inquiry System allows for broad public access to electronic Court records. There are three methods available for searching: Docket Number Inquiry, Party Name Inquiry and Attorney Case List.

Docket Number Inquiry

Use the Docket Number Inquiry to locate the Court docket sheet for a specific docket number.  The docket number is also known as the case number. 

1. In the Enter the Docket Number box, type the desired docket number.

2. Specify the Court Type for the desired docket number.

3. Check the box for Display Supreme Court entries only if you only want to see Michigan Supreme Court docket entries for the specified docket number, regardless of the court type chosen.

4. Click the Search button to begin the search.

5. Use the New Search button to clear out the search criteria, allowing new search criteria to be entered.

Once the search is complete, the docket sheet for that docket number will be displayed. For instructions on how to read the docket sheet, click here.  For further explanation of some of the abbreviations and terms used in the docket sheets, click here.

Docket Number Inquiry Search Hints

• A docket number uses numerals only. Do not use alpha characters or special characters. (For example: 123456)

• If you do not enter a valid docket number in the field, you will receive an error alert.

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Party Name Inquiry

Use the Party Name Inquiry to locate the Court docket sheet for a specific party name. The party name can be the name of an individual or organization.

1. In the Enter the Party Name box, enter the name of the party. The most comprehensive results will be achieved by placing an asterisk at the beginning and end of the root of the party name. Alternatively, the name must be entered exactly as it appears in the Court's database to ensure that a full and accurate response is generated.

2. Click the Search button to begin the search.

3. Use the New Search button to clear out the search criteria, allowing new search criteria to be entered.

Once the search is complete, the Name Inquiry screen will display. Scroll through the list of matching cases using the <<Prev and Next>> links, located at the top of the Name Inquiry screen. To access a particular docket sheet, click the docket number of the case you are interested in. For instructions on how to read the docket sheet, click here. For further explanation of some of the abbreviations and terms used in the docket sheets, click here.

Party Name Inquiry Search Hints

• For an individual, the form must be LastName FirstName. There should be no comma and only one space separating the Last Name from the First Name. (For example: Smith Tracy) If a middle initial appears in the Court's database, it must be included in the search field to generate full and accurate results.

• For an organization, enter the name of the organization. (For example: ABC Inc.)

• Searching may be done based on partial name, by using a wildcard (an asterisk) (For example: Smi* will match Smith, Smithers, Smiley...). Note that searches using wildcards may take longer to return results, but they require less accuracy in the search terms.

  Go to Party Name Inquiry  Return to Top

Attorney Case List

Use the Attorney Case List to locate the Court docket sheet for a specific attorney. You can search based on either attorney bar number or attorney name.

1. Select either the Attorney Bar Number or the Attorney Name option.

2. Depending on the option selected, type the attorney bar number in the Enter the Attorney Bar Number box, or type the attorney name in the Enter the Attorney Name box. The most comprehensive results will be achieved by placing an asterisk at the beginning and end of the attorney's last name. Alternatively, the full name must be entered exactly as it appears in the Court's database to ensure that an accurate response is generated.

3. Click the Search button to begin the search.

4. Use the New Search button to clear out the search criteria, allowing new search criteria to be entered.

Once the search is complete, the resulting attorney case list will be displayed in descending release date order.  Scroll through the list of matching cases.  To view the Court docket sheet, single click on the desired docket number link.  The docket sheet will open. For instructions on how to read the docket sheet, click here.  For further explanation of some of the abbreviations and terms used in the docket sheets, click here.

Attorney Case List Search Hints

• To search by attorney bar number, enter the numeric portion only in the Attorney Bar Number field.

• To search by individual attorney name, enter the attorney Last Name then First Name. There should be no comma and only one space separating the Last Name from the First Name. (For example: Smith Tracy) If a middle initial appears in the Court's database, it must be included in the search field to generate full and accurate results.

• Searching may be done based on partial name, by using a wildcard (an asterisk). Note that searches using wildcars may take longer to return results, but they require less accuracy in the search terms. (For example: Smi* will match Smith, Smithers, Smiley...).

  Go to Attorney Case List  Return to Top

How To Read a Docket Sheet

Docket sheets contain basic information about the case and the parties, and list the events that have occurred including filing and disposition.   

Docket Number and Short Title

The top of the docket sheet lists the docket number and the short title of the case.

Parties

The next section of the docket sheet lists the parties in the case, along with their counsel. Party connection codes appear to the right of the party name. Attorney codes appear in the next column of the docket sheet.   

The status area describes the status of the case at the time the docket sheet is viewed.  

Docket events are listed according to date. Each event on the docket lists the following:   

• Docket date.
  

• Event number assigned by the appellate court.
  

• Event type.
  

Search Tips last updated on September 21, 2007.