If I’ll be given a dollar for every lawsuit that is filed in the country, I would already be in a Caribbean island by now basking in the sun. People seem to have a penchant to bring every pain and problem they have in court. Lawyers are only too happy to oblige to this insatiable craving for judicial intervention.
This gluttony for legal remedies has bloated court dockets. If you’re a legal researcher, or just an ordinary person who wants to look for a particular case, then you’ll be in for an unpleasant surprise.
In order to save yourself from having to dig through tons of documents in courts, or from endlessly pounding your keyboard for cases, you must first know a few details about the suit that you’re looking for.
You’ll have the court record that you want in no time if you know the case number, but having the title alone may not be sufficient enough. For example, if you type “People vs. Johnson” in your favorite search engine, it will probably give you a few hundred cases that have the same title.
Before conducting your search for a particular court record, try to find out first when it was promulgated. It doesn’t have to be the exact date. Even the year will do. This would greatly narrow down your search and save you time from having to go through hundreds or thousands of cases that bear the same caption.
If you're pressed for time, I suggest using a reputable court records search service provider. They may charge you a small fee for using the service but at least you don't end up tearing at your hair out of frustration!
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
A Source of Interesting Facts...
Game consoles are fast becoming a common fixture in every household. I even think that it’s already a common and must-have home appliance.
Kids today are very lucky. The only form of video entertainment that I had when I was 5 years old was a Donkey Kong Game and Watch that my aunt gave me for my birthday. The game did not have any plot, and the actions were irritatingly repetitive. I grew tired of it after a few days after.
I kept myself busy back then by reading the almanac or trivia questions in the newspaper. It’s kind of nerdy, I know. I didn’t have many friends until I reached high school, so my childhood days were spent mostly at home.
Although I spend more time outside and with other people now, I still love reading almanacs and other sources of interesting facts. A few years ago, I found out that court records are very good sources of information. The facts may not be as relevant as those in the almanac, but it’s just as interesting ;)
It’s even more interesting sometimes since the court records that I usually check out are those from my city. It’s not surprising then that some of the parties in the cases that I’ve read were very prominent figures in the place where I live in. If almanacs don’t satisfy your curiosity anymore, try going through court records.
Kids today are very lucky. The only form of video entertainment that I had when I was 5 years old was a Donkey Kong Game and Watch that my aunt gave me for my birthday. The game did not have any plot, and the actions were irritatingly repetitive. I grew tired of it after a few days after.
I kept myself busy back then by reading the almanac or trivia questions in the newspaper. It’s kind of nerdy, I know. I didn’t have many friends until I reached high school, so my childhood days were spent mostly at home.
Although I spend more time outside and with other people now, I still love reading almanacs and other sources of interesting facts. A few years ago, I found out that court records are very good sources of information. The facts may not be as relevant as those in the almanac, but it’s just as interesting ;)
It’s even more interesting sometimes since the court records that I usually check out are those from my city. It’s not surprising then that some of the parties in the cases that I’ve read were very prominent figures in the place where I live in. If almanacs don’t satisfy your curiosity anymore, try going through court records.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Tolerated Fraud
It seems that advertisements hound us wherever we may go. We see them on the road in huge billboards, and even on the Internet in the form of annoying pop ups.
I can’t blame those companies for bombarding consumers with tons of information about their products. They do have to make a living. What I don’t understand and detest, however, are exaggerated claims. You would often hear or see companies claiming that their products are the best or that they were the first ones to come up with it.
Which company is telling the truth? That’s quite a difficult question to answer considering that most information on the Internet about a product comes from the producer itself. Companies that have similar goods often fight though, and these conflicts sometimes end up in lawsuits.
Maybe the question as to which company came up first with the service or product can be answered by looking at their arguments and the evidence that they’ve presented in court. Court records might be able to answer once and for all as to which corporation is telling the truth.
I can’t blame those companies for bombarding consumers with tons of information about their products. They do have to make a living. What I don’t understand and detest, however, are exaggerated claims. You would often hear or see companies claiming that their products are the best or that they were the first ones to come up with it.
Which company is telling the truth? That’s quite a difficult question to answer considering that most information on the Internet about a product comes from the producer itself. Companies that have similar goods often fight though, and these conflicts sometimes end up in lawsuits.
Maybe the question as to which company came up first with the service or product can be answered by looking at their arguments and the evidence that they’ve presented in court. Court records might be able to answer once and for all as to which corporation is telling the truth.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
American Idol
American Idol fever hit the country like a storm. Its TV ratings continue to float high above the others in its time slot. Almost everybody that I know watches it, or at least has an idea as to what the show is all about.
I have a high regard for some of the contestants, especially those who have gone through a lot just to make it to the show. I admire their very persistent character, and the way they handle victory and defeat.
There are times when admiration turns to idolatry though. I noticed this among many American Idol followers, especially the teenagers. I don’t see any problem with it, as long as it doesn’t turn to rabid fanaticism, and if the object of their respect and admiration has a sound and solid character.
I believe people should be careful about those they look up to as their role models. There’s more to a person than meets the eye. If you really want to know if he or she has a character worthy of admiration, then try to check public court records and see if your 'idol' has had a rough relationship with the law. A good role model, after all, respects the law and his fellow beings.
I have a high regard for some of the contestants, especially those who have gone through a lot just to make it to the show. I admire their very persistent character, and the way they handle victory and defeat.
There are times when admiration turns to idolatry though. I noticed this among many American Idol followers, especially the teenagers. I don’t see any problem with it, as long as it doesn’t turn to rabid fanaticism, and if the object of their respect and admiration has a sound and solid character.
I believe people should be careful about those they look up to as their role models. There’s more to a person than meets the eye. If you really want to know if he or she has a character worthy of admiration, then try to check public court records and see if your 'idol' has had a rough relationship with the law. A good role model, after all, respects the law and his fellow beings.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Giving the "Eyebrow" on Your Employer
Don’t you find it very irritating and a bit offending whenever you’re being asked for a certification that you’ve committed no crime or any wrongdoing whatsoever by your would-be employer? I know that they’re just being cautious, but sometimes the request ticks me off.
It’s not as if many applicants carry an AK-47 during interviews. In my case, I even go in with a clean, shaved look that I pair with a great smile (sounds like a personal ad, huh?). It’s sometimes hard to prove yourself worthy for a position, especially character-wise. But did it ever occur to you that your prospective employer might not be worthy of you?
There are employers who do not treat their employees well. Beware of companies that fire their employees in a whimsical manner, or withhold promised benefits and bonuses. Check the court records in your state if your would-be employer has been charged for any offense against the welfare of their workers. Who knows, your future boss might just not have what it takes to HIRE you.
It’s not as if many applicants carry an AK-47 during interviews. In my case, I even go in with a clean, shaved look that I pair with a great smile (sounds like a personal ad, huh?). It’s sometimes hard to prove yourself worthy for a position, especially character-wise. But did it ever occur to you that your prospective employer might not be worthy of you?
There are employers who do not treat their employees well. Beware of companies that fire their employees in a whimsical manner, or withhold promised benefits and bonuses. Check the court records in your state if your would-be employer has been charged for any offense against the welfare of their workers. Who knows, your future boss might just not have what it takes to HIRE you.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Think Before You Eat
I’ve always resented it whenever my mom admonishes me for eating too much junk food. Sure, it’s called junk, but the nutritional facts on the wrapper say otherwise. Between the company’s nutritionist and my mom who has a very obvious bias against my nachos, who would I believe?
My tongue does the choosing so naturally I believed the junk food company more than my mom. However, as I grew up, I’ve come across a lot of news about complaints against food companies regarding the falsities that they were indicating or claiming as to the ingredients and dietary benefits of their products. Some ended up in lawsuits.
If you think you’re favorite barbecue chip producer is not that trustworthy, try going through court records and see if you could find anything against them. Even if you’ve heard that they’ve been acquitted or absolved from any wrongdoing, the evidence against them may prove to be very informative, especially if they came from impartial experts.
My tongue does the choosing so naturally I believed the junk food company more than my mom. However, as I grew up, I’ve come across a lot of news about complaints against food companies regarding the falsities that they were indicating or claiming as to the ingredients and dietary benefits of their products. Some ended up in lawsuits.
If you think you’re favorite barbecue chip producer is not that trustworthy, try going through court records and see if you could find anything against them. Even if you’ve heard that they’ve been acquitted or absolved from any wrongdoing, the evidence against them may prove to be very informative, especially if they came from impartial experts.
Friday, October 20, 2006
Examining your Lawyer
Lawyers are supposed to be experts on the law. Logically, they are the last group of people that you would expect to see in jail or in court as the accused or defendant. Sadly, some of them do end up violating the laws that they swore to uphold and protect.
If you’re contemplating on hiring an attorney for your legal problems, make sure that he has no similar problems of his own. A lawyer who is busy defending himself will not be able to devote his entire time to his clients, or to anything else for that matter.
If the lawyer is candid, he would immediately disclose his past or present problems with the law. However, you can’t expect every attorney to be bold and honest enough to admit that they have committed a personal lapse on something that they should already be very familiar with. Go through court records in the state where your lawyer practices or conduct a background check on him and discover if he has a sterling character... or a tainted one.
If you’re contemplating on hiring an attorney for your legal problems, make sure that he has no similar problems of his own. A lawyer who is busy defending himself will not be able to devote his entire time to his clients, or to anything else for that matter.
If the lawyer is candid, he would immediately disclose his past or present problems with the law. However, you can’t expect every attorney to be bold and honest enough to admit that they have committed a personal lapse on something that they should already be very familiar with. Go through court records in the state where your lawyer practices or conduct a background check on him and discover if he has a sterling character... or a tainted one.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
History Books
Every park, road, and building in your locality has a story. You may not be aware of it, but some important or controversial event may have happened on the house that you frequently pass by when going to the office.
The public library is the usual repository of the records that contain accounts of the different events that transpired in the locality where it is situated. Researchers and history buffs usually resort to newspaper clippings for information. However, newspapers are sometimes unreliable and inaccurate story tellers, especially when the reporters add 'sweeteners' to their articles.
If you want a more accurate transcript of what happened in a particular place, check out the court records in your county, city, or state. The house that you’re interested in might have been the subject of a mortgage suit a few decades ago, or the park that you frequently go to might have been the site of a gruesome murder. Court records can tell very interesting tales.
The public library is the usual repository of the records that contain accounts of the different events that transpired in the locality where it is situated. Researchers and history buffs usually resort to newspaper clippings for information. However, newspapers are sometimes unreliable and inaccurate story tellers, especially when the reporters add 'sweeteners' to their articles.
If you want a more accurate transcript of what happened in a particular place, check out the court records in your county, city, or state. The house that you’re interested in might have been the subject of a mortgage suit a few decades ago, or the park that you frequently go to might have been the site of a gruesome murder. Court records can tell very interesting tales.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Business 101 through Court Records
I sometimes envy those people who earn a living without having to pay daily homage to a timekeeping machine. I’m sure you feel the same thing too, especially when you’re always tied up at the office.
Many are already putting up their own businesses in order to free up more time for themselves and their families. Setting up your own business takes more than just having sufficient capital though. There are various rules and regulations that are needed to be observed and complied with.
If you want to have an idea as to the “do's” and “dont's” in starting up and maintaining a store or a shop, you may want to check out the court records in your state that involve businesses. Court records are more effective in explaining to people what should and should not be done since it involves facts and disputes concerning a particular business law.
There’s nothing wrong in going directly to the text of the statute for guidance. However, if you’re the type who looks up to the ceiling whenever confronted with an esoteric legal term, then I suggest that you look into court records instead.
Many are already putting up their own businesses in order to free up more time for themselves and their families. Setting up your own business takes more than just having sufficient capital though. There are various rules and regulations that are needed to be observed and complied with.
If you want to have an idea as to the “do's” and “dont's” in starting up and maintaining a store or a shop, you may want to check out the court records in your state that involve businesses. Court records are more effective in explaining to people what should and should not be done since it involves facts and disputes concerning a particular business law.
There’s nothing wrong in going directly to the text of the statute for guidance. However, if you’re the type who looks up to the ceiling whenever confronted with an esoteric legal term, then I suggest that you look into court records instead.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Ignorance of the Law Can Never be a Bliss
We are all familiar with the legal maxim that ignorance of the law excuses no one from compliance therewith. Unfortunately for some, they found that out a little bit too late and ended up either in jail or in debt from the millions that they had to pay in damages.
Reading the various state and federal laws will definitely help you from ending up wearing orange-colored clothing for the rest of your life. However, it may come as a surprise to many that reading the law, no matter how voluminous the materials may be, is not enough to fully understand it.
Courts may have a different interpretation as to what the law really means. Hence, it is very important for all of us to be aware of the different interpretations or constructions that each statute has in order to ensure that we comply with them in the manner that the courts prescribe. Make sure that you include reading about previous court records as part of your endeavor to know more about our laws.
Reading the various state and federal laws will definitely help you from ending up wearing orange-colored clothing for the rest of your life. However, it may come as a surprise to many that reading the law, no matter how voluminous the materials may be, is not enough to fully understand it.
Courts may have a different interpretation as to what the law really means. Hence, it is very important for all of us to be aware of the different interpretations or constructions that each statute has in order to ensure that we comply with them in the manner that the courts prescribe. Make sure that you include reading about previous court records as part of your endeavor to know more about our laws.
Monday, October 09, 2006
Make Your Own Miracle
Have you ever tried making your own miracle? Some people have already tried and emerged successful. This is the tagline of one of my favorite movies, Lorenzo’s Oil. The film is about a boy who develops a very rare disease that has no potent cure available.
The boy’s father (played by Nick Nolte) sought the help of doctors who have devoted years in studying the disease. The experts were of the position that the chances of recovery were very slim, and that there is nothing much that can be done. Unfazed by the doctors’ pronouncement, he embarked on an intensive research on possible cures. Through hard work and perseverance, he eventually did found one and proved the experts wrong.
A similar situation could happen to you when engaging the services of a lawyer. Your counsel may say that your case is virtually hopeless or he may have a different opinion as to its chances and merits. While members of the bar are indeed knowledgeable on legal matters, they are far from being infallible. If you think that your lawyer failed to appreciate your case, make your own miracle. Do your own research. Try to look for court records that have facts similar to or related to your case. You might pick up something from it that can greatly help your case.
Ready to start? Try our No. 1 online court record provider pick - Court Record Online.
The boy’s father (played by Nick Nolte) sought the help of doctors who have devoted years in studying the disease. The experts were of the position that the chances of recovery were very slim, and that there is nothing much that can be done. Unfazed by the doctors’ pronouncement, he embarked on an intensive research on possible cures. Through hard work and perseverance, he eventually did found one and proved the experts wrong.
A similar situation could happen to you when engaging the services of a lawyer. Your counsel may say that your case is virtually hopeless or he may have a different opinion as to its chances and merits. While members of the bar are indeed knowledgeable on legal matters, they are far from being infallible. If you think that your lawyer failed to appreciate your case, make your own miracle. Do your own research. Try to look for court records that have facts similar to or related to your case. You might pick up something from it that can greatly help your case.
Ready to start? Try our No. 1 online court record provider pick - Court Record Online.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Court Records – Your Pocketbook Alternative
I’m sure that I’ll be raising many eyebrows by what I’m about to say, but I really think that court records are very good sources of entertainment. I’m not a fan of legal terms and procedures. I even frequently wonder why lawyers make everything complicated, especially the very simple task of narrating the facts of their cases.
Fortunately though, court records are often easy on the eyes and on the mind even for persons like me who are not really amused with words or phrases such as “habeas corpus” or “obiter dictum”. I even find many of them as resembling a John Grisham classic.
Nothing beats reading real-life stories, especially those that involve struggles with the law. If you’re tired of going through the Fictions Section of your favorite bookstore, then I suggest that you try flipping through the pages of court records where the action and the drama are as real as anywhere you can get.
Fortunately though, court records are often easy on the eyes and on the mind even for persons like me who are not really amused with words or phrases such as “habeas corpus” or “obiter dictum”. I even find many of them as resembling a John Grisham classic.
Nothing beats reading real-life stories, especially those that involve struggles with the law. If you’re tired of going through the Fictions Section of your favorite bookstore, then I suggest that you try flipping through the pages of court records where the action and the drama are as real as anywhere you can get.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Court Records - Find Out Who Owns What
When people think of 'court records' they immediately associate it with criminal cases or something of a dire nature. However, when looking up the history behind a piece land, court records are actually very valuable resources to have.
Property records detail many things about real estate such as a list of its owners, their contact info, when the property was last sold and its current value. These documents can be very useful whether you are simply doing research on a valuable or historic piece of land or whether you are actually disputing someone's ownership of it.
Porperty records are also often used by people who want to look up the property's history before buying it. So the next time some real estate presents itself on you, look it up first and see if it's worth your while.
Property records detail many things about real estate such as a list of its owners, their contact info, when the property was last sold and its current value. These documents can be very useful whether you are simply doing research on a valuable or historic piece of land or whether you are actually disputing someone's ownership of it.
Porperty records are also often used by people who want to look up the property's history before buying it. So the next time some real estate presents itself on you, look it up first and see if it's worth your while.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Court Records May Provide a Clue Regarding Your Adoption
In many states, adoption records are only public if they are 'old' or past a certain number of years. If they have not met this criterion, then it is very likely that the adoption records are sealed. To have them opened, one would have to file in court to unseal these records. And of course, the outcome of these cases is not always to allow the opening of such records.
If you just recently found out that you were adopted and now want to search for your birth parents, consider looking at court records that your birth parents may have filed in an effort to reach you. Of course, this is harder said than done and you need to ask your adopted parents a lot of questions but if you really want to find your birth parents, you should not leave any stone unturned.
If you just recently found out that you were adopted and now want to search for your birth parents, consider looking at court records that your birth parents may have filed in an effort to reach you. Of course, this is harder said than done and you need to ask your adopted parents a lot of questions but if you really want to find your birth parents, you should not leave any stone unturned.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Looking Up Criminal Records
Court records available today include court case files for civil court and for criminal court. The latter features court records of convicted criminals and will often inform you about the nature of the crime, the warrant for arrest, court proceedings and the result of the case.
Now why would you want to look up someone's court records? Well, unless you stay indoors and never go out and thus not have contact with any other human being, then it is probably a normal occurence that you come into contact with different types of people all the time. Ordinary contact such as people you normally see on your commute to work may not be cause for you to look up if they have any criminal record, but anybody you place in a position of trust should be subject to one.
For example, are you hiring new employees, getting a new nanny for your kid(s), or getting a driver? If your child is off to college, how sure are you his/her roommates are 'ok'?
It is never bad to err on the side of caution. And with times today the way they are, there is much more to pay if you are not careful.
Now why would you want to look up someone's court records? Well, unless you stay indoors and never go out and thus not have contact with any other human being, then it is probably a normal occurence that you come into contact with different types of people all the time. Ordinary contact such as people you normally see on your commute to work may not be cause for you to look up if they have any criminal record, but anybody you place in a position of trust should be subject to one.
For example, are you hiring new employees, getting a new nanny for your kid(s), or getting a driver? If your child is off to college, how sure are you his/her roommates are 'ok'?
It is never bad to err on the side of caution. And with times today the way they are, there is much more to pay if you are not careful.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Court Records Become More Accessible...
Reading through some news items today, I am brought back to the fact that searching for court records is very much a 'necessity' in many lawfirms. An article posted on Business Post today (click here for the full article) expresses the Ohio State Bar Association's plans to increase its legal search database to include case law and statues from all the other 50 US states. The records will be made available via the association's Casemaker digital library... for a fee of course.
Actually, despite this 'fee', many welcome the idea with open arms as Casemaker is an inexpensive alternative to such popular research tools as LexisNexis and Westlaw.
And the best part of all? Lawfirms are stating that the savings they will incur can be passed on to consumers. Dare we believe the statements of these lawyers?!? ;)
Actually, despite this 'fee', many welcome the idea with open arms as Casemaker is an inexpensive alternative to such popular research tools as LexisNexis and Westlaw.
And the best part of all? Lawfirms are stating that the savings they will incur can be passed on to consumers. Dare we believe the statements of these lawyers?!? ;)
Friday, September 15, 2006
Beware of Sexual Offenders in Your Area
Perhaps one of the most sickening topics plaguing America today is the increasing occurrence of child molestation. As a parent, it is our duty to provide for our children and to ensure that they live in an environment of safety.
One of the best ways you can protect your child is to conduct a court and criminal record search in your state for sexual offenders. Please do not think that a 'good neighborhood' is good enough. We all know that evil does not choose a specific place, , race, or income bracket.
It does not take much effort to conduct a criminal records search. Do it now. You owe it to your child and to your peace of mind.
One of the best ways you can protect your child is to conduct a court and criminal record search in your state for sexual offenders. Please do not think that a 'good neighborhood' is good enough. We all know that evil does not choose a specific place, , race, or income bracket.
It does not take much effort to conduct a criminal records search. Do it now. You owe it to your child and to your peace of mind.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Court Records - Murder She Wrote
In my spare time, which are too few and far between!, I actually like going over the Crime Library. Of particular interest to me are the unsolved crimes of the past. So much is attributed now to DNA analysis and the art of forensics that I cannot help but wonder how these crimes may be solved NOW or how easy it would have been to solve them had the tools we have now were available then.
Sometimes I come across 'popular' crimes and sometimes I read about crimes I have never heard of. And sometimes, I come across items that are simply of interest in my line of work and for those I go the extra mile and try and search their court records to see what really happened. I also especially do this when the crime is about to be made into a documentary or a movie as I have this penchant for checking how true the rendition is.
Anyway, before you get the wrong idea, I am not promoting crime at all! But if, like me, you're into thrillers and Murder She Wrote-type of content, then the Crime Library is perhaps for you too.
Sometimes I come across 'popular' crimes and sometimes I read about crimes I have never heard of. And sometimes, I come across items that are simply of interest in my line of work and for those I go the extra mile and try and search their court records to see what really happened. I also especially do this when the crime is about to be made into a documentary or a movie as I have this penchant for checking how true the rendition is.
Anyway, before you get the wrong idea, I am not promoting crime at all! But if, like me, you're into thrillers and Murder She Wrote-type of content, then the Crime Library is perhaps for you too.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Court Records - Information in Black and White
Growing up, I have always heard about my grandmother's brave pursuit of justice. She owned an apartment building and one bright day, a truck carrying gasoline hit it and the building was razed to the ground. The company responsible for the fleet was very powerful and so what was expected was that a tidy sum would be given to my grandmother as compensation and that was the end of it... my grandmother thought otherwise.
My grandmother who took pictures of her burning building, the truck that hit it and the DRIVER noted that the driver was actually drunk. To cut the long story short, my grandmother said no to the sum, sued the company for all it's worth, years passed, and she won. David has beaten Goliath...
This story would repeat itself over and over and since she died before I was born, it sort of made me view her as a Super Woman. So one day, I just decided to see if the story was true. I searched for the court records pertaining to her case. The document arrived and I spent all afternoon reading it; after that, I concluded... she really was Super Woman!
My grandmother who took pictures of her burning building, the truck that hit it and the DRIVER noted that the driver was actually drunk. To cut the long story short, my grandmother said no to the sum, sued the company for all it's worth, years passed, and she won. David has beaten Goliath...
This story would repeat itself over and over and since she died before I was born, it sort of made me view her as a Super Woman. So one day, I just decided to see if the story was true. I searched for the court records pertaining to her case. The document arrived and I spent all afternoon reading it; after that, I concluded... she really was Super Woman!
Friday, September 08, 2006
Choosing a Court Records Search Provider
Conducting a court records search is not an invasion of privacy. After all, these records will not be ‘open to the public’ if it was. Whatever your reasons are for making a court records search, know that the information is only as complete and updated as the source.
When looking for quality providers, choose one that…
- allows anonymous or confidential searches;
- offers correct, complete and updated results; and
- offer a money back guarantee!
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