How Do I Access Case Information?
The press and public can access case information by using the public computer terminals at any of the clerk's office locations. You may also access case information by using PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records). This is an electronic public access service that allows users to obtain case and docket information from Federal Appellate, District and Bankruptcy Courts, and from the U.S. Party/Case Index. Electronic access is available for most courts by registering with the PACER Service Center, the judiciary's centralized registration, billing, and technical support center at http://pacer.psc.uscourts.gov.
Why use Pacer?
The PACER System offers an inexpensive, fast, and comprehensive case information service to any individual with a personal computer (PC) and Internet access. The PACER system permits you to request information about a particular individual or case. The data is displayed directly on your PC screen within a few seconds. The system is simple enough that little user training or documentation is required.
Available Information
The PACER System offers electronic access to case dockets to retrieve information such as:
- A listing of all parties and participants including judges, attorneys, and trustees;
- A compilation of case related information such as cause of action, nature of suit, and dollar demand;
- A chronology of dates of case events entered in the case record;
- A claims registry;
- A listing of new cases each day;
- Appellate court opinions;
- Judgments or case status;
- Types of documents filed for certain cases; and
- Imaged copies of documents.
Opinions Search
The court makes recent opinions available at no charge. Click here to see U.S District Court of Kansas Opinions.
Journalist's Guide to the Federal Courts
The Administrative Office has published a Journalist Guide to the Federal Courts which is intended to assist representatives of the media assigned to court coverage.
Copies of Transcripts
To obtain a copy of a transcript, please contact the presiding judges' court reporter or courtroom deputy.
Photographs, Recordings, and Broadcasts
Radio or television broadcasting and the use of photographic, electronic, or mechanical reproduction or recording equipment is prohibited in the courthouse. There is a limited exception for devices used in connection with official court records. Ceremonial proceedings such as the administration of oaths of office to appointed officials of the court, naturalization, and presentation of portraits or awards may be photographed in or broadcast from the courtroom, only with permission and under the supervision of the court. This rule does not apply to employees who work in the courthouse or to use of courtrooms by other government agencies. D. Kan. Rule 83.2.1
Visiting the Courthouse
Journalists are welcome to our courthouses. Here are some tips for your visit:
- You must show a photo ID to enter the courthouse. You must pass through courthouse security.
- Please review our policy on bringing electronic communication devices in our courthouses. D. Kan. Rule 83.2.4
- The Court may grant permission to bring cameras in for ceremonial proceedings or court events. Contact the local clerk's office for more information. D. Kan. Rule 83.2.1
Links
Contact
Kim Leininger, Chief Deputy Clerk
Robert J. Dole U.S. Courthouse, Rm 259
500 State Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66101
Phone: 913-735-2225
Fax: 913-735-2201
Email: Kim_Leininger@ksd.uscourts.gov