A common denominator for many journalists pursuing federal stories is PACER, a government website that provides case and docket information from U.S. federal courts. These tips can help you navigate the complex information center.
Main searches: Searches can be conducted by defendant name, by U.S. attorney name, or defense lawyer. Prosecutors provide the best outcomes because they will appear in every filing even if the defendant does not. For example, if John Smith gets arrested, and John Smith’s house gets raided with a search warrant, that search warrant is not going to be filed under John Smith’s docket. The search warrant for John Smith is going to say “USA v. 123 Main St.,” and it will only be found by searching the prosecutor’s name. Department of Justice press releases about arrests list the names of prosecutors handling the case.
Search warrants: Use key phrases and asterisks as wildcards to broaden your search. For example, email search warrants can be obtained by entering a search term in PACER such as: USA v. *.com.
Probation monitoring: Whenever a sentence includes a probation period, set a reminder to check documents as the end of the probationary period approaches. Prosecutors file notices to the court indicating how the sentenced party performed during probation.
Check a docket schedule before a long weekend: Arrests can occur late on a Friday in order to keep a defendant in detention in hopes of obtaining cooperation.
Check PACER periodically: Following an arrest, check regularly during the first week for detention hearings and other appearances. On the terrorism beat, search for documents by terrorism prosecutors. For the current protests, check for charges daily.
Press freedom is core to our mission to power journalism in the public interest. We need your help to continue this important work. Show your support for a free press and its role in a healthy democracy with a donation in any amount to the National Press Club Journalism Institute today.
