Identify the court name, case number, party names, and filing date if possible
Search the court’s official website or online case lookup portal
Use the court clerk’s office in person, by phone, or by email
Search state or federal court records databases
Check public access terminals at the courthouse
Use legal research databases such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, or PACER
Search by party name, attorney name, or case number
Search appellate court websites for published opinions
Review docket entries and case summaries
Request copies of records from the court clerk
Use newspaper archives or legal news sources for high-profile cases
Verify the jurisdiction before searching
Confirm spelling variations for names and case titles