Course: Introduction
A docket is a log containing the complete history of each case in the form of brief chronological entries summarizing the court proceedings.
In the legal context, a docket refers to a log or register that contains the complete history of each case that comes before a court. The docket serves as a record of all the proceedings and actions that have taken place in the case, and it is used by judges, attorneys, and court staff to keep track of the case’s status and to ensure that all necessary steps are taken in a timely manner.
Dockets typically include a variety of information about each case, such as the names of the parties involved, the date the case was filed, and the names of the attorneys representing each party. They also include a summary of each action or proceeding that takes place in the case, such as the dates of hearings, the filing of motions, and the issuance of orders by the court.
The entries in a docket are typically brief and chronological, allowing anyone who reads the docket to quickly and easily understand the history of the case. The docket serves as a valuable tool for judges, attorneys, and court staff, as it allows them to track the progress of each case and to ensure that all necessary steps are taken in a timely manner.
In addition to providing a record of the proceedings in a case, the docket also serves as a public record. This means that anyone can access the docket and review the history of a particular case. This can be especially important in cases involving public interest, such as high-profile criminal cases or cases involving important legal issues.
The docket is also used to schedule court hearings and other proceedings in a case. Judges and court staff rely on the docket to ensure that hearings are scheduled in a way that is efficient and that allows all parties to be heard. This can be especially important in complex cases that involve multiple parties or that require significant preparation and scheduling.
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Last Modified: 04/15/2023