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Are Massachusetts court records public?

Author

Matthew Cannon

Updated on February 20, 2026

Are Massachusetts court records public?

Why are court records public? The Massachusetts Public Records Law was passed in 1851, with the most recent amendments coming back in the 1970s. It is intent that all records maintained by both state and local government should be available for access and copy by the public.

Also, how do I find court records in Massachusetts?

To find old court records, please see Accessing Court Archives.

You'll need a public terminal computer, which you can find at any Massachusetts courthouse, County Registry of Deeds sites or a supported browser:

Internet Explorer, Version 7 or higher.
Firefox.
Chrome.

Similarly, how do I find court records? Obtaining Copies of Court Records in the Federal Records Centers

Visit the National Archives Order Reproductions page.
Click on "Order Reproductions" then "Court Records"
Select the appropriate court (Bankruptcy, Civil, Criminal, or Court of Appeals)
Follow the onscreen prompts to set up an account and place your order.

In this manner, are criminal records public in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts Public RecordsThis is in accordance with the Massachusetts Public Information Act, which ensures government information and records are available to the public. The following information is available through the Massachusetts State Records website: criminal records, court records, and vital records.

Are mugshots public record in Massachusetts?

As for mug shots, Massachusetts law says booking photos taken prior to criminal proceedings are public record and do not fall under a public-records exemption granted for CORI, or Criminal Offender Record Information, reports.

How do I look up court records for free?

If you're looking for court records from a case filed in federal court, you can find it by searching on the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) website at Most states have records of civil cases and family law cases online, and some have records of traffic violations.

Where can I find court dockets online?

To order court records online:

Visit the National Archives Order Reproductions page.
Click on "Order Reproductions" then "Court Records"
Select the appropriate court (Bankruptcy, Civil, Criminal, or Court of Appeals)
Follow the onscreen prompts to set up an account and place your order.

How do I get a copy of my criminal record in Massachusetts?

Requesting a Copy of Your Criminal Record

You can request your record by submitting an application online by visiting the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services iCORI, the Criminal Offender Record Information Support system. CORI is an electronic database, which stores criminal records.

How do I find out if someone is in jail in Massachusetts?

Visit VINELink to search for Massachusetts inmates online. To find inmates with this search tool, you have to provide their full first and last names or their inmate ID Numbers. Members of the public may also call VINELink at (866) 277-7477 to ask about the locations of inmates in MADOC-controlled facilities.

How do you find out if you have an active warrant Massachusetts?

You cannot simply go online and tap in your name to learn if a bench warrant was issued against you. However, if you know that you missed a jury duty call, you can go to the court clerk magistrate's office at the district court in Massachusetts where you had jury duty and ask.

Are police reports public record in RI?

If you are requesting information on an arrest which occurred longer than five days ago, or seeking more detailed information about the arrest, such as a narrative report, this is considered to be a regular public records request, and the police department has 10 days to respond.

How do I check my criminal case status?

There are three ways to get the case number:

If the case was filed in 2004 or later, use the criminal case index search.
Go to the Clerk's Office where the case is filed.
Mail or take a letter to the Clerk's Office asking them to search for you.

Are restraining orders public record in MA?

The "Statewide Domestic Violence Record Keeping System" has records of new and old restraining orders and civil and criminal records involving domestic or other violence from all over Massachusetts. The State has 2 systems that track domestic violence orders and crimes.

Can you access criminal records for free?

'Subject access request' from the police

However, under the Data Protection Act, you're able to ask the police for a copy of your criminal record. This is known as a 'subject access request' (SAR). The SAR is free, and the police have up to one calendar month to supply it.

How do I find public criminal records?

There are three ways to look at court records:

Go to the courthouse and ask to look at paper records.
Go to the courthouse and look at electronic court records.
If your court offers it, look at electronic records over the internet. This is called “remote access.”

Can I see my police record?

However, under the Data Protection Act, you're able to ask the police for a copy of your criminal record. This is known as a 'subject access request' (SAR). The SAR is free, and the police have up to one calendar month to supply it. For more details on how to apply, see our information on police records.

Can you look up convicted felons?

Simply enter a name to search. Consult the Federal Bureau of Prisons' inmate locator. A search by name will determine if the individual in question has been an inmate of a federal prison at any time since 1982. You will know the person is a felon, though the site will not report the nature of the person's crime.

How do I find free public records?

Luckily, most court information is public record. To find it, go to your state's official government website or find the information you need at the National Center for State Courts. Make sure you search every state that the person you're checking has lived in.

Can you look up court dates online?

Find My Court Date for a Federal Offense

According to the United States Courts website, “PACER allows anyone with an account to search and locate appellate, district, and bankruptcy court case and docket information.” There is also a tool called the PACER Case Locator if you aren't sure which court your case is under.

Are court records public record?

Court records fall under the umbrella of information that is generally available for public inspection. However, some records and record information cannot be disclosed because they are deemed confidential either by law or by court rule.

How do I find my case?

You may also view existing case information by clicking on the 'Filing history' tab in your Online Registry account, and then by clicking on the transaction number which will then display your case number/filing party name.

How do I find out if someone went to court?

Method 1

From there, you can search by the defendant's name, the attorney's name, date, or by courtroom. In other courts, you might have to call the court clerk and ask when a hearing is scheduled. You might also ask one of the parties if you know them. They can tell you the courtroom and the date of the hearing.

How do I look up DUI records?

You can look up drunk driving records with a first and last name and the state the person resides in. This can be done at the DMV or online public record repositories ( see links below ). When you locate the relevant DUI records make sure you verify you've found the correct record for the right person.

How much does it cost to get a court order?

If you plead guilty or are found guilty of any offence the court will order that you pay mandatory court costs of $85 (as at July 2019) unless you: get a section 10 for a case in the NSW Drug Court. get a section 10 dismissal for an offence that does not have a jail sentence.

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