All too often, the people that we meet are not who they seem to be, which can prove to be devastating in this day and age. However, with just a quick look at North Dakota court records will reveal a lot about someone and verify who they are actually.

Unfortunately, physically searching for North Carolina court records can become quite a challenge. Most people do not have the time, or the energy to find the information that they need. However, you do not need a team of research specialists to find the court records that you need. In order to find specific information amount the thousands of North Carolina court records on file, you simply need to know where to look.

Understanding the North Dakota Judicial System

The judicial system in North Dakota is made up of a number of district courts and municipal courts in addition to the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court. It is the commitment of the court system to provide “an equal and fair system of justice to citizens of North Dakota.”

The district courts in the state have general authority over all kinds of cases, with the exception of municipal ordinance violations. Such violations are the responsibility of the municipal courts.

The only courts in the state that hear jury trials are the district courts. In addition, every district court in North Dakota includes a small claims division that is in charge of handling cases that involve less than $5,000. The district courts in the state also have a juvenile division, which has exclusive authority over all matters that involve juveniles. The district courts also have some authority over civil claim cases that are made in the tribal areas.

Obtaining North Dakota Court Records

Since the Freedom of Information Act went into effect, each of the fifty states is charged with the responsibility of determining which records in that state are to be deemed public records. In the state of North Dakota, you can file a request for public court records and use them for any purpose.

North Dakota maintains a significant amount of information contained within public court records. According to the law in this state, everyone has the right to access North Dakota court records without divulging a reason for their search, or the way that they intend to use the information that they find. If you are interested in gaining access to North Dakota court records, in most cases you can do so free of charge with the option to request copies for a reasonable fee.

Opinions of the court, forms, research and notices are available for public review by going through the North Dakota Court Administrator's Office. The website for the North Dakota Supreme Court features a search tool to help you find the North Dakota court records that you need. You have the option of searching by name, case number or citation number.

In addition to searching for North Dakota records online, you can also contact the court clerk working at the courthouse where the specific court records you need are kept, including district courts, municipal courts as well as the Supreme Court.

• North Dakota Legislative Branch

• North Dakota State Court Districts