Complaint Filed
Plaintiff's initial pleading
CourtFile
Docket Entry Explainer
Understand common court docket entries.
Common Docket Entries
Summons Issued
Court issues summons to be served
Proof of Service
Evidence that defendant was served
Answer Filed
Defendant's response to complaint
Motion to Dismiss
Defendant challenges the complaint
Discovery Requests
Parties request information from each other
Scheduling Order
Court sets deadlines for case milestones
Motion for Summary Judgment
Party asks court to decide case without trial
Understanding the Docket
Chronological
Entries are listed in order of filing
Party Abbreviations
PLF = Plaintiff, DEF = Defendant
Document Types
Pleadings, motions, orders, notices
Status
Open, closed, pending, resolved
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a docket?
The official court record of all filings and proceedings in a case.
How do I access the docket?
Through PACER for federal courts, or the court's website for many state courts.