Limitations

Requests for aggregate data in electronic format is subject to the following restrictions:

  • The Judicial Branch shall not be required, in response to a request for public access to court records, to create a non-standard data element, to make a data element available electronically that is not presently available electronically, or to produce a nonstandard or alternative format report.
  • The Judicial Branch shall not be required to allow inspection or copying of a record in its electronic format if doing so would jeopardize or compromise the security or integrity of the original record or of any proprietary software in which it is maintained.
  • The Judicial Branch shall not be required to aggregate data, extract data, or create a non-standard document to comply with an electronic record request if doing so would impair the Judicial Branch’s ability to discharge its duties.
  • The Judicial Branch shall not be required to provide public access to the following data elements in an electronic record: social security numbers, street addresses, telephone numbers, personal identification numbers, motor vehicle driver’s licenses and license plate numbers, and financial account information.

Aggregate Data

  • The Judicial Branch has no duty to provide aggregate data. However, any person may request aggregate data directly from the Judicial Branch, if the request consists solely of data that is publicly accessible, is not already available in an existing report, and pertains to new filings, dispositions, judgments, and satisfaction of judgments.
  • Requests will include a completed electronic Data Request Form.
  • Aggregate data requests shall be limited to no greater than the preceding three-month period from the date of request.
  • Absent a showing of good cause, the Judicial Branch shall provide aggregate data within the above limitations; for purposes of this standard, good cause means the Judicial Branch’s electronic case management system is not capable of compiling the requested data.
  • The Judicial Branch may compile and provide additional data if it determines, in the exercise of its discretion, that providing the data meets the criteria established herein, that the resources are available to compile the data, and that it is an appropriate use of public resources.
  • The State Court Administrator shall make the initial determination and recommendation to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court or designee as to whether to provide the additional aggregate data.
  • All non-zero counts less than 10 will be excluded from aggregate data.

Data Use

  • Data cannot be copied or duplicated, except in the public interest.
  • A copy of any publication, article, report, etc. using the data must be provided to the Judicial Branch.
  • Data must be stored and used securely.
  • Data must be destroyed after its intended use.

 

To request data, submit a completed Data Request Form, available below:

Data Request Form