A docket contains a summary of the basic information about a litigation, bankruptcy, or other type of court case. This generally includes the case (or “docket” or “index”) number, court, assigned judge, relief demanded, nature of suit, type of claim alleged, criminal information, case status, litigants, and attorneys. Dockets also contain a summary of most, if not all, of the documents on file with the court, as well as a record of certain events in the life of a case.

Dockets provide an ongoing record of the case, allowing attorneys to obtain information, monitor filings and avoid missing deadlines. Obtaining new dockets can also alert attorneys to new lawsuits that have begun against their clients or potential clients.