Courts offer libraries free access to e-records
For the first time, the U.S. court system is providing free access to its online court records at select libraries. Lawyers say that waived fees for the system known as Public Access to Court Electronic Records, or PACER, which typically costs 8 cents per search, will empower citizens who choose to represent themselves in court.
On Nov. 8, the government announced that free service would be available at 16 library systems nationwide under a joint project of the courts and the Government Printing Office. The participating libraries must promote the service, administer a user survey and report activity to GPO bimonthly.
National Security Archive General Counsel Meredith Fuchs said she is sure that most of the public is not familiar with PACER, although it has revolutionized access to court records. “Now it is possible to see the complete docket in most cases before waiting for the cases to be decided and the decisions to be published,” she said.
Source: National Journal’s Technology Daily
See Also: Databases: U.S.: Access to Court Information Ever Expanding
See Also: Pilot Project Begins: Two Courts Offer Digital Audio Recordings Online
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on Thursday, November 22nd, 2007 and is filed under Libraries and Librarianship, Source File.
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