Legal Definitions - docket

A docket is the official, chronological record maintained by a court for each legal case. It serves as a comprehensive log of every action, document filed, court order issued, and scheduled event that occurs from the moment a case is initiated until its conclusion. Essentially, it's the case's official timeline, providing a detailed history of its progression through the legal system.

Here are a few examples to illustrate the concept of a docket:

• Imagine a civil lawsuit where a homeowner is suing a contractor for faulty work. The court's docket for this case would begin with an entry noting the date the homeowner filed their initial complaint. Subsequent entries would record when the contractor filed their response, when both parties exchanged evidence (a process called discovery), any motions filed by either side, scheduled court hearings, and ultimately, the final judgment or settlement. Each of these actions, documents, and events would be logged chronologically on the docket, creating a complete historical record of the case's journey through the court system.

• Consider a criminal prosecution for a serious offense like fraud. The docket for this case would meticulously track every step, starting with the filing of charges by the prosecutor. It would include entries for the defendant's arraignment (where they formally hear the charges and enter a plea), any bail hearings, pre-trial motions filed by the defense or prosecution, scheduled trial dates, and if the case proceeds to trial, the verdict and sentencing. This detailed record allows anyone involved, from the attorneys to the public, to see the precise sequence of events and filings in the criminal proceeding.

• A judge might refer to their personal "docket" when discussing their workload. For instance, a judge might tell their clerk, "Please review my docket for next Tuesday to ensure all necessary documents are prepared for the scheduled hearings." In this context, the judge is referring to the list of cases assigned to them that have upcoming hearings, conferences, or deadlines. While the court maintains the official docket for each individual case, a judge's personal docket is a practical tool derived from these official records, helping them manage their schedule and prepare for the specific legal matters they are overseeing.