Instant Access to Civil and
Criminal Court Records

Illinois Court Records

The Illinois Courts website aims to help the public better understand how the Illinois Judicial System is structured. It explains how the system is organized, beginning with the Circuit Courts, proceeding through five Appellate Court districts, and culminating in the Illinois Supreme Court, the state‘s highest court. While the Circuit Courts operate at the county level, both the Appellate Court and the Supreme Court operate statewide.

The Illinois Supreme Court Rules ensure public access to court records. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act also supports this accessibility by allowing members of the public to view or copy court records through a designated custodian (usually the clerk of court). Although many Illinois court records are publicly available, some may be restricted or sealed for privacy or other legal reasons. For example, any case file involving minors is confidential. 

This website is designed to guide members of the public on how to access court records in Illinois. This information does not constitute official records or legal advice.