Jackson County Court Records Search

Jackson County, Illinois sits in the heart of the state’s southern region, with Murphysboro serving as the county seat. The county’s court system operates under the Illinois First Judicial Circuit, which handles the full spectrum of legal matters — criminal prosecutions, civil disputes, family proceedings, and probate administration. Court records generated through these proceedings document the complete history of each case, encompassing summonses, affidavits, subpoenas, bonds, depositions, indictments, warrants, verdicts, dismissals, and transcripts, among many other documents.

Anyone researching court activity in Jackson County can start with the state’s official judicial resources. In Illinois, the Illinois Courts directory provides a starting point for locating publicly available case information and identifying the appropriate courthouse and clerk for a given matter. Records can also be searched through the Circuit Clerk’s online portal, public access terminals at the courthouse, and third-party case search systems that aggregate docket data from participating counties.

How to Look Up a Court Case in Jackson County?

Jackson County operates a single-court trial structure under the First Judicial Circuit. All case records — criminal, civil, family, and probate — are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk. The current Clerk of the Circuit Court is Christian M. Hale.

Jackson County Circuit Court

Address: 1001 Walnut Street, P.O. Drawer 730, Murphysboro, IL 62966
Phone: (618) 687-7300
Fax: (618) 684-6378
Email: webforms@jacksoncoilcircuitclerk.gov
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

The Clerk’s office is the primary custodian of all court case files. For court administration questions, the Director of Court Operations, Patti Clark, can be reached at the Jackson County Courthouse, 1001 Walnut Street, 2nd Floor, Murphysboro, IL 62966, Phone: (618) 687-7330, Fax: (618) 687-7342, Email: pec@jacksonco.net.

Online Search Options

The fastest way to find case information is through the Judici case search portal, which the Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office identifies as the primary online resource for court records. Searches can be conducted by case number (entered without spaces, dashes, or punctuation), party name, or charge text. Results typically include party names and addresses, case histories, payment status, and court dispositions.

Step-by-Step: Searching a Case Online

Navigate to the Judici Jackson County case search.
Select your search method: case number, party name, or charge text.
Enter the available identifying information and submit.
Review the results list; click a case to view the docket and hearing history.
For document copies not available online, contact the Circuit Clerk’s office directly.

In-Person Requests

Visit the Circuit Clerk’s office at the address above during business hours. Bring the party name or case number to expedite the search. Staff can pull case files, provide document copies, and accept payment for certified copies. All civil and criminal filings are submitted electronically through the court’s e-filing system; the Clerk’s website lists certified Electronic Filing Service Providers (EFSPs) for attorneys and self-represented litigants.

Mail Requests

Written requests may be mailed to the Circuit Clerk at 1001 Walnut Street, P.O. Drawer 730, Murphysboro, IL 62966. Include the case number or party names, case type, approximate filing date, and specific documents needed. Prepay required copy fees before records are released.

FOIA Requests to the State’s Attorney

For records held by the State’s Attorney’s Office rather than the Circuit Clerk, submit a written FOIA request to the Public Information Officer, Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office, Jackson County Courthouse, 3rd Floor, 1001 Walnut Street, Murphysboro, IL 62966. The office generally responds within five business days; commercial requests allow a 21-business-day response window.

Are Court Records Public in Jackson County?

The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.) establishes that public records created, owned, or possessed by any government agency in the course of official business are available for inspection and copying. Jackson County court records fall within this framework, meaning most case filings, docket entries, judgments, and orders are accessible to any member of the public upon request.

Records That Are Restricted or Confidential

Despite the general openness of the court system, Illinois law and court orders protect certain categories of information from public disclosure:

Juvenile and mental health records — sealed by statute and unavailable to the general public.
Adoption proceedings — confidential under Illinois adoption law.
Victim and witness personal information — withheld to protect safety and privacy.
Ongoing criminal investigations — law enforcement investigative records are not disclosable while investigations are active.
Financial and trade secret information — business records whose disclosure would cause competitive harm.
Sealed cases — any matter sealed by specific court order remains inaccessible until unsealed.
Patented or copyrighted materials within court files.
Information posing a risk to physical safety if disclosed.

Redaction Practices

Even in publicly available documents, clerks redact Social Security numbers, financial account information, and certain identifying details for minors before releasing copies. Requesters who receive documents with redacted portions are not entitled to challenge redactions solely on the basis of curiosity; a legal interest in the withheld information must be demonstrated.

Fees for Copies (State’s Attorney’s Office)

Under FOIA, the Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office provides:

First 50 pages of black-and-white, letter- or legal-size copies: free of charge
Pages beyond 50: $0.15 per page
Color copies, oversized documents, discs, CDs, DVDs: actual reproduction cost
Electronic format records: no per-page copy fees apply
News media, non-profit, scientific, and academic organizations may qualify for fee waivers for non-commercial requests.

Jackson County Criminal Court Records

Criminal matters in Jackson County — including felonies, misdemeanors, DUI offenses, and traffic violations — are handled by the Circuit Court and prosecuted by State’s Attorney Marsha Cascio-Hale’s office. All criminal filings are submitted electronically through the court’s e-filing system.

Searching Criminal Case Records

The Judici case search portal provides online access to docket information for criminal cases filed in Jackson County. Case searches may be conducted by defendant name, case number, or charge text.

Statewide Criminal History Records

For conviction history across the entire state, the Illinois Uniform Conviction Information Act (20 ILCS 2635) designates the Illinois State Police (ISP) as the official repository. Two search methods are available:

Name-based (non-fingerprint) search: Submit ISP Form ISP6-405B with the requester’s full name and address. Fee: $16. Requests may be submitted through the CHIRP online portal or by mail.
Fingerprint-based search: Submit ISP Form ISP6-404B. Fee: $20. Fingerprints must be submitted electronically through a licensed live-scan fingerprint vendor. Additional vendor fees may apply.

Mail Requests to ISP:
Illinois State Police, Bureau of Identification, P.O. Box 88727, Chicago, IL 60680-1727
Email: isp.contact@illinois.gov

Arrest Records and Jail Information

Arrest records are maintained by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office:

Address: 1001 Mulberry Street, Murphysboro, IL 62966
Phone: (618) 684-2177 | (618) 684-2773
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

The Sheriff’s Office publishes annual audit reports on detention and jail activities. For current inmate status, the Illinois Department of Corrections offender search tool allows searches of individuals currently in state custody.

Jackson County Civil Court Records

Civil court records in Jackson County encompass disputes between private parties, chancery matters (equity cases), small claims, ordinance violations, and administrative proceedings. The Circuit Clerk maintains all civil filings and is the custodian of civil court case files.

Jackson County Circuit Clerk (Civil Division)

Address: 1001 Walnut Street, P.O. Drawer 730, Murphysboro, IL 62966
Phone: (618) 687-7300
Fax: (618) 684-6378
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Online Case Access

Civil docket information is available through the Judici case search linked directly from the Circuit Clerk’s official website under the “Case Info” tab. The portal returns party names and addresses, case history, payment records, and dispositions.

Civil Filing Fee Schedule

The Circuit Clerk publishes a civil filing fee schedule. Key categories include:

Case Category	Schedule	Filing Fee
Arbitration (over $15,000.01), Chancery	Schedule 1	$306
Other civil categories	Varies by schedule	See Circuit Clerk fee schedule

For the most current fee schedule, contact the Circuit Clerk directly at (618) 687-7300 or visit the Jackson County Circuit Clerk’s website. Litigants who cannot afford filing fees may apply for a waiver using the Application for Waiver of Court Fees form available from the Clerk’s office.

FOIA Requests for Civil Records

If the Circuit Clerk cannot provide specific civil records, a supplementary written FOIA request may be submitted to the State’s Attorney’s Office. The requester must supply their name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address along with a description of the records sought. Certain records are exempt from disclosure under 5 ILCS 140/1 et seq., including pending investigative files and confidential personal information.

Court Rules

Civil proceedings in Jackson County follow the Rules of the First Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois, updated as of January 10, 2025, in addition to Illinois Supreme Court Rules. Local civil rules and approved statewide forms are accessible through the Circuit Clerk’s website.

Jackson County Family Court Records

Family law matters — including divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence, adoption, and guardianship — are adjudicated by the Jackson County Circuit Court. These cases involve sensitive personal information and are subject to heightened confidentiality protections for certain categories of records.

Divorce Records

Dissolution of marriage proceedings are filed with and maintained by the Circuit Clerk. To obtain divorce records, visit the Clerk’s office in person or submit a written request. Provide the divorced party’s name, the date of the divorce, the location where it was filed, and the specific documents requested (judgment, decree, etc.).

Address:
Jackson County Clerk’s Office, 1001 Walnut Street, P.O. Drawer 730, Murphysboro, IL 62966
Phone: (618) 687-7300

For statewide verification of dissolutions occurring from 1962 to the present, contact the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Division of Vital Records. Complete the Application to Verify Dissolution of Marriage, include a valid government-issued photo ID, and submit the required fee. Requests should be mailed to: Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records, 925 East Ridgely Avenue, Springfield, IL 62702-2737.

Marriage Records

Marriage licenses and certificates are maintained by the Jackson County Clerk and Recorder’s Office. Both partners must appear in person to apply for a marriage license; a photo ID and Social Security number are required from each party. There is a $10 fee payable in advance at the Circuit Clerk’s office.

Certified and genealogy copies of marriage certificates can be ordered through the Official Records Online portal. Fees are $16 for the first certified copy and $7 for each additional copy of the same certificate at the same request. Checks and money orders should be made payable to: Frank L. Byrd, Jackson County Clerk and Recorder, 1001 Walnut, Murphysboro, IL 62966-2194.

IDPH can also verify marriages from 1962 onward. Submit the Application for Verification of Marriage/Civil Union Record Files with a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID. Verifications cost $5 and can be obtained in person, by mail, or by fax through the IDPH Division of Vital Records.

Birth and Death Records

Birth and death certificates are issued by the Jackson County Clerk and Recorder’s Office for events recorded in the county, and also by the IDPH Division of Vital Records for statewide records.

Jackson County Clerk and Recorder
Address: 1001 Walnut Street, Murphysboro, IL 62966
Phone: (618) 687-7360 | Fax: (618) 687-7359
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Local fees: $16 for the first certified birth certificate copy and $7 for each additional copy at the same request. Death certificates: $22 for the first copy and $11 per additional copy.

Through IDPH, submit the Application for Search of Birth Record Files with a valid government-issued ID. The IDPH fee is $10 for the first copy of a birth certificate and $2 for each additional copy. For death certificates, complete the Application for Search of Death Record Files and include a valid government-issued ID. All mail requests go to the IDPH Division of Vital Records at 925 East Ridgely Avenue, Springfield, IL 62702-2737.

Note that under 750 ILCS 50/0.01, grandparents and stepparents may not obtain a minor child’s birth certificate without written permission from a parent listed on the certificate, along with a copy of that parent’s ID. Children under 18 may not independently request their own birth certificate.

Adoption and Domestic Violence Records

Adoption records in Illinois are sealed by statute and are not publicly accessible. Domestic violence protective orders are filed with the Circuit Clerk and searchable through the same case systems, though victim identifying information is redacted.

Jackson County Probate Court Records

Probate jurisdiction in Jackson County rests with the Circuit Court, consistent with the authority granted to Illinois circuit courts over estate and guardianship matters. The Circuit Clerk maintains all probate records and is the point of contact for accessing filed documents.

What Probate Records Cover

Probate proceedings managed by the Jackson County Circuit Court include:

Estate administration — issuing letters of administration, distributing assets of intestate decedents.
Wills — recording and probating wills, ruling on contested wills.
Creditor claims — ordering pro-rata distribution of assets, authorizing sale of estate property for debt payment.
Guardianships — appointing guardians for children under 14; approving guardians selected by children 14 and older; receiving and reviewing guardian bonds.
Conservatorships — managing financial affairs of incapacitated adults.
Bonds — receiving and reviewing bonds from administrators and executors.
Final distributions — entering orders for final estate distribution.

Accessing Probate Records

The Circuit Clerk’s office is the primary source for probate case records. Cases filed in Jackson County can be located through the Judici case search portal by searching the decedent’s or ward’s name. For older records that may predate online indexing, an in-person visit to the Clerk’s office is advisable.

Jackson County Circuit Clerk (Probate Records)

Address: 1001 Walnut Street, P.O. Drawer 730, Murphysboro, IL 62966
Phone: (618) 687-7300
Fax: (618) 684-6378
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Certified copies of probate documents — will filings, letters of administration, inventory records, and final distribution orders — are available from the Clerk’s office. Request by case number or decedent name. Copy fees follow the Circuit Clerk’s standard fee schedule; contact the office directly to confirm current per-page rates before submitting a mail request.

Mail Requests

Written mail requests should be addressed to the Circuit Clerk at 1001 Walnut Street, P.O. Drawer 730, Murphysboro, IL 62966. Specify the decedent’s full name, approximate date of death or estate filing, and the exact documents requested. Include a check or money order for the estimated copy fee, or contact the Clerk in advance to confirm the amount.

Property Records Related to Probate

When estate administration involves real property, related deeds, liens, and title documents are maintained by the Jackson County Clerk and Recorder’s Office. Property record searches are conducted in person at the courthouse using a document number or book and page number. Copy fees are $1 per page, paid in advance. For property tax information associated with estate assets, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office taxes and property portal provides an online tax lookup tool.