RECAP is an independent project to collect federal court filings and make them available for free. Anyone who uses PACER can install the RECAP extension in their Firefox browser. With RECAP installed, Firefox will automatically make a copy of any court filing purchased on PACER and place that free copy in an internet archive where anyone can access it. To access filings on RECAP, you can either:
http://archive.recapthelaw.org/
There is a basic search and “advanced” search function at the RECAP archive, but the search capability is rather rudimentary.
Also, keep in mind that the documents available there are quite limited. They tend to include the more publicly notable cases, rather than run-of-the-mill litigation.
The most comprehensive source for current and recent briefs is probably the ABA’s Preview of U.S. Supreme Court Cases website. For older briefs, contact your local law library – there are both online and microfiche collections of records and briefs that may be available to you (KF101.9.A2). Lexis and Westlaw also have many Supreme Court briefs available.
For docket and scheduling information, consult the following resources:
Sadly, there is no unified, one-stop-shopping approach to locating state court filings. Even within states, each court may have their own system – or no system at all. For example, Davidson County courts in Nashville typically use CaseLink,, which allows subscribers to both file and download documents electronically. Access is via a monthly subscription. If you are researching in a new jurisdiction, the pertinent court’s website is generally your best starting point – or a knowledgeable and helpful contact at your firm.
In Knoxville, some limited docket information is provided online for free, but all court filings are handled manually and there is no online access.
In Tennessee, you can find appellate court dockets at the Administrative Office of the Court's Public Case History search page. Keep in mind that these records only go back to 2013, and rarely include downloadable copies of documents filed in the case, other than the court opinion.