San Bernardino County Superior Court Records Search
The San Bernardino Superior Court is an integral component of the California judicial system, and the hub for the majority of civil and criminal cases. Situated within the expansive San Bernardino County, this court handles tens of thousands of cases each year. This article will highlight the primary functions of the San Bernardino Superior Court, the types of cases it adjudicates, the process for conducting a Superior Court Case Lookup, and the essential responsibilities of the Clerk of the Court.
Primary Function of the San Bernardino Superior Court
The Superior Court serves as the primary trial court of general jurisdiction within the county. This means it is responsible for hearing and deciding upon a broad spectrum of criminal cases and civil legal disputes. As part of the California Superior Court system, the main function of this courthouse is to hear and adjudicate cases for the 24 cities within the county. The court operates under the guidance and directives of the California Constitution and the California Rules of Court.
Types of Cases Heard at the San Bernardino Superior Court
There is a wide range of criminal, civil, family, traffic, and probate cases heard by the Superior Court. It hears everything from minor criminal infractions and small claims cases, to capital felony cases and large civil lawsuits. The court is divided into different divisions that handle the various types of cases. Here is a breakdown of the types of cases and the divisions they fall under:
Criminal Cases: The criminal division handles cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. These cases involve the prosecution of individuals or entities accused of violating state laws. The court's responsibility is to ensure a fair trial, where the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Civil Cases: Civil cases in this county encompass a large range of legal disputes between people, organizations, and various business entities. The San Bernardino Superior Court handles most all of these civil matters. These can include personal injury claims, contract disputes, property disputes, employee disputes, and more. The court's objective is to resolve these disputes by determining liability and awarding appropriate remedies.
Family Law Cases: The Family Law Division of the Superior Court is dedicated to addressing matters related to family relationships. This includes divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, and domestic violence cases. The court aims to protect the best interests of children and ensure equitable outcomes for all parties involved.
Probate Cases: Probate cases involve the administration of estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and trusts. The San Bernardino Superior Court oversees the distribution of assets according to the decedent's will or state law, ensuring that the rights of beneficiaries and creditors are protected.
Juvenile Cases: These cases are handled by the court when minors are involved in delinquency or dependency matters. The court's goal is to rehabilitate if possible, rather than punishing or jailing juveniles. They are setup to offer strict guidance and intervention to help them reintegrate into society successfully.
How to Run a Superior Court Case Lookup
Access to court records is an important aspect of transparency in the judicial system. The San Bernardino Superior Court provides several methods for individuals to perform a court case lookup, making sure that the public can access information about ongoing or concluded legal proceedings. There are also third party resources available to access these records, since they are considered public records. Here are the various methods to run a case search:
Online Case Search: The San Bernardino Superior Court offers an online case search platform, allowing users to search for case information using various criteria, such as case number, party name, or case type. This digital tool enables convenient access to case summaries, court dates, and other relevant details.
In-Person Records Request: For those who prefer to access records in person, the court provides public access terminals at its locations. Individuals can visit the court's records division to request and view physical copies of case documents. It's important to note that certain records may be confidential or restricted from public access.
Third-Party Services: In addition to the court's official resources, several third-party services offer case lookup functionalities. These services may provide additional insights or aggregate data from multiple jurisdictions, catering to individuals seeking comprehensive case information.
The Function of the Clerk of the Court
The Clerk of the Court plays a vital role in the administration of the San Bernardino Superior Court. As the court's official record keeper, the Clerk's office is responsible for maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of all legal proceedings. The Clerk ensures that case files, court orders, and judgments are properly documented and accessible to authorized parties.
Responsibilities of the Clerk
1). Case Management: The Clerk's office manages the flow of cases through the court system, scheduling hearings, and maintaining calendars to ensure timely resolution of legal matters.
2). Recordkeeping: The Clerk is tasked with preserving the integrity of court records, including pleadings, motions, and exhibits. This involves indexing and archiving documents for future reference.
3). Public Assistance: The Clerk's office provides assistance to the public, guiding individuals through the process of filing documents, accessing records, and understanding court procedures.
4). Financial Management: The Clerk is responsible for managing court fees, fines, and other financial transactions, ensuring that funds are collected and distributed in accordance with legal requirements.
5). Jury Administration: The Clerk oversees the jury selection process, summoning potential jurors and managing their participation in trials.
Are the San Bernardino County Superior Court Records Considered Public?
Yes, the majority of the court cases from the Superior Court are considered public record. However, there are exceptions to what is publicly available. Records that are sensitive, sealed, or deal with minors or juveniles cannot be viewed by the public.
