What does it mean to put a case on the docket?

Asked by: Lennie Weimann  |  Last update: October 25, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (31 votes)

In general, a docket is where there are multiple cases set at the exact same time, and the cases could involve a wide range of issues. Cases could be on a docket in order to obtain a simple status update, set for pre-trial or settlement conference, trial or anywhere in between.

What do cases on the docket mean?

: on a list of legal cases to be heard by a court. The judge had to postpone some of the cases on the docket. 2. : on a list of things to be considered (by a group of people, such as a committee) The new library will be the first item on the committee's docket.

What does "put on the docket" mean?

: to place on the docket for legal action. 2. : to make a brief abstract of (something, such as a legal matter) and inscribe it in a list. 3. : to inscribe (something, such as a document) with an identifying statement.

What happens on docket day in court?

A docket sounding is the trial courts method of monitoring the progress of a case. At this hearing, the Defendant is required to appear in court to advise the Judge whether or not he or she is ready for trial. The Defendant may also announce that he or she wishes to enter a plea.

What is docket and why is it important?

Dockets contain information about the judge hearing the case, parties involved, attorneys involved, the events of a case, and more. Dockets are generally more useful for researching trials. Because trials may last many years, and involve many events the dockets are important for locating information about cases.

What is a Court Docket?

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What does a court docket tell you?

After a case is filed, the court assigns it a docket number, which is the court's case number or tracking number. The docket lists the judge, parties, and the attorneys of record, along with a summary of each document filed in the case, the date when it was filed, and the court case number assigned to the document.

What does it mean if something is on the docket?

The official record of all of the proceedings pending in a court. A docket normally includes, for each proceeding, a chronological listing of each of the: Papers filed by the parties. Orders, judgments, and other papers issued by the court.

What is a felony docket?

The docket (the judicial record) is the record in which the judge or court clerk notes all of the proceedings and filings in a court case.

How do you know if a case is being built against you?

If if the state you refer to is in the US, you could try calling the local public defender's office for the county where the charges would likely be filed and see if they could run your name and find out if there's a case and/or a warrant out on you.

Can charges be dropped at a docket sounding?

Yes. It is possible for a case to be dismissed at the pretrial hearing. During the hearing, the judge will likely issue a decision regarding any pretrial motions to dismiss the case. Thus, if those motions are successful, your case may be dismissed at the pretrial.

What does it mean when a case is struck from the docket?

A motion to strike is a request to a judge that part of a party's pleading or a piece of evidence be removed from the record.

What does status mean on a court docket?

A status date means a future date on which the parties will again appear in court to tell the judge what is happening with the case. The court uses these dates to ensure that the case moves efficiently to resolution.

What are the different types of dockets?

The dockets are divided up into different categories: all federal or state dockets, federal dockets by court, dockets by state, dockets by territory, and dockets by topic.

How to tell if you're being investigated?

If you notice unmarked cars or police vehicles near your place of business, your work, in your neighborhood, or by your home, there is a good chance that you are under investigation and perhaps police surveillance.

How will I know if my case is dismissed?

The Clerk of the court will send you a copy of the Court's Order Dismissing your case, either with “Prejudice” or “Without Prejudice”. Meaning, you cannot refile your case, or you may refile the case after you correct the error that caused the Judge to dismiss the case.

Do all felony charges result in jail time?

However, it's a common misconception that all felonies automatically result in jail time. The truth is more nuanced. Under California law, judges possess considerable discretion in sentencing, allowing them to impose probation in certain cases instead of incarceration.

Can you go to jail at an arraignment?

Yes, you can absolutely go to jail at an arraignment in California. An arraignment is the first court appearance after an arrest.

Is docket and case the same?

A docket is defined by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts as a "log containing the complete history of each case in the form of brief chronological entries summarizing the court proceedings." Every case is assigned a unique docket number, which researchers can use to find information such as the names of the ...

What are the benefits of using docket?

A docket system generally improves workflow management by identifying and anticipating bottlenecks. In addition, over- and under-utilization of staff can be identified and work reallocated appropriately.

What does jail docket time mean?

Times on the docket indicates how many times you case has been scheduled for court. However, you should note that if your case is continued through the clerk's office, it will increase the number of times even if you did not have to come to court.