New Docket Number Retrieval Improvements on CourtLink

CourtLink has recently implemented algorithm enhancements designed to improve docket retrieval success and reduce the frustration that results when entering incorrectly formatted or misaligned docket numbers.

In the past users had to enter docket numbers exactly as they appeared in the court system, including all required hyphens, letters, numbers, and prefixes. Even minor typing mistakes would have potentially triggered an error message—“Enter docket numbers exactly as they appear in the source court system”—and return no results. This frequently made docket retrieval challenging when formatting details were incomplete or not quite right.

To help legal researchers find dockets more easily, CourtLink has adjusted its algorithms and updated the docket number search feature using data science–driven guidelines. The system can now recognize when a docket number is incorrectly or incompletely formatted and automatically suggests relevant alternatives.

This CourtLink docket search enhancement includes:

• Flexible docket number searching: Minor variations—such as leading zeros, missing punctuation, or altered characters—no longer hinder the search process.
• Enhanced user experience: The system now works to interpret your intent instead of enforcing strict formatting.
• Improved search outcomes: By suggesting closely related docket numbers, CourtLink helps you locate relevant cases faster and with no failed searches.

These new CourtLink enhancements simplify the docket search process and help improve docket searching success rates.

If you have any questions, contact your Knowledge & Research Consultant, your account team, or your law school Lexis representative!