Court records of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, are available through several channels. LuzerneCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be viewed through the official state court system portals, directly at the Clerk of Judicial Records office, or via public terminals installed in the courthouse.
Luzerne Court System & Jurisdictions
Luzerne County is part of the 11th Judicial District of Pennsylvania and is served by several levels of courts, each handling specific categories of cases.
Court of Common Pleas — the main court of general jurisdiction in the county. It is divided into divisions:
- Criminal Division — felonies, misdemeanors, criminal appeals from lower courts.
- Civil Division — civil lawsuits, contract disputes, claims for damages over $12,000.
- Family Division — divorces, child custody, alimony, Protection From Abuse orders.
- Orphans' Court Division — probate cases, trust administration, adoptions, guardianship of incapacitated persons.
Local court rules are published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
Magisterial District Courts operate throughout the county. These courts handle small claims (up to $12,000), traffic violations, preliminary hearings in criminal cases, and municipal ordinance violations. Decisions of the magisterial courts can be appealed to the Court of Common Pleas.
Federal cases involving Luzerne County are handled by the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania with a division in Scranton.
Luzerne Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The schedule of hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week can be easily checked through the UJS Web Portal. On the portal, select the search by "Calendar Event," specify Luzerne County and the desired date range — the system will show scheduled hearings for the Court of Common Pleas and magisterial courts.
To find a specific case:
- Go to the case search page.
- Select the search type: by participant's last name, docket number, or calendar event.
- Enter the information and click "Search."
- In the results, open the desired case — the hearing schedule will be indicated in the case card.
Magisterial district court calendars are also available through the same portal. If you are looking for appellate cases, select the "Appellate" tab on the portal.
How to Get a Copy of a Luzerne Court Document
Copies of court documents are maintained by the Clerk of Judicial Records of Luzerne County. There are two types of copies:
- Uncertified copy — suitable for review. It can be obtained online through the UJS public records portal, where docket sheets are available for free viewing.
- Certified copy — has a seal and signature of the clerk, accepted by other courts and government agencies. Issued only by the clerk's office.
How to order a document:
- Online — view and print docket sheets for free on the UJS Portal. Full texts of decisions and certified copies usually require contacting the office.
- In person — visit the clerk's office in the courthouse. Be prepared to provide the case number or full name of the party.
- By mail — send a written request specifying the case number, type of document, and contact information. Include a check or money order for the appropriate amount.
According to the court administration rules of Luzerne County, the prothonotary and court clerk maintain records for public inspection. Some materials — juvenile cases, sealed records, certain family cases — have restricted access according to the UJS Public Access Policy.
To check criminal history, use the PATCH (Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History) system, administered by the Pennsylvania State Police.
Luzerne Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for copies and document searches are set according to Pennsylvania law and court internal regulations. Below are typical rates — check current amounts directly with the clerk's office, as they may change.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Viewing docket sheet online (UJS Portal) | Free |
| Uncertified document copy (per page) | $0.25–$1.00 |
| Certified copy | From $5.00 and up (depends on document type) |
| Criminal history check via PATCH | $22.00 (online) |
| Record search by request | Varies; check with the clerk's office |
Payment at the clerk's office is usually accepted in cash, money orders, and certified checks. For mail requests, include a check or money order payable to "Luzerne County Clerk of Judicial Records." Online payment of court costs is available through the Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal (PAePay).
Volunteers can obtain a free criminal history check through PATCH — select the "Volunteer Record Check" option on the system's website.