Hatrack River Forum: Hey Dag (or anyone) need help finding out info on old legal case

This is topic Hey Dag (or anyone) need help finding out info on old legal case in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
http://www.hatrack.com/ubb/main/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=029260

Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :

Is there any way to find out the public details about a trial that is reported to have taken place in 1998? I know the names of the person presumably on trial and the name of the victim (murder trial) but nothing much beyond that.

I've searched the internet using those names and found nothing except references to it, and conflicting reports as to the outcome. It was in Mississippi, if that helps.

Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :

Send me the name of the defendant and as much other info as you can. I'll look it up on Lexis. Not all trials are reported there, but many are. If there was an appeal, it will be there as well.

Dagonee

Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :

I sent you an email, you wonderful person you.

[Kiss]

Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :

OK, I checked Westlaw and Lexis - neither has a record under the name you sent. I checked both Alabama and Mississippi.

Neither has a free online way to search trial court dockets. Sorry.

Dagonee

Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :

Can't you request documents from the courthouse in question? It's public information, right? Give the clerks a task to do! It'll take a few calls (I remember trying to land the documents as regards my mom's restraining order against husband #3) and it took some sluething, but I think anyhting over 4 years old is not easily found on internet search machines.

also, ask for a check from the local newspapers and radio stations.

Good luck!

Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :

Unfortunately if it's not on Westlaw or Lexis it's probably not available online.

The only issue maybe if the accused was under 18 (then their real name wouldn't be published).

Email me if you want and I'll do a search as well (I'm at work and bored) but I probably won't be able to find anything if Dagonee has looked already.

Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :

Thanks for the effort. As I explained in my email, I wasn't sure if the source of the info was accurate - which is why I wanted to verify it.

I am not sure exactly where he was tried - he is from Mississippi but that doesn't mean the trial was held there. I guess I could get my SIL who is in Jackson to check on things there.

It's not as if I'm hurting for material, I'll just leave the "alleged" criminal charges against this guy out of my article.

Again, thanks. [Smile]