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Instructions to Researchers:
Access to the Docket Book Collection


The Office of the Curator at the Supreme Court of the United States maintains a collection of nearly 120 historic docket books used by former Justices. Due to the sensitive and fragile nature of these books, access is restricted. The Court will make these books available to researchers under the following procedures but reserves the right to decline access.

  1. Access to docket books is available to post-graduate scholars, professors, and historians as approved on a case-by-case basis.
  2. Researchers must submit a written request to the Office of the Curator providing:
    1. Name.
    2. Affiliated Institution.
    3. Contact information, including phone number, email, and mailing address.
    4. A short description of the project with timeframe.
    5. A justification for why access to the docket books is required.
    6. A limit of up to 20 specific case citations per request.

    Please note: Requests to review an entire docket book will be denied unless there is a compelling reason that necessitates such access. In such a case, the Office of the Curator will offer a reasonable opportunity to view the book in person.
  3. Upon receipt of the above, requests will be reviewed by the Curator's staff and submitted for approval.
  4. Upon approval, printed copies of the requested entries will provided at no cost. These copies are for research purposes only and may not be reproduced for publication.
  5. Requests will be handled in the order they are received and may take up to 6-8 weeks to review and process.
  6. Additional requests may be submitted, but each request will be handled as a new one and processed in the order it was received.
  7. The preferred citation for the docket books is:
    Case Name, Docket Book of Justice [name], [Term and Year],
    Office of the Curator, Supreme Court of the United States.


Or send request to:
Office of the Curator
Attn: Docket Book Requests
Supreme Court of the United States
Washington, DC 20543



 

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