Cass County Court Records Lookup

The following is for information purposes only

Cass County, North Dakota, is considered the most populous county in the State of North Dakota, with a population of nearly 187,000 residents, it is home to just about 24% of North Dakota's entire population. Fargo is its county seat. The county's court system is structured to ensure the smooth administration of justice, ease of access to the judiciary, and a diverse caseload. The court system primarily comprises the District Courts and the Municipal Courts. While the District Courts have extensive jurisdiction, the Municipal Courts also play key roles in the judicial process. Both courts are crucial to the county's rule of law and maintenance of order.

Cass County is under the North Dakota East Central District. The District Court, located in Fargo, has original and general jurisdiction over all cases, except those exempted by law. The court also has exclusive jurisdiction over all criminal matters. The Municipal Courts have limited and specialized jurisdiction and can only handle violations of city ordinances, including criminal and non-criminal violations. Examples of such violations, include traffic violations and Class B misdemeanors.

Expectedly, the District Court handles the majority of cases that go through the Cass County judicial system. Between 2021 and 2022, the court received and handled over 100,000 case filings and dispositions, highlighting a considerably active legal landscape. Likewise, in 2021, the county had only 19 violent crime incidents, none of which were murders, and 226 property crime incidents. This indicates a relatively safe area and highlights the efficient maintenance of law and order across the county. The Cass County courts maintain a record of cases handled by the court and documents filed before the court, and they constitute the courts' records. Cass County court records are available to members of the public and are accessible through the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry Portal. Due to the nature of some cases, the records are not accessible without permission which is something that is gained by an in-person visit with the records department.

In summary, the Cass County court system continues to contribute to the rule of law, good governance, and justice in the county. The two-court division makes it easier to know which court to approach and improves the understanding of the judiciary. Public access to court documents also highlights the county's goal of improving access to the judiciary, public trust in the justice administration system, and transparency. With these attributes and more, the Cass County court system serves as a model court system for other counties in North Dakota.