Clackamas County Court Records Lookup

The following is for information purposes only

Spanning an extensive area of 1,879 square miles, Clackamas County is home to a diverse population of over 421,000 residents. Oregon City serves as the county seat and is both the administrative center and the judicial hub of the county. The county's robust court system, which includes the Circuit Court, Justice Court, and Municipal Courts, is dedicated to safeguarding the rights of individuals, promoting community welfare, and instilling public confidence. The Clackamas County Circuit Court, a court of general jurisdiction, handles a wide range of cases, including criminal and civil matters, domestic relations, juvenile cases, small claims, violations, abuse prevention act cases, probate, mental commitments, adoption, and guardianship cases. Furthermore, the Circuit Court presides over small claims cases with disputed amounts of up to $10,000, providing accessible and efficient resolution for legal disputes within the community. This comprehensive legal framework underscores the county's enduring commitment to ensuring fairness, justice, and protection for its residents.

The Clackamas County Justice Court operates within a limited jurisdiction. It handles various violations, including traffic citations, small claims, civil cases valued at $10,000 or less, and landlord-tenant evictions within the county. On the other hand, the Clackamas County Municipal Courts hear cases related to city ordinances and specific state statutes governing animal control, fire control, parking, and traffic violations within city limits. Clackamas County is home to 13 municipal court locations serving its residents.

With the county's Circuit Court processing over 16,000 new cases annually, the Clackamas County court system demonstrates significant capacity for managing a substantial caseload, which is particularly important given the county's crime rate of approximately 27 incidents per 1,000 people. It is important to note that records of cases adjudicated within the Clackamas County court system are considered public information and can be obtained upon request. The Clackamas County Circuit Court Clerk is the custodian of most court records in the county. Requests for court records can be made in person at the record center of the Clackamas County Circuit Court. Note that documents related to active criminal investigations are not subject to public inspection.

In summary, the Clackamas County court system, comprising the county's circuit, justice, and municipal courts, facilitates equal access to justice for all residents. The system's systematic and impartial examination of legal remedies is fundamental to ensuring the equitable pursuit of justice. Furthermore, the system prioritizes the meticulous documentation, maintenance, and accessibility of case files to the public, thereby nurturing a sense of trust and confidence in the court's procedural integrity among residents.