Court records in Davidson County, Tennessee, can be searched through several online tools and official resources. DavidsonCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases in the county. Additional access points include the official clerk websites for each court division, in-person visits to the relevant clerk's office, and public computer terminals available at the courthouse. The sections below explain which court handles each type of case, how to check court calendars, and how to obtain copies of court documents.
Davidson Court System & Jurisdictions
Davidson County operates under the consolidated Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. The county sits within Tennessee's 20th Judicial District and has several distinct courts, each handling specific case types.
- Circuit Court — Hears civil cases (including tort, contract, and domestic relations matters), as well as criminal cases on appeal from General Sessions Court. The Circuit Court Clerk's office maintains records for this division.
- Criminal Court — Handles felony prosecutions and some misdemeanor cases bound over from General Sessions. The Criminal Court Clerk manages all criminal court records, dockets, and filings.
- Chancery Court — Addresses equity matters such as contract disputes, conservatorships, name changes, and workers' compensation. The Clerk and Master's office maintains Chancery Court records dating back to 1846.
- General Sessions Court — Processes preliminary hearings in criminal cases, misdemeanors, civil cases up to $25,000, and orders of protection. The General Sessions Court also handles traffic violations.
- Juvenile Court — Covers delinquency, dependency and neglect, child support, and paternity matters. The Juvenile Court and its Juvenile Court Clerk manage these records, which are generally confidential under Tennessee law.
- Probate Court — In Davidson County, probate matters (estates, wills, guardianships) are handled within the Chancery Court division by the Clerk and Master.
For federal cases originating in Davidson County, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee is located in Nashville. Federal dockets can be searched through PACER.
Davidson Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Finding today's or this week's court calendar depends on the court division involved.
- Criminal Court dockets — The Criminal Court Clerk publishes daily trial dockets and hearing schedules through the case information portal. Select "Dockets & Reporting" to view current and upcoming criminal court calendars by division and date.
- General Sessions Court — Criminal, civil, and traffic calendars are available through the General Sessions Court case information page. You can search by case number, party name, or hearing date.
- Circuit Court — Docket information and hearing schedules are available through the Circuit Court Clerk's website, which provides online access to civil case records and upcoming settings.
- Chancery Court — Contact the Clerk and Master's office directly for hearing schedules, as Chancery dockets may not always be posted online in real time.
- Juvenile Court — Juvenile hearings are not publicly posted due to confidentiality requirements. Contact the Juvenile Court Clerk for scheduling questions.
If you are unsure which division your case falls under, the Criminal Court Clerk page on Nashville.gov provides links to case search tools and docket resources across multiple divisions.
How to Get a Copy of a Davidson Court Document
The process for obtaining court documents depends on the court that handled the case and whether you need a certified or uncertified copy.
Step-by-Step Process
- Identify the correct clerk's office. Criminal court records are maintained by the Criminal Court Clerk. Circuit court, civil General Sessions, and traffic records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk. Chancery records are held by the Clerk and Master.
- Search online first. Use the Criminal Court Clerk's case search for criminal matters or the Circuit Court Clerk's site for civil cases. Some documents can be viewed or printed directly.
- Request copies. You can request copies:
- In person — Visit the appropriate clerk's office at the Justice A. A. Birch Building or the relevant courthouse location.
- By mail — Send a written request specifying the case number, party names, and the documents needed, along with payment.
- Online — The eFlex e-filing portal provides document access for registered users in Circuit, Criminal, and Juvenile Courts.
- Specify certified or uncertified. Certified copies bear the clerk's seal and signature and are required for most legal proceedings. Uncertified copies are typically less expensive and suitable for personal reference.
Key Clerk Offices
Criminal Court Clerk
Circuit Court Clerk
Chancery Court Clerk and Master
Juvenile Court records are generally confidential. Access is limited to parties, their attorneys, and authorized individuals. Contact the Juvenile Court Clerk's office for guidance on permissible record requests.
Davidson Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record copies and services in Davidson County are set by Tennessee statute (T.C.A. § 8-21-401 et seq.) and local administrative orders. The following table lists common fees. Confirm current amounts with the relevant clerk's office, as fees may be updated.
| Service | Approximate Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.50 | Standard per-page rate per T.C.A. § 8-21-401 |
| Certified copy | $5.00–$6.00 | Includes certification and seal; additional pages at per-page rate |
| Criminal background check | $10.00 | Available through the Criminal Court Clerk's office |
| Search fee (per name) | Varies | Contact the specific clerk's office for current search fees |
| E-filing transaction fee | Varies by document | Fees assessed through the eFlex system |
Payment methods: Most clerk offices accept cash, money orders, and certified checks in person. Credit and debit cards are accepted at some offices and through online portals. Personal checks may not be accepted at all locations — confirm with the clerk before visiting.
For broader public records requests not limited to court documents, the Metro Nashville public records request portal provides a formal submission process. The Tennessee Courts Self-Help Center also offers guidance for individuals navigating the court system without an attorney.