Jackson County Court Records

When any action, suit, or proceeding is commenced within Jackson County, the presiding court prepares, collates, and maintains records about the ensuing events. These documents become the "court records," which can include motions, pleadings, orders, affidavits, judgments, audio files, and transcripts.

Courts in Jackson County maintain formal accounts of legal proceedings for diverse reasons. Foremost, this recordkeeping policy enhances the justice system's transparency, allowing citizens to actively participate in the judicial process and hold the judiciary accountable for its actions.

Another objective underlying the preservation of Jackson County and other Oregon court records is to create a historical archive of legal cases. Consequently, researchers, historians, media professionals, and other interested parties can gain insights into the progression of the law and the precedents that have shaped the legal landscape.

Moreover, court records are invaluable for legal practitioners, who rely on them to build solid arguments and prepare for trials.

Are Court Records Public in Jackson County?

Yes. Jackson County court records are considered public records subject to inspection or copying under the Oregon Public Records Law (Chapter 192 of Oregon's Revised Statutes). The law describes a "public record" in § 192.311 as any writing containing information related to the conduct of the public's business, which includes court records.

Notably, there are several limitations to the public's access—instances where entire records may be withheld or certain portions redacted to protect sensitive information or a person's privacy. Examples of these confidential records include:

• Expunged records
• Child abuse and neglect records
• Juvenile court records
• Adoption records
• Personally identifiable information, such as a Social Security or financial account number
• Drug court program records
• Information in a paternity judgment or order that would unreasonably put a child or party at risk
• Records pertaining to a court-order mediation in a domestic relations case
• Mental health and medical records

The Oregon Attorney General maintains a catalog of exemptions in the Oregon statutes to assist members of the public in determining publicly exempt information.

Jackson County Court Records Search

There are different channels available to persons who wish to conduct a Jackson court records search, including:

• Submitting a written request to the court having the record.
• Using case search resources provided by the Oregon Judicial Department.
• Visiting the courthouse to review cases on public kiosk computers or terminals (if available).
• Using case search tools offered by independent companies.

Jackson County Court Records Search by Name

To carry out a Jackson County court records search by name, an individual must possess the complete or partial name of a party involved in a court case. This can be a plaintiff or defendant's name. Subsequently, the interested person can access one of the following online portals:

• The Oregon Judicial Department (OJD) Records and Calendar Search: This database provides free remote access to court calendars and basic case information from the circuit and other Oregon state courts.
• The Oregon Judicial Case Information Network (OJCIN): This database offers remote access to official registers of action, judgment dockets, and case documents from the circuit and other Oregon state courts. A user account and subscription are required to access the portal. Access to OJCIN is limited to qualified parties, which may include Oregon State Bar members, designated government users, and certain businesses.

A Jackson court records search by name can also be conducted at the courthouse where a case occurred. Computer terminals may be available for public use at the courthouse, and staff members can assist persons who have at least a case party's name in finding related documents. It is important to note that duplication requests may attract fees per copy or per document, which vary by court.

Jackson County Courts

The circuit, juvenile, justice, and municipal courts comprise the Jackson County judicial system. Their addresses and contact details are outlined as follows:

Jackson County Circuit Court
Justice Building
100 South Oakdale Avenue
Medford, OR 97501-3127
Phone: (541) 776-7171
Fax: (541) 776-7057

Jackson County Juvenile Court
Juvenile Services Building
609 West 10th Street
Medford, OR 97501-3127
Phone: (541) 776-7171 ext. 35040

Jackson County Justice Court
4173 Hamrick Road
Central Point, OR 97502
Phone: (541) 774-1286
Fax: (541) 774-1288

Municipal Courts in Jackson County

Ashland Municipal Court
1175 East Main Street
Ashland, OR 97520
Phone: (541) 482-5214
Fax: (541) 488-5586

Butte Falls Municipal Court
431 Broad Street
P.O. Box 268
Butte Falls, OR 97522
Phone: (541) 865-3262

Medford Municipal Court
411 West 8th Street
Medford, OR 97501
Phone: (541) 774-2040
Fax: (541) 512-7511

Jackson County Superior Court Case Search

In the United States of America, superior courts are customarily general jurisdiction courts, possessing broad monetary, subject matter, and geographical authority over civil and criminal cases. However, they are not always called "superior" courts; in certain jurisdictions, they go by different names. For example, Jackson County calls this court a "circuit court".

The Jackson County Circuit Court is a trial court of general jurisdiction that hears all criminal and civil cases, excluding tax cases. The court addresses felonies, misdemeanors, personal injury, probate, divorce, child support, juvenile dependency, and appeals from some municipal courts.

To look up cases filed in the Jackson County Circuit Court, one can stop by the Justice Building in Medford during regular business hours. There are kiosk computers in the lobby for viewing newer court cases. However, those requesting access to older (non-digitized) cases may request access at the Public Room window on the first floor of the building. A Records Request Form can be completed before coming to the courthouse. Note that fees apply to make copies of a court record.

Another way to perform a circuit court case search is to access the OJD's Online Records Search. A name or case number is the required search criteria, and records can be viewed at no cost.

Note: If an inquiry is for a juvenile or adoption record, it should be advised that such records are confidential under Oregon's laws and can only be released to qualified parties. Information about searching or retrieving copies of juvenile or adoption case records is available on the Oregon Judiciary's website. For juvenile cases, an individual can also call the juvenile clerk's office at (541) 776-7171 ext. 35040.

Furthermore, if someone wishes to retrieve an audio file or written transcript or requires media access, they can find helpful information on the OJD's website.

Jackson County District Court Records

Although Jackson County has no district court, there is a justice court and several municipal courts that handle traffic, code/ordinance, parking, and other violations occurring within their jurisdictions.

Specifically, the Jackson County Justice Court addresses traffic tickets issued by certain government agencies, including the Oregon State Police, Jackson County Sheriff's Department, and some city police departments. The court also serves as the municipal court for the cities of Rogue River, Phoenix, Central Point, Gold Hill, Jacksonville, Talent, and Shady Cove.

People seeking information about cases heard in the justice or a municipal court can stop by the specific court or call the court's office line to find alternative request procedures.

Jackson County Criminal Records

Jackson County criminal records include arrest, charge, and conviction information about a specific individual. These records are maintained by several criminal justice agencies, including law enforcement, courts, and correctional facilities.

The criminal records maintained by local law enforcement agencies in Jackson County typically pertain to arrests and charges for which the suspect has not yet been arraigned in a court of law. If the arrest occurred in an incorporated city in Jackson, an inquirer can query the city's police department for Jackson arrest records. Conversely, where the arrest happened in an unincorporated area or the incorporated city outsources its policing needs (e.g., Gold Hill), individuals can query the Jackson County Sheriff's Department. A fee typically applies to obtain copies of Jackson County arrest records. However, under the Oregon Public Records Law, police agencies can only disclose basic information about arrested adults to the general public.

Individuals seeking access to statewide criminal information, including Jackson criminal records, can approach the Oregon State Police's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division. Each criminal history check costs $33, and it requires the subject of the record's fingerprints (taken at the OSP's Salem General Headquarters for $30) and the completion of a request form. Under ORS 181A.220, the results of a statewide criminal records check are confidential and exempt from public access.

Notwithstanding, an interested member of the public can still submit an open records request to the CJIS online or by mail for another person's criminal history record. An open records request will only cover Oregon conviction records and records of arrests less than a year old for which no dismissal or acquittal has been reported. Each open records check costs $33.

The OSP's Criminal History Record Checks page has more information about the statewide criminal records search process.

Jackson County Criminal Court Case Lookup

Most criminal cases in Jackson County are tried in the circuit court. However, some cases are still heard in the juvenile, justice, and municipal courts. Thus, to perform a criminal court case lookup in Jackson County, a person can stop by the court that heard a case or contact its administrator/clerk's office for records.

Additionally, people seeking criminal case information from the Jackson County Circuit Court have the OJD Records and Calendar Search and OJCIN portals at their disposal. These databases can generally be searched with a name or case number.

Get Jackson County Civil Court Records

Jackson County civil court records are generated in proceedings to resolve a civil claim or dispute. These records are maintained primarily by the local circuit court, which exercises jurisdiction over a broad range of civil matters, including personal injury, domestic relations, probate, and juvenile dependency.

To access Jackson County civil court records, one can visit the circuit court at 100 South Oakdale Avenue, where public kiosk computers or terminals are available to view civil court cases for free. Visitors can also print case documents at the courthouse, although they will be liable for the associated fees.

Another way to obtain Jackson County civil court records is to access the OJD's Online Records Search or OCJIN portal, as explained earlier. Moreover, members of the public can complete and submit the Online Records Request Form to the Jackson County Circuit Court. Inquirers can opt for delivery by email, mail, in person, or at another circuit court. However, all relevant fees must be paid before copies can be provided.

For further information about the fees and document formats available, as well as who can access confidential civil court records and the PDF application form, a person can review the Oregon Records Request website.

Jackson County Family Court Records

Individuals can query the Jackson County Circuit Court for family court records. The court presides over family court cases in Jackson County (including divorce, alimony, child custody, and paternity) and maintains associated records per Oregon's laws.

To obtain family court records in Jackson County, an individual can visit the circuit court during regular business hours. They can also access the OJD Online Records Search portal or fill out and submit the court's Online Records Request Form.

Notably, fees may apply to retrieve a copy of a family case document, and certain records cannot be released to the general public due to their sensitive nature. An example of a confidential family court record is an adoption record, which is only released to qualified parties like an adoptive parent, an adoptive parent's attorney of record, the adult adoptee, a representative from the Department of Human Services, or a biological parent.

Jackson Dissolution of Marriage Records

Dissolution of marriage ("divorce") cases are heard in the Jackson County Circuit Court. Copies of records from these cases can be obtained much like any other family court record.

Interested parties can access the OJN Online Records Search using a litigant's name, case number, case type, or other parameter. However, the system does not allow users to download or print copies of records. To obtain physical files, one can stop by the Jackson County Justice Building during office hours or complete the circuit court's Online Records Request Form to receive copies by mail, in person, or via email. Note that specific fees are applicable for record requests.

Jackson County Marriage and Divorce Records

Queries for Jackson County divorce records should be submitted to the Jackson County Circuit Court, as explained in the previous heading. However, those seeking Jackson County marriage records should approach the County Clerk/Recording office.

Individuals can access the County Clerk's Digital Research Room to obtain a certified or regular copy of a Jackson County marriage license. Users will need to answer the security check question, click the "I Agree" button, and select "Marriage Licenses" from the menu icon (i.e., the hamburger icon—the three parallel horizontal lines—at the top right corner of the page). Next, the user must input at least the last name of one spouse, the application number/date range, or the marriage date to search the system.

It costs $7.75 to order a certified copy of a marriage license and $4 for each additional copy requested for the same person simultaneously. Meanwhile, regular copies cost $4 for the first copy and 25 cents afterward. All fees are payable by credit card, and regular copies can be downloaded immediately. Certified copies are only provided to the applicant by mail after the office processes the order.

Note, however, that the Digital Research Room only has copies of marriage licenses from 1985 to the present date. If seeking earlier records, one can contact the County Clerk/Recording office at (541) 774-6153 or jcrecording@jacksoncountyor.gov.

Requests for Jackson County marriage records can also be made in person or via mail to the Jackson County Clerk's office. Inquirers must provide sufficient information (names, dates) and the record fee for the office to process a request. Fees are payable in cash, check (should include a phone number), or credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover). A nominal convenience fee accompanies credit/debit card transactions. Below is the office's address:

Jackson County Clerk
10 South Oakdale Avenue
Room 114
Medford OR 97501

A Jackson County marriage certificate can also be obtained from the Oregon Vital Records Office for a fee, which varies depending on the request method.

Note that ORS 432.350 limits public access to certified copies of marriage records that are less than 50 years old. These records are only available to eligible parties, such as the spouses or their parents, children, or legal representatives.

Jackson Birth and Death Records

According to ORS 432.350, Jackson County birth records are only disclosed to the general public after 100 years have elapsed from a birth event. Meanwhile, death records are publicly available upon the expiry of a 50-year period, which starts to count from the date of death. These records are invaluable for understanding population trends, rates, and patterns. They also have crucial legal applications: birth records are primary documents for establishing a person's identity and citizenship, and death records are useful for genealogical research and claiming benefits or pensions.

To obtain a Jackson birth or death record, an individual can query the Jackson County Vital Records or Oregon State Vital Records office. The Jackson County Vital Records office provides birth records up until an infant is six months old and death records for six months after a death occurs. A valid photo ID is required to submit a birth or death certificate order to the county vital records office by mail, in person, or via fax. (The application forms are also available in Spanish to accommodate non-English speaking requesters.) Below is the address for orders and inquiries:

Jackson County Health & Human Services
140 South Holly Street
1st floor
Medford, OR 97501
Phone: (541) 774-8000
Fax: (541) 774-8157

The local vital records office charges $25 for each copy of a Jackson County birth certificate. The same fee applies to obtain a Jackson death certificate (long or short form) from the department. A short-form death certificate (w/o cause of death) is used for property and vehicle title transfers. This type of certificate is needed because any property record filed with the Jackson County Clerk's office becomes public information—and death certificates are ordinarily confidential in Oregon. Fees are payable to the Jackson Vital Records office in cash, check, or by credit/debit card (Visa, Master Card, Discover, or American Express).

Qualified entities can make orders for birth or death records older than the stated 6-month periods to the State Vital Records Office online, in person, via phone, dropbox, or by mail. A fee applies for such requests.

Jackson County Probate Court Records

In Jackson County, probate cases fall under the circuit court's purview. These cases pertain to wills, trusts, administration of decedent's estates, and guardianships/conservatorships.

Individuals can visit the Jackson County Circuit Court during office hours to search for, view, or copy a case file from a probate proceeding. They can also access the OJD Online Records Search portal to look up probate cases at no cost. The local circuit court can be contacted at (541) 776-7171 for more information.

Jackson County Property Records

Property records contain pertinent information about real estate (lands and buildings). In Jackson County, property records can be obtained from these offices:

• The Jackson County Clerk's Office: The County Clerk's Digital Research Room is a valuable resource for reviewing property deeds, liens, reconveyances, mortgages, affidavits, easements, and other property documents. Property deeds (with a watermark) can be viewed for free. However, all other documents are only viewable after purchase. Regular copies cost $4 for the first page and 25 cents for each additional page. Meanwhile, certified copies cost $7.75 for the first page and 25 cents afterward.

Property records can also be inspected or copied at the Clerk's Office at 10 South Oakdale Avenue during regular business hours.

• The Jackson County Assessor's Office: The Assessor maintains a Property Data Online System (PDO) that can be utilized to find property maps and aerial photos, ownership data, sales histories, zoning information, assessed values and improvements, and other property information in Jackson County. The system is free to use, and a user guide is available to interested parties. Additionally, a text-based version of the PDO (called the Property Data Express) is provided to individuals who prefer not to search maps or have a slow internet connection.

Jackson County Court Records Online

Several reputable third-party websites, such as Oregoncourtrecords.us, are accessible to members of the public seeking Jackson County court records online. These websites offer instant access and advanced search capabilities.

Searches on a third-party site typically extend beyond Jackson County public records, encompassing publicly available data in other Oregon counties and United States jurisdictions. However, users may incur charges when retrieving comprehensive reports.

When leveraging a third-party database for a Jackson court records search, a good rule of thumb is to seek authentication from an official source, as data obtained from the websites are subject to modifications and do not constitute the official court record.