Court Records at the National Archives at Atlanta
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Agency serves as the trial courts of general federal jurisdiction. In addition to U.S. district courts, this record group includes the records of U.S. territorial courts, U.S. circuit courts, and Confederate States district courts.
U.S. territorial courts were established by statute for organized territories of the United States. They had the form and jurisdiction of district courts, by which they were superseded when the territories became states.
U.S. circuit courts were established concurrently with U.S. district courts by the Judiciary Act of 1789. They shared with U.S. district courts original jurisdiction over criminal cases, tort suits by aliens, and all common law suits involving the United States. They had exclusive original jurisdiction over suits involving an alien, suits between citizens of different states, and suits in common law and equity where the disputed amount exceeded $500. They had appellate jurisdiction over cases heard in U.S. district courts comprising each circuit, except those cases that by law were heard immediately by the U.S. Supreme Court. Appellate jurisdiction was transferred from U.S. circuit courts to newly established U.S. circuit courts of appeals by the Judiciary Act of 1891 (26 Stat. 826), March 3, 1891. U.S. circuit courts were abolished, effective January 1, 1912, by the Judicial Code of 1911 (36 Stat. 1167), March 3, 1911, with jurisdiction, records, and pending cases transferred from each circuit court to the appropriate U.S. district courts.
Confederate States district courts were successors to U.S. district courts within the states comprising the Confederate States of America, 1861-65. At the end of the war, U.S. district courts resumed jurisdiction.
RG 21 - Civil Liberties
The U. S. District Court cases in this report constitute a sample of cases relating to civil liberties in the custody of the National Archives and Records Administration at Atlanta. Unless noted, all cases are civil action cases. These files were maintained by the court as a permanent record of various proceedings in civil litigation. They contain papers filed with the Court including petitions, bills of complaint, transcripts of testimony, writs, answers, depositions, exhibits, motions, court orders, decrees, findings of fact, conclusions of law, affidavits, decisions, and other related papers. If the case was appealed to a higher court, then information and papers relating to that appeal were often included in the case files.
RG 21 - U.S. District Courts (Alabama)
Birmingham Division
Naturalization Depositions, 1911-1928
This series consists of depositions filed as part of the naturalization process. These formal statements were taken in support of an applicant's petition by witnesses designated by the applicant. The records indicate the period of the applicant's residence in a certain locale and other data, including the witness's appraisal of the applicant's character. The information shown on these records includes the name of the witness, age, occupation, address, place of birth, citizenship and the period of time the witness has known the applicant.
Confederate Court
Admiralty Case Files, 1861-1865
This series consists of case files relating to admiralty claims. They deal with such matters as prizes, ransom, and military salvage; petitory suits to try title to a ship independently of possession of the vessel; possessory actions to recover ships to which a party is entitled by right; and a great variety of maritime contracts and torts. Typical maritime contracts relate to charter parties; affreightment; the carriage of passengers and their baggage, and the carriage of goods; marine insurance; demurrage; pilotage; towage; lighterage; wharfage; and for the purchase of supplies and repairs; salvage; bottomry; seamen's wages; and the maintenance and care of ill or injured seamen. Typical maritime torts involve collision; loss of or injury to a cargo; and personal injury or ill usage arising between the master and officers on one hand and the seamen or passengers on the other.
Criminal Case Files and Miscellaneous Records, 1858-1864
Criminal case files typically include the indictment or criminal information, pleas of the defendant, warrants and subpoenas, proceedings before U.S. commissioners, recognizances or bonds for appearance, the judgment and commitment, depositions of witnesses, nolle prosequis, motions, orders, and other papers filed in criminal actions. Transcripts of testimony are also sometimes included.
- RG 21 - Criminal Case Files and Miscellaneous Records (Alabama Confederate) [Download Excel Spreadsheet]
Garnishment Case Files, 1861-1865
This series consists of files for debt cases introduced in the Confederate judiciary system. These case files typically include the writ of garnishment, interrogatories to the garnishee concerning any debt owed to citizens of the United States; answers of the garnishee; and orders and judgments of the court.
Habeas Corpus Case Files, 1862-1864
Habeas Corpus case files may contain writs of habeas corpus, returns, briefs, petitions, orders, and applications.
Sequestration Case Files, 1861-1865
This series consists of case files resulting from the Confederate judiciary system concerning property. They typically included the petition for sequestration filed by the receiver showing the name of the alien enemy, his place of residence, and the property which he allegedly owned; any liens and claims against the sequestered property; and briefs, demurrers, subpoenas, orders, opinions, and judgments of the court.
Huntsville Division
Bankruptcy Case Files, 1867-1878
These files were created as the court's record of all of the proceedings undertaken in an individual bankruptcy action under the Bankruptcy Act of 1867. This Act was the third bankruptcy act passed by the United States Congress and allowed both voluntary and involuntary filings. To assist the judges in the administration of the law, the act provided for the appointment by the court of Registers in Bankruptcy. The Registers were authorized to make an adjudication of the bankruptcy, to hold and preside over meetings of creditors, and administer the progress of the bankruptcy suit.
Mobile Division
Admiralty Case Files, 1866-1963
This series consists of cases relating to admiralty claims. Each case file may contain libels and amendments to libels; informations; monitions; answers; counterclaims and cross-claims; interrogatories; depositions and transcripts of oral testimony of witnesses; commissioners' reports relating to the taking of testimony; questions of account; the ascertainment of damages; orders and decrees of the court, both interlocutory and final; contracts, charter parties, shipping articles, crew lists, ships' logs, reports of surveys for repairs, invoices, and other records entered as exhibits; petitions, appraisal reports, and related documents filed in limitation of liability suits; bills of costs; notices of appeal; and other records filed in the district court in admiralty actions. The cases involved actions for damages arising from collision; for breach of contract for services or goods, chiefly based on claims for seamen's wages and materials and supplies furnished; and for fees for pilotage, towage, and wharfage; bottomry; and marine insurance. These case files deal with such matters as prizes, ransom, and military salvage; petitory suits to try title to a ship independently of possession of the vessel; possessory actions to recover ships to which a party was entitled by right; and a great variety of maritime contracts and torts. Typical maritime contracts relate to charter parties; affreightment; the carriage of passengers and their baggage, and the carriage of goods; marine insurance; demurrage; pilotage; towage; lighterage; wharfage; the purchase of supplies and repairs; salvage; bottomry; seamen's wages; and the maintenance and care of ill or injured seamen. Typical maritime torts involve collision; loss of or injury to a cargo; and personal injury or ill usage that arose between the master and officers on one hand and the seamen or passengers on the other.
Bankruptcy Case Files, 1842-1843
The case files contain the petition for bankruptcy, various schedules, and related papers, including petitions for discharge, orders of reference, proofs of publication and notices to creditors, reports by commissioners, schedules containing inventories of bankrupt assets, appointments, declarations of discharge, final certificates, and record of payment of costs.
Bankruptcy Case Files, 1867-1878
The case files contain the petition for bankruptcy, various schedules, and related papers, including petitions for discharge, orders of reference, proofs of publication and notices to creditors, reports by commissioners, schedules containing inventories of bankrupt assets, appointments, declarations of discharge, final certificates, and record of payment of costs.
Criminal Case Files (Circuit Court), 1869-1894
Criminal case files typically include the indictment or criminal information, pleas of the defendant, warrants and subpoenas, proceedings before U.S. commissioners, recognizances or bonds for appearance, the judgment and commitment, depositions of witnesses, nolle prosequis, motions, orders, and other papers filed in criminal actions. Transcripts of testimony are also sometimes included. Criminal cases include charges of crimes committed on federal property, conspiracy to violate a person's civil rights, making liquor or tobacco products without paying the correct government tax, cutting timber on public lands, various crimes involving the mail or U.S. post offices, shooting protected migratory birds, failure to register for the draft, forgery, counterfeiting, election fraud, internal revenue violations, and other federal crimes.
Montgomery Division
Bankruptcy Case Files, 1867-1878
The case files contain the petition for bankruptcy, various schedules, and related papers, including petitions for discharge, orders of reference, proofs of publication and notices to creditors, reports by commissioners, schedules containing inventories of bankrupt assets, appointments, declarations of discharge, final certificates, and record of payment of costs.
RG 21 - U.S. District Courts (Florida)
Apalachicola Division
Bankruptcy Case Files, 1867-1868
These files were created to contain the records of all of the proceedings undertaken in an individual bankruptcy action under the Bankruptcy Acts 1867. The case files contain the petition for bankruptcy, various schedules, and related papers, including petitions for discharge, orders of reference, proofs of publication and notices to creditors, reports by commissioners, schedules containing inventories of bankrupt assets, appointments, declarations of discharge, final certificates, and record of payment of costs.
Jacksonville Division
Petitions for Naturalization, 1906-1977
These petitions were instruments by which aliens who had resided in the United States continuously for at least five years made formal application to the court to grant U.S. citizenship. The court used the information on the petition to determine whether the petition should be granted or denied.
Key West Division
Petitions for Naturalization, 1847-1890
These petitions were instruments by which aliens who had resided in the United States continuously for at least five years made formal application to the court to grant U.S. citizenship. The court used the information on the petition to determine whether the petition should be granted or denied.
Miami Division
Petitions for Naturalization, 1914-1928
These petitions were instruments by which aliens who had resided in the United States continuously for at least five years made formal application to the court to grant U.S. citizenship. The court used the information on the petition to determine whether the petition should be granted or denied.
Orlando Division
Petitions for Naturalization, 1921-1987
These petitions were instruments by which aliens who had resided in the United States continuously for at least five years made formal application to the court to grant U.S. citizenship. The court used the information on the petition to determine whether the petition should be granted or denied.
Tallahassee Division
Bankruptcy Case Files, 1867-1878
These case files contain the petition for bankruptcy, various schedules, and related papers, including petitions for discharge, orders of reference, proofs of publication and notices to creditors, reports by commissioners, schedules containing inventories of bankrupt assets, appointments, declarations of discharge, final certificates, and record of payment of costs.
Tampa Division
Declarations of Intention, 1928-1976
This series consists of the various declarations of intention filed in the court as part of the naturalization process. These contain the following information: name of alien, age, occupation, personal description, place and date of birth, place of residence, place of emigration, vessel upon which the alien was transported, former foreign place of residence, name of foreign country, port and date of arrival, signature, and date of declaration.
RG 21 - U.S. District Courts (Georgia)
Atlanta Division
Bankruptcy Case Files, 1867-1878
These case files contain the petition for bankruptcy, various schedules, and related papers, including petitions for discharge, orders of reference, proofs of publication and notices to creditors, reports by commissioners, schedules containing inventories of bankrupt assets, appointments, declarations of discharge, final certificates, and record of payment of costs.
Augusta Division
Circuit Court Case Files, 1887-1911
This finding aid consists of cases from the Criminal Case Files series, the Law and Equity Case Files series, the Law Case Files series, and the Equity Case Files series of the Augusta Circuit Court.
Columbus Division
Petitions for Naturalization, 1907-1991
These petitions were instruments by which aliens who had resided in the United States continuously for at least five years made formal application to the court to grant U.S. citizenship. The court used the information on the petition to determine whether the petition should be granted or denied.
Gainesville Division
Land Condemnation Case Files
The series contains papers from cases dealing with land condemnations filed in civil proceedings which may include petitions, bills of complaint, transcripts of testimony and of record, writs, answers, depositions, exhibits, motions, court orders, decrees, findings of fact and conclusions of law, cross-petitions, affidavits, decisions, writs of error, notices, summonses, mandates, pleas, praecipes, subpoenas, and other related papers. If the case was appealed to a higher court, then information and papers relating to that appeal were often included in the case file.
Macon Division
Equity Case Files (Circuit Court), 1876-1912
This series consists of equity case files, usually involving disputes over property rights. The cases consist of matters where a party was seeking injunctive relief and relied on the court to determine what was fair and equitable. Many of the cases were filed to resolve patent or copyright infringements. Equity cases also included legal matters not covered by statute or requiring proceedings before a jury, such as filings of assignees and trustees, who were seeking to recover certain properties from defendants' bankruptcy cases. The case files may include the following types of records: bills in equity, supplemental bills, bills of complaint, affidavits, agreements, answers, amended answers, bonds, decrees, demurrers, depositions, exhibits, injunctions, joinders, motions for injunctions, motions for extensions of time, motions to dismiss complaints, notices of appeals and motions, opinions, orders including orders of referral, orders on motions and petitions, and orders overruling demurrers; petitions to distribute assets, petitions to produce documents and petitions to stay proceedings; praecipes, proofs of service, replications, reports of special masters, rules for attachment, stipulations, subpoenas, testimony, warrants and writs of certiorari.
Habeas Corpus Case Files, 1889-1907
Habeas Corpus case files may contain writs of habeas corpus, returns, briefs, petitions, orders, and applications.
Law Case Files (Circuit Court), 1877-1912
This series contains papers filed in civil proceedings which may include petitions, bills of complaint, transcripts of testimony and of record, writs, answers, depositions, exhibits, motions, court orders, judgments or decrees, findings of fact and conclusions of law, cross-petitions, affidavits, decisions, writs of error, notices, summonses, mandates, pleas, praecipes, subpoenas, and other related papers. Information and papers relating to any appeal of a case to a higher court might be also found in the case file.
Law Case Files, 1882-1930
This series contains papers filed in civil proceedings which may include petitions, bills of complaint, transcripts of testimony and of record, writs, answers, depositions, exhibits, motions, court orders, judgments or decrees, findings of fact and conclusions of law, cross-petitions, affidavits, decisions, writs of error, notices, summonses, mandates, pleas, praecipes, subpoenas, and other related papers. Information and papers relating to any appeal of a case to a higher court might be also found in the case file.
Petitions for Naturalization, 1906-1944
These petitions were instruments by which aliens who had resided in the United States continuously for at least five years made formal application to the court to grant U.S. citizenship. The court used the information on the petition to determine whether the petition should be granted or denied.
Writs of Scire Facias, 1881-1915
This series consists of writs of scire facias filed with the clerk of the district court. The writs dealt with criminal defendants who were indebted to the district court. The writs listed the following: date, name of defendants, and the amount owed to the court.
Savannah Division
Bankruptcy Case Files, 1842-1846
The case files contain the petition for bankruptcy, various schedules, and related papers, including petitions for discharge, orders of reference, proofs of publication and notices to creditors, reports by commissioners, schedules containing inventories of bankrupt assets, appointments, declarations of discharge, final certificates, and record of payment of costs.
Bankruptcy Case Files, 1867-1878
The case files contain the petition for bankruptcy, various schedules, and related papers, including petitions for discharge, orders of reference, proofs of publication and notices to creditors, reports by commissioners, schedules containing inventories of bankrupt assets, appointments, declarations of discharge, final certificates, and record of payment of costs.
Mixed Case Files (Circuit Court), 1769-1913
This series consists of all papers filed in law, equity, criminal, habeas corpus, and admiralty cases in the U.S. Circuit Court in Savannah, Georgia.
Mixed Case Files, 1775-1879
This series consists of admiralty and law, criminal, bankruptcy, and equity cases completed through 1860, adjucated at the court in Savannah.
RG 21 - U.S. District Courts (Kentucky)
Bowling Green Division
Civil Case Files, 1938-1956
This series contains papers filed in civil proceedings which may include petitions, bills of complaint, transcripts of testimony and of record, writs, answers, depositions, exhibits, motions, court orders, decrees, findings of fact and conclusions of law, cross-petitions, affidavits, decisions, writs of error, notices, summonses, mandates, pleas, praecipes, subpoenas, and other related papers. Information and papers relating to any appeal of a case to a higher court may also be found in the case file.
Equity Case Files, 1901-1911
This series consists of equity case files, usually involving disputes over property rights. The cases consist of matters where a party was seeking injunctive relief and relied on the court to determine what was fair and equitable. Many of the cases were filed to resolve patent or copyright infringements. Equity cases also included legal matters not covered by statute or requiring proceedings before a jury, such as filings of assignees and trustees, who were seeking to recover certain properties from defendants' bankruptcy cases. The case files may include the following types of records: bills in equity, supplemental bills, bills of complaint, affidavits, agreements, answers, amended answers, bonds, decrees, demurrers, depositions, exhibits, injunctions, joinders, motions for injunctions, motions for extensions of time, motions to dismiss complaints, notices of appeals and motions, opinions, orders including orders of referral, orders on motions and petitions, and orders overruling demurrers; petitions including petitions for restraining order, petitions for rules to show cause, petitions to distribute assets, petitions to produce documents and petitions to stay proceedings; praecipes, proofs of service, replications, reports of special masters, rules for attachment, stipulations, subpoenas, testimony, warrants and writs of certiorari.
Covington Division
Bankruptcy Case Files, 1867-1878
This series includes records relating to the assets and debts of the bankrupt, the actions of the court and the Register in Bankruptcy, and the final disposition of the case. A typical case file normally contains the petition, schedule of debts, a list of the names and addresses of creditors, and a record of the amount due; inventories of real and personal property, proof of publication of bankruptcy notices, notices to creditors, oaths of assignees, orders of reference, orders of bankruptcy, final discharges, and related papers filed in bankruptcy proceedings.
Frankfort Division
Bankruptcy Case Files, 1842-1843
The case files contain the petition for bankruptcy, various schedules, and related papers, including petitions for discharge, orders of reference, proofs of publication and notices to creditors, reports by commissioners, schedules containing inventories of bankrupt assets, appointments, declarations of discharge, final certificates, and record of payment of costs.
Jackson Division
Law and Equity Case Files, 1911-1939
This series contains papers filed in common law proceedings which may include petitions, bills of complaint, transcripts of testimony and of record, writs, answers, depositions, exhibits, motions, court orders, judgments or decrees, findings of fact and conclusions of law, cross-petitions, affidavits, decisions, writs of error, notices, summonses, mandates, pleas, praecipes, subpoenas, and other related papers. The equity cases usually were filed when a party was seeking injunctive relief and the court was to determine what was fair and equitable. The case files may include the following types of records: bills in equity, supplemental bills, bills of complaint, affidavits, agreements, answers, amended answers, bonds, decrees, demurrers, depositions, exhibits, injunctions, joinders, motions for injunctions, motions for extensions of time, motions to dismiss complaints, notices of appeals and motions, opinions, orders including orders of referral, orders on motions and petitions, and orders overruling demurrers; petitions including petitions for restraining order, petitions for rules to show cause, petitions to distribute assets, petitions to produce documents and petitions to stay proceedings, praecipes, proofs of service, replications, reports of special masters, rules for attachment, stipulations, subpoenas, and testimony. Information and papers relating to any appeal of a case to a higher court might be also found in the case file.
Louisville Division
Petitions for Naturalization, 1907-1980
This series consists of petitions for naturalization or citizenship filed in federal court, and related documents filed with the petition. Generally, petitions filed prior to September 27, 1906 contain the name and former citizenship of the applicant, the date of the petition, and signature of the applicant. Occasionally, names of a witness or the address of the applicant appear on the petition. Petitions filed after September 26, 1906 on Form 2204, entitled "Petition for Naturalization," contain the following information: name; place of residence; occupation; date and place of birth; port and date of emigration and immigration and vessel upon which the applicant traveled; date and place of the declaration of intention (if necessary); marital status; name(s), date(s) and place(s) of birth of the applicants' spouse and children; country of former allegiance; knowledge of the English language; time of residence within the United States and within the state of residence; the declaration of intention number; and the certificate of naturalization number. This form also includes the affidavits of the petitioner and the witnesses. The witnesses gave their names, occupations and addresses. Finally, the petitioner dated and signed the petition. Copies of the declarations of intention and certificates of arrival may be interfiled with the petitions.
Owensboro Division
Civil Case Files, 1938-1973
This series contains papers filed in civil proceedings which may include petitions, bills of complaint, transcripts of testimony and of record, writs, answers, depositions, exhibits, motions, court orders, decrees, findings of fact and conclusions of law, cross-petitions, affidavits, decisions, writs of error, notices, summonses, mandates, pleas, praecipes, subpoenas, and other related papers. Information and papers relating to any appeal of a case to a higher court may also be found in the case file.
Equity Case Files (Circuit Court), 1888-1920
This series consists of equity case files, usually involving disputes over property rights. The cases consist of matters where a party was seeking injunctive relief and relied on the court to determine what was fair and equitable. Many of the cases were filed to resolve patent or copyright infringements. Equity cases also included legal matters not covered by statute or requiring proceedings before a jury, such as filings of assignees and trustees, who were seeking to recover certain properties from defendants' bankruptcy cases. The case files may include the following types of records: bills in equity, supplemental bills, bills of complaint, affidavits, agreements, answers, amended answers, bonds, decrees, demurrers, depositions, exhibits, injunctions, joinders, motions for injunctions, motions for extensions of time, motions to dismiss complaints, notices of appeals and motions, opinions, orders including orders of referral, orders on motions and petitions, and orders overruling demurrers; petitions including petitions for restraining order, petitions for rules to show cause, petitions to distribute assets, petitions to produce documents and petitions to stay proceedings; praecipes, proofs of service, replications, reports of special masters, rules for attachment, stipulations, subpoenas, testimony, warrants and writs of certiorari.
Equity Case Files, 1913-1938
This series consists of equity case files, usually involving disputes over property rights. The cases consist of matters where a party was seeking injunctive relief and relied on the court to determine what was fair and equitable. Many of the cases were filed to resolve patent or copyright infringements. Equity cases also include legal matters not covered by statute or requiring proceedings before a jury, such as filings of assignees and trustees, who were seeking to recover certain properties from defendants' bankruptcy cases. The case files may include the following types of records: bills in equity, supplemental bills, bills of complaint, affidavits, agreements, answers, amended answers, bonds, decrees, demurrers, depositions, exhibits, injunctions, joinders, motions for injunctions, motions for extensions of time, motions to dismiss complaints, notices of appeals and motions, opinions, orders including orders of referral, orders on motions and petitions, and orders overruling demurrers; petitions including petitions for restraining order, petitions for rules to show cause, petitions to distribute assets, petitions to produce documents and petitions to stay proceedings, praecipes, proofs of service, replications, reports of special masters, rules for attachment, stipulations, subpoenas, testimony, warrants and writs of certiorari.
Law and Equity Case Files, 1901-1939
This series contains papers filed in civil proceedings which may include petitions, bills of complaint, transcripts of testimony and of record, writs, answers, depositions, exhibits, motions, court orders, judgments or decrees, findings of fact and conclusions of law, cross-petitions, affidavits, decisions, writs of error, notices, summonses, mandates, pleas, praecipes, subpoenas, and other related papers. Information and papers relating to any appeal of a case to a higher court might be also found in the case file.
RG 21 - U.S. District Courts (Mississippi)
Oxford Division
Bankruptcy Case Files, 1867-1868
The case files contain the petition for bankruptcy, various schedules, and related papers, including petitions for discharge, orders of reference, proofs of publication and notices to creditors, reports by commissioners, schedules containing inventories of bankrupt assets, appointments, declarations of discharge, final certificates, and record of payment of costs.
Civil Case Files, 1938-1972
The case files contain the petition for bankruptcy, various schedules, and related papers, including petitions for discharge, orders of reference, proofs of publication and notices to creditors, reports by commissioners, schedules containing inventories of bankrupt assets, appointments, declarations of discharge, final certificates, and record of payment of costs.
RG 21 - U.S. District Courts (North Carolina)
Asheville Division
Bankruptcy Case Files, 1869-1878
These files were created as the court's record of all of the proceedings undertaken in an individual bankruptcy action under the Bankruptcy Act of 1867. This Act was the third bankruptcy act passed by the United States Congress and allowed both voluntary and involuntary filings. This series includes records relating to the assets and debts of the bankrupt, the actions of the court and the Register in Bankruptcy, and the final disposition of the case.
Civil Case Files, 1938-
This series contains papers filed in civil proceedings which may include petitions, bills of complaint, transcripts of testimony and of record, writs, answers, depositions, exhibits, motions, court orders, decrees, findings of fact and conclusions of law, cross-petitions, affidavits, decisions, writs of error, notices, summonses, mandates, pleas, praecipes, subpoenas, and other related papers. Information and papers relating to any appeal of a case to a higher court might be found in the case file.
Confederate Court
Garnishment and Sequestration Case Files, 1861-1863
This series consists of cases resulting from the Confederate judiciary system concerning debts and property. The garnishment cases involved debts and typically included the writ of garnishment, interrogatories to the garnishee concerning any debt owed to citizens of the United States; answers of the garnishee; and orders and judgments of the court. The sequestration cases generally involved property and typically included the petition for sequestration filed by the receiver showing the name of the alien enemy, his place of residence, and the property which he allegedly owned; any liens and claims against the sequestered property; briefs, demurrers, subpoenas, orders, opinions, and judgments of the court.
- RG 21 - Garnishment and Sequestration Case Files (North Carolina Confederate) [Download Excel Spreadsheet]
Elizabeth City Division
Admiralty Case Files, 1866-1952
This series consists of cases relating to admiralty claims. Each case file may contain libels and amendments to libels; informations; monitions; answers; counterclaims and cross-claims; interrogatories; depositions and transcripts of oral testimony of witnesses; commissioners' reports relating to the taking of testimony; questions of account; orders and decrees of the court, both interlocutory and final; contracts, shipping articles, crew lists, ships' logs, reports of surveys for repairs, invoices, and other records entered as exhibits; petitions, appraisal reports, and related documents filed in limitation of liability suits; bills of costs; notices of appeal; and other records filed in the district court in admiralty actions. The cases involved actions for damages arising from collision; for breach of contract for services or goods, chiefly based on claims for seamen's wages and materials and supplies furnished; and for fees for pilotage, towage, and wharfage; bottomry; and marine insurance. These case files deal with such matters as prizes, ransom, and military salvage; petitory suits to try title to a ship independently of possession of the vessel; possessory actions to recover ships to which a party was entitled by right; and a great variety of maritime contracts and torts. Typical maritime contracts relate to charter parties; affreightment; the carriage of passengers and their baggage, and the carriage of goods; marine insurance; demurrage; pilotage; towage; lighterage; wharfage; the purchase of supplies and repairs; salvage; bottomry; seamen's wages; and the maintenance and care of ill or injured seamen. Typical maritime torts involve collision; loss of or injury to a cargo; and personal injury or ill usage that arose between the master and officers on one hand and the seamen or passengers on the other.
Bankruptcy Case Files, 1841-1843
This series consists of petitions and related bankruptcy papers filed in the U.S. District Court located in Elizabeth City. The case files consist of the following papers: petitions to be declared a bankrupt, Schedules A and B listing all debts and assets of the petitioners respectively, reports by bankruptcy commissioners relating to assets and debts, notifications to creditors of the bankruptcy petition, petitions for discharge from bankruptcy, declarations of discharge, various court orders, proofs of the publication of the various bankruptcy notices, and other papers.
Bankruptcy Case Files, 1867-1878
This series includes records relating to the assets and debts of the bankrupt, the actions of the court and the Register in Bankruptcy, and the final disposition of the case. A typical case file normally contains the petition, schedule of debts, a list of the names and addresses of creditors, and a record of the amount due; inventories of real and personal property, proof of publication of bankruptcy notices, notices to creditors, oaths of assignees, orders of reference, orders of bankruptcy, final discharges, and related papers filed in bankruptcy proceedings.
Equity Case Files, 1901-1938
This series consists of equity case files, usually involving disputes over property rights. The cases consist of matters where a party was seeking injunctive relief and relied on the court to determine what was fair and equitable. Many of the cases were filed to resolve patent or copyright infringements. Equity cases also include legal matters not covered by statute or requiring proceedings before a jury, such as filings of assignees and trustees, who were seeking to recover certain properties from defendants' bankruptcy cases. The case files may include the following types of records: bills in equity, supplemental bills, bills of complaint, affidavits, agreements, answers, amended answers, bonds, decrees, demurrers, depositions, exhibits, injunctions, joinders, motions for injunctions, motions for extensions of time, motions to dismiss complaints, notices of appeals and motions, opinions, orders including orders of referral, orders on motions and petitions, and orders overruling demurrers; petitions including petitions for restraining order, petitions for rules to show cause, petitions to distribute assets, petitions to produce documents and petitions to stay proceedings, praecipes, proofs of service, replications, reports of special masters, rules for attachment, stipulations, subpoenas, testimony, warrants and writs of certiorari.
Law Case Files, 1906-1938
This series contains papers filed in civil proceedings which may include petitions, bills of complaint, transcripts of testimony and of record, writs, answers, depositions, exhibits, motions, court orders, judgments or decrees, findings of fact and conclusions of law, cross-petitions, affidavits, decisions, writs of error, notices, summonses, mandates, pleas, praecipes, subpoenas, and other related papers. Information and papers relating to any appeal of a case to a higher court might be also found in the case file.
Mixed Case Files, 1793-1868
The case files include bills of indictment, complaints, or other papers filed to open litigation, answers filed by the defendants or respondents, various motions and pleadings filed by the parties, court orders, judgments and decrees filed in criminal, equity, law, and habeas corpus cases filed in the U.S. District Court for the Albemarle District.
Greensboro Division
Bankruptcy Dockets, 1872-1880
This series consists of dockets recording all of the papers filed and proceedings held in the series "Bankruptcy Case Files, 1872-1878". Each docket shows case number and style, name of the petitioner, a notation as to whether the bankruptcy was voluntary or involuntary, a listing of papers filed, and memoranda of proceedings before the Registers in Bankruptcy. The memoranda of proceedings include dates of adjudications, synopses of creditors' meetings, activities of assignees, and related matters.
Civil Case Files, 1938-1956
This series contains papers filed in civil proceedings which may include petitions, bills of complaint, transcripts of testimony and of record, writs, answers, depositions, exhibits, motions, court orders, decrees, findings of fact and conclusions of law, cross-petitions, affidavits, decisions, writs of error, notices, summonses, mandates, pleas, praecipes, subpoenas, and other related papers. Information and papers relating to any appeal of a case to a higher court may also be found in the case file.
Equity Case Files, 1923-1938
This series consists of equity case files, usually involving disputes over property rights. The cases consist of matters where a party was seeking injunctive relief and relied on the court to determine what was fair and equitable. Many of the cases were filed to resolve patent or copyright infringements. Equity cases also include legal matters not covered by statute or requiring proceedings before a jury, such as filings of assignees and trustees, who were seeking to recover certain properties from defendants' bankruptcy cases. The case files may include the following types of records: bills in equity, supplemental bills, bills of complaint, affidavits, agreements, answers, amended answers, bonds, decrees, demurrers, depositions, exhibits, injunctions, joinders, motions for injunctions, motions for extensions of time, motions to dismiss complaints, notices of appeals and motions, opinions, orders including orders of referral, orders on motions and petitions, and orders overruling demurrers; petitions including petitions for restraining order, petitions for rules to show cause, petitions to distribute assets, petitions to produce documents and petitions to stay proceedings, praecipes, proofs of service, replications, reports of special masters, rules for attachment, stipulations, subpoenas, testimony, warrants and writs of certiorari.
Law Case Files
This series contains papers filed in civil proceedings which may include petitions, bills of complaint, transcripts of testimony and of record, writs, answers, depositions, exhibits, motions, court orders, judgments or decrees, findings of fact and conclusions of law, cross-petitions, affidavits, decisions, writs of error, notices, summonses, mandates, pleas, praecipes, subpoenas, and other related papers. Information and papers relating to any appeal of a case to a higher court might be also found in the case file.
New Bern Division
Bankruptcy Dockets, 1867-1878
This series consists of dockets recording all of the papers filed and proceedings held in the series "Bankruptcy Case Files, 1868-1878". Each docket shows case number and style, name of the petitioner, a notation as to whether the bankruptcy was voluntary or involuntary, a listing of papers filed, and memoranda of proceedings before the Registers in Bankruptcy. The memoranda of proceedings include dates of adjudications, synopses of creditors' meetings, activities of assignees, and related matters.
Raleigh Division
Civil Case Files (Circuit Court), 1773-1860
This series contains papers filed in civil proceedings which may include petitions, bills of complaint, transcripts of testimony and of record, writs, answers, depositions, exhibits, motions, court orders, decrees, findings of fact and conclusions of law, cross-petitions, affidavits, decisions, writs of error, notices, summonses, mandates, pleas, praecipes, subpoenas, and other related papers. Cases represented in this series were heard in Raleigh, North Carolina. Information and papers relating to any appeal of a case to a higher court might be also found in the case file.
Civil Case Files - John Marshall Adjudications (Circuit Court), ca. 1798-1840
This series contains papers filed in civil proceedings which were heard in the Circuit Court held by the Justice of the Supreme Court assigned to the Fifth Circuit Court and kept in Raleigh by an appointed clerk. The records were adjudicated by Chief Justice John Marshall and are primarily suits for damages and debts, many of which are only writs to secure satisfaction of judgment.
Criminal Case Files (Circuit Court), 1792-1859
Criminal case files typically include the indictment or criminal information, pleas of the defendant, warrants and subpoenas, proceedings before U.S. commissioners, recognizances or bonds for appearance, the judgment and commitment, depositions of witnesses, nolle prosequis, motions, orders, and other papers filed in criminal actions. Transcripts of testimony are also sometimes included. Criminal cases include charges of crimes committed on federal property, conspiracy to violate a person's civil rights, making liquor or tobacco products without paying the correct government tax, cutting timber on public lands, various crimes involving the mail or U.S. post offices, shooting protected migratory birds, failure to register for the draft, forgery, counterfeiting, election fraud, internal revenue violations, and other federal crimes.
Equity Case Files (Circuit Court), 1866-1911
This series consists of equity case files, usually involving disputes over property rights. The cases consist of matters where a party was seeking injunctive relief and relied on the court to determine what was fair and equitable. Equity cases include legal matters not covered by statute or requiring proceedings before a jury, such as filings of assignees and trustees, who were seeking to recover certain properties from defendants' bankruptcy cases. The case files may include the following types of records: bills in equity, supplemental bills, bills of complaint, affidavits, agreements, answers, amended answers, bonds, decrees, demurrers, depositions, exhibits, injunctions, joinders, motions for injunctions, motions for extensions of time, motions to dismiss complaints, notices of appeals and motions, opinions, orders including orders of referral, orders on motions and petitions, and orders overruling demurrers; petitions including petitions for restraining order, petitions for rules to show cause, petitions to distribute assets, petitions to produce documents and petitions to stay proceedings, praecipes, proofs of service, replications, reports of special masters, rules for attachment, stipulations, subpoenas, testimony, warrants and writs of certiorari.
Libel Case Files (Circuit Court), 1867-1870
This series consists of case files concerning civil litigation against a thing or property and not the owner or claimant. A typical case file contains the libel of information, petitions, motions, warrants of arrest, bonds, orders, and judgment. The majority of libel cases adjudicated resulted from the seizure of adulterated goods or property used in the commission of a crime.
Statesville Division
Bankruptcy Case Files, 1868-1878
This series includes records relating to the assets and debts of the bankrupt, the actions of the court and the Register in Bankruptcy, and the final disposition of the case. A typical case file normally contains the petition, schedule of debts, a list of the names and addresses of creditors, and a record of the amount due; inventories of real and personal property, proof of publication of bankruptcy notices, notices to creditors, oaths of assignees, orders of reference, orders of bankruptcy, final discharges, and related papers filed in bankruptcy proceedings.
Criminal Case Files (Circuit Court), 1870-1922
Criminal case files typically include the indictment or criminal information, pleas of the defendant, warrants and subpoenas, proceedings before U.S. commissioners, recognizances or bonds for appearance, the judgment and commitment, depositions of witnesses, nolle prosequis, motions, orders, and other papers filed in criminal actions. Transcripts of testimony are also sometimes included. Criminal cases include charges of crimes committed on federal property, conspiracy to violate a person's civil rights, making liquor or tobacco products without paying the correct government tax, cutting timber on public lands, various crimes involving the mail or U.S. post offices, shooting protected migratory birds, failure to register for the draft, forgery, counterfeiting, election fraud, internal revenue violations, and other federal crimes.
Washington Division
Law Case Files, 1906-1939
This series contains papers filed in civil proceedings which may include petitions, bills of complaint, transcripts of testimony and of record, writs, answers, depositions, exhibits, motions, court orders, judgments or decrees, findings of fact and conclusions of law, cross-petitions, affidavits, decisions, writs of error, notices, summonses, mandates, pleas, praecipes, subpoenas, and other related papers. Information and papers relating to any appeal of a case to a higher court might be also found in the case file.
Wilmington Division
Admiralty Case Files, 1851-1966
This series consists of cases relating to admiralty claims. Each case file may contain libels and amendments to libels; informations; monitions; answers; counterclaims and cross-claims; interrogatories; depositions and transcripts of oral testimony of witnesses; commissioners' reports relating to the taking of testimony; questions of account; the ascertainment of damages; orders and decrees of the court, both interlocutory and final; contracts, charter parties, shipping articles, crew lists, ships' logs, reports of surveys for repairs, invoices, and other records entered as exhibits; petitions, appraisal reports, and related documents filed in limitation of liability suits; bills of costs; notices of appeal; and other records filed in the district court in admiralty actions. The cases involved actions for damages arising from collision; for breach of contract for services or goods, chiefly based on claims for seamen's wages and materials and supplies furnished; and for fees for pilotage, towage, and wharfage; bottomry; and marine insurance. These case files deal with such matters as prizes, ransom, and military salvage; petitory suits to try title to a ship independently of possession of the vessel; possessory actions to recover ships to which a party was entitled by right; and a great variety of maritime contracts and torts. Typical maritime contracts relate to charter parties; affreightment; the carriage of passengers and their baggage, and the carriage of goods; marine insurance; demurrage; pilotage; towage; lighterage; wharfage; the purchase of supplies and repairs; salvage; bottomry; seamen's wages; and the maintenance and care of ill or injured seamen. Typical maritime torts involve collision; loss of or injury to a cargo; and personal injury or ill usage that arose between the master and officers on one hand and the seamen or passengers on the other.
- RG 21 - Admiralty Case Files (Wilmington) [Download Excel Spreadsheet]
Bankruptcy Case Files, 1867-1878
This series includes records relating to the assets and debts of the bankrupt, the actions of the court and the Register in Bankruptcy, and the final disposition of the case. A typical case file normally contains the petition, schedule of debts, a list of the names and addresses of creditors, and a record of the amount due; inventories of real and personal property, proof of publication of bankruptcy notices, notices to creditors, oaths of assignees, orders of reference, orders of bankruptcy, final discharges, and related papers filed in bankruptcy proceedings.
Criminal Case Files, 1859-1942
Criminal case files typically include the indictment or criminal information, pleas of the defendant, warrants and subpoenas, proceedings before U.S. commissioners, recognizances or bonds for appearance, the judgment and commitment, depositions of witnesses, nolle prosequis, motions, orders, and other papers filed in criminal actions. Transcripts of testimony are also sometimes included. Criminal cases include charges of crimes committed on federal property, conspiracy to violate a person's civil rights, making liquor or tobacco products without paying the correct government tax, cutting timber on public lands, various crimes involving the mail or U.S. post offices, shooting protected migratory birds, failure to register for the draft, forgery, counterfeiting, election fraud, internal revenue violations, and other federal crimes.
RG 21 - U.S. District Courts (South Carolina)
All Divisions
Criminal Case Files (Circuit Court), 1866-1911
Criminal case files typically include the indictment or criminal information, pleas of the defendant, warrants and subpoenas, proceedings before U.S. commissioners, recognizances or bonds for appearance, the judgment and commitment, depositions of witnesses, nolle prosequis, motions, orders, and other papers filed in criminal actions. Transcripts of testimony are also sometimes included. Criminal cases include charges of crimes committed on federal property, conspiracy to violate a person's civil rights, making liquor or tobacco products without paying the correct government tax, cutting timber on public lands, various crimes involving the mail or U.S. post offices, shooting protected migratory birds, failure to register for the draft, forgery, counterfeiting, election fraud, internal revenue violations, and other federal crimes.
Charleston Division
Bankruptcy Case Files, 1867-1878
The case files contain the petition for bankruptcy, various schedules, and related papers, including petitions for discharge, orders of reference, proofs of publication and notices to creditors, reports by commissioners, schedules containing inventories of bankrupt assets, appointments, declarations of discharge, final certificates, and record of payment of costs.
Equity Case Files (Circuit Court)
This series consists of equity case files, usually involving disputes over property rights. The cases consist of matters where a party was seeking injunctive relief and relied on the court to determine what was fair and equitable. Many of the cases were filed to resolve patent or copyright infringements. Equity cases also include legal matters not covered by statute or requiring proceedings before a jury, such as filings of assignees and trustees, who were seeking to recover certain properties from defendants' bankruptcy cases. The case files may include the following types of records: bills in equity, supplemental bills, bills of complaint, affidavits, agreements, answers, amended answers, bonds, decrees, demurrers, depositions, exhibits, injunctions, joinders, motions for injunctions, motions for extensions of time, motions to dismiss complaints, notices of appeals and motions, opinions, orders including orders of referral, orders on motions and petitions, and orders overruling demurrers; petitions including petitions for restraining order, petitions for rules to show cause, petitions to distribute assets, petitions to produce documents and petitions to stay proceedings, praecipes, proofs of service, replications, reports of special masters, rules for attachment, stipulations, subpoenas, testimony, warrants and writs of certiorari.
- RG 21 - Equity Case Files with and without Final Decree - Circuit Court (Charleston) [Download Excel Spreadsheet]
Petitions for Naturalization, 1855-1906
This series consists of petitions for naturalization or citizenship filed in federal court in Charleston, South Carolina. Generally, petitions filed prior to September 27, 1906 contain the name and former citizenship of the applicant, the date of the petition, and the signature of the applicant. Most petitions include the petitioner's occupation and country of origin prior to immigration. Occasionally, names of a witness or the address of the applicant appear on the petition
RG 21 - U.S. District Courts (Tennessee)
Nashville Division
Bankruptcy Case Files, 1842-1843
The case files contain the petition for bankruptcy, various schedules, and related papers, including petitions for discharge, orders of reference, proofs of publication and notices to creditors, reports by commissioners, schedules containing inventories of bankrupt assets, appointments, declarations of discharge, final certificates, and record of payment of costs.
Petitions for Naturalization, 1907-1991
This series consists of petitions for naturalization or citizenship filed in federal court, and related documents filed with the petition. Petitions filed after September 26, 1906 on Form 2204, entitled "Petition for Naturalization," contain the following information: name; place of residence; occupation; date and place of birth; port and date of emigration and immigration and vessel upon which the applicant traveled; date and place of the declaration of intention (if necessary); marital status; name(s), date(s) and place(s) of birth of the applicants' spouse and children; country of former allegiance; knowledge of the English language; time of residence within the United States and within the state of residence; the declaration of intention number; and the certificate of naturalization number. This form also includes the affidavits of the petitioner and the witnesses.
Winchester Division
Petitions for Naturalization, 1942-1943
These petitions were instruments by which aliens who had resided in the United States continuously for at least five years made formal application to the court to grant U.S. citizenship. The court used the information on the petition to determine whether the petition should be granted or denied.