Frequently Asked Questions
What is CaseBank?
CaseBank is a computer database consisting of short summaries of the holdings from California published opinions in criminal and juvenile delinquency cases. It currently has over 22,000 entries, including every case since April 1991 and most cases from the mid 1980's.
Can I read the entire opinion in CaseBank?
Nope. Just the summary.
Who wrote the summaries? Can I trust them?
The summaries are written by a human being who is very experienced in criminal law. This person is very, very, good. But, it is doubtful that he got it right 22,000 times in a row. After CaseBank helps you find your case, you should read it yourself.
How do I search?
CaseBank does not permit word searches. All entries are INDEXED and you can navigate through the index through point-and-click. There is also some scrolling required. Nonetheless, you will either find your case, or be satisfied it does not exist, in under a minute.
I don't like indexes, I like word searches.
You are right, indexes can be frustrating. so can word searches. Only two clicks get you to one of 120 different baskets of cases. Once in the basket, alphabetized one-line index headings tell you which summaries are worth reading. CLICK HERE TO SEE LIST OF BASKETS
Why is CaseBank free? What's the catch?
No catch. CaseBank was once a business, but it is now a retirement hobby.