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Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS)

Computerized Dockets

Reference Number: MTAS-323
Reviewed Date: 12/20/2021

Any information required to be kept as a public record by the court clerk may be maintained on a computer or computer storage media instead of in bound docket books provided the following standards are met:

1. The information must be available for public inspection unless it is confidential according to law;
2. Due care is taken to maintain the information as a public record during the time required by law for retention (dockets must be retained forever);
3. All data stored within the computer system shall be copied to computer storage media daily (computer disks, backup tapes, etc.), and newly created computer storage media more than one week old shall be stored at a location other than at the building where the original is maintained; and
4. The clerk can provide a paper copy of the information when needed or when requested by a member of the public. [1]

Computer programs allow for searches based on names, eliminating the need for alphabetical indexing of names.


[1] T.C.A. 10-7-121