Accessing court records electronically usually involves accessing the court’s data with a public terminal, a remote computer, or a kiosk. 

Public terminal
Most courts provide access to court records at the clerk’s counter or in a separate room for viewing records. The information provided to these public terminals is usually a “filtered” version of the data included in the court systems.  This is done for security and privacy and to follow the rules in state law for public record access.

Remote computer
Many courts provide access to court records via a dial-up terminal server or modem, or provide access through the Internet. The information provided remotely is usually a “filtered” version of the data included in the court systems. This is also done for security and privacy and to follow the rules in state law for public record access. Many times, courts will provide a terminal emulation access to the same system as the public terminal.

Kiosks
Kiosks are an alternative method of delivering court services to the public without using staff resources. Some courts provide access to court records via an electronic kiosk, which are typically placed in convenient locations for the public. Kiosks, like remote computer access, can provide court record information twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The “open” times are usually limited by the business hours of the kiosk location. Using kiosks, courts can also provide the public with a method for paying court costs through a credit card transaction. Some even have laser printers for generating court forms. Courts determine what type of information to provide to the public and what type of information they may wish to receive. Access to kiosk information is through a touch-screen monitor. With today’s multimedia technology, kiosks can also provide information in various forms including text, graphics, video, and a clear voice in different languages.