Some convictions, if overturned or if certain circumstances or time limits are met, can be expunged from a record, or at least sealed from public records and criminal background checks. Criminal records are also available through courthouse and police records databases, and list out any prior convictions or warrants for an individual. In the same way, records about defendants in such cases are available. Dockets, or summaries of a court case and its courtroom proceedings, are available for perusal after the case is closed. While certain high profile trials may have access restrictions during their actual proceedings, the happenings of a courthouse are a matter of public record. In addition to physical locations, many states are putting or have put their databases online for ease of access. States will also often have a department of health that can provide access to older vital records. Birth, death, marriage and divorce records are typically managed and made available at the local county clerk's office where the event took place. These types of documents can be extremely helpful when researching your family tree and history, as tracking down past family members and their spouses would be a real challenge without them. Marriage licenses are also kept as a matter of public record. Additionally, birth and death records help states avoid having unidentified residents in their records or on their social programs. These records assist with census data and other commonly used statistics. New births are always reported by the hospitals or professionals who deliver the child, while coroners offices assign death certificates. It would appear that, from beginning to end, all of the biggest events in your life are also part of public records. Marriage, Divorce, Birth and Death Records In the case where they are sealed they will no longer be available to the general public. Divorce records can be sealed under certain situations. Marriage licenses and divorces are public records and are available to anyone that requests them.
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