Public Record Research & Online Investigation Guides
Educational tutorials explaining how public record systems work in the United States and how information can be researched responsibly.
Public records are a cornerstone of transparency in the United States. Court filings, property records, business registrations, and other government documents are often accessible to the public through official agencies. Understanding how these systems are structured can help you conduct more accurate and responsible research.
This site provides educational guides explaining how public record systems are structured, what information is typically available, and how access methods vary across jurisdictions.
Understanding How Public Records Are Organized
Many online services advertise instant background checks or people searches. However, these services typically compile data from public sources and commercial databases. Learning how records are organized at the county and state level can help you better understand what information is publicly accessible and how it is maintained.
Because many public records are maintained at the county level, official access points vary by jurisdiction. Structured directories such as Public Record Hub help organize government record portals by state and county.
People Research
Learn how name searches work in public record systems, how court databases are structured, and what limitations exist when researching individuals.
Court & Background Records
Understand how criminal case records, civil filings, and other public documents are maintained by local and state agencies.
Property & Asset Records
Explore how property ownership, tax records, and recorder databases function across different jurisdictions.