Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
A name or case number entered in a search tool is sent to the outside provider that operates that tool. The provider processes the query and supplies any result. Rutherford County Court Docket does not retain or log those search terms on its own systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
If an email is sent to us, we retain the message for a response. It remains within our organization unless disclosure is required by a legal obligation.
Data We Gather Automatically
When a page loads, the server receives ordinary technical details about the visit, including:
- The device's assigned IP address
- Browser type and version
- Device type and operating system
- Pages visited and time spent on them
- The referring site, when one is provided
- Times associated with page views
Cookies and Analytics
This site uses cookies, which are small files placed on a device. They help show aggregate traffic patterns, such as the pages visitors reach and where visits end. Analytics services process that traffic information in aggregate. Browser settings may block cookies, although doing so can affect how parts of the site operate.
What We Do With This Data
Technical and usage data helps operate and improve the service. We use it for:
- Keeping pages available and responsive
- Routing search queries to the relevant partner service
- Understanding which materials visitors use
- Finding and correcting technical problems
- Delivering advertising that may relate to user interests
No Court-Record Data on File
Rutherford County Court Docket does not host, maintain, compile, or sell a database of court dockets or personal case records. It publishes general routing information for the Rutherford County Clerk of Superior Court, local trial divisions, and the statewide eCourts Portal. The Portal's Register of Actions or Case Summary is not the official court record, and the Clerk is the county custodian. This site is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and visitor data is not assembled into consumer reports or third-party records.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies operate the search boxes appearing on this site. Information entered in those tools is handled under the partner's privacy policy, rather than this policy. Those providers set their own retention and sharing practices, which are outside our control. Review the provider's policy before submitting a query.
Links to Other Websites
This site links to Clerk pages, trial-court resources, the eCourts Portal, and third-party search services. A link opens a separate site whose own privacy practices control that visit. Review the destination's policy before providing personal details.
Some advertising partners may track activity across sites to deliver targeted advertising. That activity occurs in their systems, not ours.
Who Might See Your Data
We do not sell personal information. Limited information may be received by:
- Search partners that process a query entered through the site
- Analytics services used to measure traffic and performance
- Advertising networks that place advertisements on pages
- Government or law-enforcement bodies when a valid legal order requires disclosure
How We Protect Your Data
We use ordinary security practices to protect collected data. Internet-connected systems cannot be made risk-free, however, so we cannot promise that a breach will never occur.
Users Under 18
This site is intended for adults, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from people under 18. If we learn that a minor has provided personal information, we will remove it.
Your Data Rights
Depending on residence, other laws may provide additional privacy rights. North Carolina court-record access is governed separately: G.S. 7A-109 assigns prescribed court records to the Clerk and generally permits public inspection unless law restricts it, while G.S. 132-1 and G.S. 132-6.2 state the public-access and copy baseline. Those court-record rules do not make this private site a custodian. At a minimum, you can:
- Request a copy of information we hold about you
- Ask us to correct inaccurate information
- Request deletion of your information
- Opt out of certain forms of data processing
Updates to This Policy
We may revise this privacy policy. A revised version will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.
Effective date: August 31, 2026