Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
When a visitor enters a name or case number into a search tool, the query is sent to the provider that operates that tool. That provider processes the request and returns any result it makes available. Berrien County Court Docket does not keep a separate log or database of search terms entered through the tool.
Messages and Contact Submissions
A message sent by email may be retained so it can be answered or handled. It is kept within the organization unless disclosure is required by law. The message should not include sensitive court identifiers or personal information unless the sender understands the risk of sending it electronically.
Data We Gather Automatically
Routine technical information can be recorded when a Berrien County Court Docket page is loaded. It helps operate, secure, and understand the service.
- The IP address associated with the connection
- Browser type and version
- Device type and operating system
- Pages viewed and the time spent on them
- The referring site, when one is available
- Dates and times of page requests
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small files stored by a browser. They may help measure page traffic, identify technical problems, and understand how visitors move through the service. Browser settings can limit cookies, although some site functions may then work differently. Analytics providers report aggregated traffic information under their own terms.
What We Do With This Data
Technical and service information is used for ordinary operation, maintenance, and improvement of Berrien County Court Docket.
- Keeping pages available and responsive
- Sending search requests to the selected outside service
- Reviewing traffic patterns and page performance
- Finding and correcting technical faults
- Displaying advertising that may be interest-based
No Court-Record Data on File
Berrien County Court Docket does not host, maintain, compile, or sell a court-docket or personal case-record database. It provides general directions to public court resources. Michigan court-file access is governed by MCR 8.119, MCR 1.109(H), and Berrien County's Local Administrative Order 2025-04, subject to sealing, redaction, confidentiality, and other restrictions.
Michigan FOIA applies to public-body administrative records, not as a blanket route to a court case file. A court record must be requested from the court or clerk that maintains it under the applicable court rule and local procedure. Berrien County Court Docket is not a consumer reporting agency and does not assemble consumer reports about visitors or third parties.
Third-Party Search Partners
Search boxes may be supplied by outside companies. Information entered into those tools is handled under the provider's privacy policy and service terms. Each provider controls its own retention, pricing, and sharing practices. Review those terms before sending a query through a partner tool.
Links to Other Websites
Berrien County Court Docket links to court, clerk, government, legal-aid, and outside search resources. Selecting an external link moves the visitor to another service governed by that service's privacy practices. Read the receiving site's policy before providing personal details.
Advertising providers can collect information across sites to deliver interest-based advertising. That activity occurs on their systems and under their own policies.
Who Might See Your Data
Berrien County Court Docket does not sell personal data. Limited information may be shared in the following circumstances:
- Search providers that process a query submitted through their tool
- Analytics services used to measure traffic and performance
- Advertising networks that serve advertisements on the site
- Government or law-enforcement bodies when a valid legal obligation requires disclosure
How We Protect Your Data
Reasonable security practices are used to protect the information received by Berrien County Court Docket. No internet transmission or storage system can be guaranteed secure. The service therefore cannot promise that unauthorized access, loss, or a breach will never occur.
Users Under 18
This service is intended for adults and does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If it becomes apparent that such information was provided, it may be removed as appropriate.
Your Data Rights
Depending on the information held and the laws that apply, a visitor may ask about personal data connected to that visitor. Available requests can include the following:
- Asking for a copy of personal information held about the requester
- Requesting correction of inaccurate personal information
- Requesting deletion where applicable
- Objecting to certain processing where a legal right applies
Updates to This Policy
This policy may change as Berrien County Court Docket practices or applicable requirements change. The revised version will be posted here with an updated effective date.
Effective date: August 27, 2026