Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
Text entered into a search tool is sent to the provider that operates that tool. The provider processes the query and supplies its result under its own practices. Stearns County Court Docket does not retain or create a log of search names or case numbers entered into those tools.
Messages and Contact Submissions
If a visitor sends a message to this resource, the message may be retained to respond to the request or maintain the communication. It is not shared outside the organization unless disclosure is required by law or a valid legal process.
Data We Gather Automatically
Normal web-server and service logs may collect technical information when a page loads. That information helps operate, secure, and measure the site.
- An IP address and related connection information.
- Browser type, browser version, device type, and operating system.
- Pages viewed, visit duration, referring source, and page-view timestamps.
- Technical signals used to diagnose performance or security problems.
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small files a browser can store to support site functions and aggregate traffic measurement. Analytics services may use them to identify usage patterns and performance trends. Browser settings can limit cookies, though some features may then operate differently.
What We Do With This Data
- Operate, secure, and improve the site and its technical performance.
- Transmit a visitor's query to the search provider selected by that visitor.
- Understand aggregate use of pages and diagnose service problems.
- Measure advertising or referral activity where applicable.
- Comply with a lawful disclosure obligation.
No Court-Record Data on File
Stearns County Court Docket does not host, maintain, compile, or sell a database of court dockets or individual case files. It provides general routing information for Stearns County District Court, Stearns County Court Administration, and Minnesota Court Records Online. The official case record remains with the Minnesota Judicial Branch and its custodian. This resource does not assemble visitor information into consumer reports or profiles about other people.
Court access is not the same as general government-data access. Minnesota Statute §13.03 provides the general government-data framework, while court-case access is controlled by Minnesota Rule of Public Access 8 and Judicial Branch procedures.
Third-Party Search Partners
Outside companies operate search boxes that appear on some pages. Information submitted to one of those tools is handled under the provider's privacy policy, retention practices, and terms. Those providers control their own service, result display, and data handling. Review the provider's terms before entering information.
Links to Other Websites
Links may lead to Minnesota Judicial Branch pages, court portals, Court Administration resources, legal-information sources, or outside search services. Once a visitor leaves this resource, the destination's privacy practices govern the visit. Review the destination policy before sharing personal information.
Advertising or referral partners may measure activity across services under their own systems. Their practices are not controlled by Stearns County Court Docket.
Who Might See Your Data
Personal data is not sold. Depending on how a visitor uses the site, limited information may be processed by:
- A search provider selected by the visitor.
- Analytics or hosting services that support performance and security.
- Advertising partners that deliver or measure advertising.
- Government or law-enforcement authorities when a valid legal requirement applies.
How We Protect Your Data
Reasonable administrative and technical safeguards are used to protect information associated with site operations. Internet transmission and storage cannot be guaranteed risk free. No policy can promise that a security incident will never occur.
Users Under 18
This resource is intended for adults and does not knowingly collect personal information from a person under 18. If information from a minor is identified in a direct submission, reasonable steps will be taken to remove it.
Your Data Rights
Visitors may request access to personal information held in a direct communication, ask that incorrect information be corrected, request deletion where appropriate, or opt out of certain processing where a choice is available. Minnesota Statute §13.03 governs access to government data held by a public entity. It does not make all Judicial Branch case material remotely public; Rule of Public Access 8 and Judicial Branch procedures govern that separate court-record question.
- Ask what personal information is retained from a direct submission.
- Request correction of inaccurate information in that submission.
- Request deletion when retention is not required.
- Choose browser settings that limit cookies or related processing.
Updates to This Policy
This policy may be revised as the resource, its providers, or applicable requirements change. A revised policy will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.
Effective date: August 27, 2026