This Research Guide provides information on how to find cases from the Federal Circuits and the U.S. District and U.S. Supreme Court. It is intended for people who have done little or no legal research. Most legal disputes are settled out of court. Settlement information is usually confidential and so not available.
Some legal disputes go to trial.
As a general rule law libraries do not carry trial transcripts. A few legal disputes are appealed. Sometimes cases are directly taken from the trial court. The U.S.Supreme Court is the court of last resort in the federal court system and has the final word on federal issues raised in state courts. The United States Reports is the official reporter for the Supreme Court.