The Lehigh County Clerk of Courts' Office maintains all of the records for the Civil and Criminal Divisions of the Thirty-first Judicial District, consisting of the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas, since its inception in 1812.

On January 1, 1978, in accordance with the newly established Home Rule Charter in Lehigh County, the Office of the Clerk of Quarter Sessions and the Office of the Prothonotary were merged as one and is now known as the Clerk of Courts. The Clerk of Courts Office consists of a Civil and Criminal Division.

The Clerk of Courts is an independent and elected "public officer" whose duties and responsibilities are set forth in the law and Constitution of the Commonwealth. The Clerk of Courts is responsible for maintaining the records, files, dockets, and exhibits of the Court. All records in the Clerk's Office are public records except when specifically precluded by law; i.e., juvenile, child victim, mental health or files closed to public inspection by Order of Court.

Located in each division are public computer terminals. These terminals are available for use by the public to review any of the Clerk's public records. Computer records in the Criminal Division date back to 1990 for complete records and to 1962 for limited information. Civil Division computerized records are available back to 1985 for most civil case information. Non-computerized or older records in each division are available for public inspection either in docket books or by viewing microfilm.

The Clerk of Courts has the power and duty to administer oaths, affirmations and acknowledgments pursuant to law and the ability to affix and attest the seal of the Court to all the processes thereof and to the certification and exemplification of all records pertaining to the Office and the business of the Court. To fulfill the Clerk's responsibility, the Clerk provides various services to the Court of Common Pleas; Commonwealth, Superior and Supreme Courts; attorneys; other governmental agencies; and the general public. The Clerk of Courts preserves appropriate file records and documents by microfilming in accordance with the state records and retention schedule.

Other information about the Clerk of Courts: