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Question: How would I find court records from early 1940s 50s and 60s!?
We have recently found out that a family member has served a prison sentence sometime during the mid 1900s!. We know what it was he did and are intrigued to know more about the case, but other family members dont like to talk about it! Any ideas how I can go about getting the information!? I live in the uk!.Www@QuestionHome@Com


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
I suggest that you refer to The National Archives for the UK at http://www!.nationalarchives!.gov!.uk/ They have a searchable database for a lot of their records!. They are located in West London!. Since it sounds like you don't know the exact year, looking through newspapers on microfilm would take forever (trust me I've used newspapers for research)!. You could also do a background check, but those cost money and might not yield the results that your looking for!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

I would start with Google as suggested, but as it is so long ago, you should be able to find the information you require by approaching the prison if you know which one, or there should be a court record if you know the place or the area that he was tried in!. The information will be there, you just have to be patient and persistent!.

I would also look at the National Archives on line and write firstly name and date, then add everything you know bit by bit!. Of course!. I meant look for court cases first in the general area and give a date range!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

If you know the date put it in google along with the court-area!.In those days most cases we're reported in the local newspaper!.Look at their website for past or phone and ask if they have a record of it!.Tell them your doing family research!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

you have to go to the library
if you live in london you ll have to go to the Institute of advanced legal studies - they have almost everything there but you ll need a letter of recomandationWww@QuestionHome@Com

PERHAPS YOUR LIBARY AS BACK ISSUES OF LOCAL PAPERS OR MAYBE A SEARCHABLE ON LINE ARCHIVE!.

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