Legal Definitions - preferred docket

A preferred docket is a list of court cases that are set for trial, arranged in order of priority. Criminal cases are usually given priority over civil cases on the preferred docket because of the constitutional right to a speedy trial.

For example, if there are two cases, one criminal and one civil, both set for trial on the same day, the criminal case will be heard first because it is on the preferred docket.

Other types of dockets include appearance docket, judgment docket, and trial docket.

An appearance docket is a list of parties and lawyers participating in an action, along with a brief summary of the steps taken in the case. A judgment docket is a book that a court clerk keeps for the entry or recordation of judgments, giving official notice of existing judgment liens to interested parties. A trial docket is a schedule of pending cases.

Overall, a docket is a formal record in which a judge or court clerk briefly notes all the proceedings and filings in a court case.