Restrict a Search to a Specific Date or Date Range

You can restrict your search to a specific date or date range by entering your search terms in the search box using one of the date restrictions shown in the table below.

In the search box, these date formats are valid:

  • 01/01/1999
  • 01/01/99
  • 1/1/1999
  • 1/1/99
  • 1999

Note: You can also search by date using the date tool on the Advanced Search form.

Restriction Alternative Definition Examples Results
= equ,

da(nnnn)

Date is

inauguration and = 2/21/1992

inauguration and date= 2/21/1992

Finds documents containing the word inauguration and dated 2/21/1992.
      Date is inauguration and 2/21/1992 Finds:
  • Documents containing the word inauguration and dated 2/21/1992
  • Documents containing the word inauguration and the date 2/21/1992.
< lss, bef,

da(bef nnnn)

Date before

spanish w/3 currency and < 1990

spanish w/3 currency and date < 1990

Finds documents containing the word spanish within 3 words of currency and dated before 1990.
> gtr, aft,

da(aft nnnn)

Date after

insurance w/3 premiums and > 1/20/2009

insurance w/3 premiums and date > 1/20/2009

Finds documents containing the word insurance within 3 words of premiums and dated after 1/20/2009.
<= leq On or before

Sports w/3 bankruptcy and <= 01/1976

Sports w/3 bankruptcy and date <= 01/1976

Finds documents containing the word sports within 3 words of bankruptcy and dated on or before 01/1976.
>= geq On or after

Boat and seizure and >= 5/23/1999

Boat and seizure and date >= 5/23/1999

Finds documents containing the words boat and seizure and dated on or after 5/23/1999.
> [begin date] and< [end date] da(bef nnnn and aft nnnn) Date range

Mayor w/3 Peoria and > 01/01/1960 and < 12/31/1980

Mayor w/3 Peoria and date > 01/01/1960 and < 12/31/1980

Finds documents containing the word mayor within 3 words of Peoria and dated from 01/01/1960 to 12/31/1980.

Please keep the following tips in mind while using dates:

  • Use numbers, not words, to specify a month, e.g., Sports w/3 bankruptcy and <= 01/01/1976 .
  • If you are searching the Dockets content type only, you can use all the date formats above with the datefiled segment and the following syntax. You must enclose the date and restriction (if you use one) in parentheses, e.g., datefiled(1/1/1999) or datefiled(=1/1/1999).