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API Guide

What is an API?​

An API (Application Programming Interface) is a way for two software systems to communicate with each other. Think of it like placing an order at a restaurant: you (the client) send a request describing what you want, and the kitchen (the server) sends back a response with the result. Your case management system or custom application sends requests to the eCourtDate API, and eCourtDate responds with the data you asked for or confirms the action you requested.

eCourtDate's API uses REST, a widely adopted standard for web APIs, and exchanges data in JSON format — a simple, human-readable text format that looks like {"name": "value"}.

Why would a court use the API? Common use cases include:

  • Automating data sync between your case management system and eCourtDate
  • Sending messages programmatically (reminders, notifications) from your own systems
  • Pulling reports on message delivery, payments, or case events

Base URLs​

A base URL is the root address for all API requests — every request you make starts with this address. Choose the base URL that matches your environment and region.

EnvironmentBase URL
Staginghttps://staging.api.ecourtdate.com
US Easthttps://us-east.api.ecourtdate.com
US Westhttps://us-west.api.ecourtdate.com
US Southhttps://us-south.api.ecourtdate.com
US Texashttps://us-texas.api.ecourtdate.com
Multi-Regionhttps://api.ecourtdate.com

Required Headers​

Headers are extra pieces of information sent with each request that tell the API who you are and what format you're using. All API requests require the following headers:

Authorization: Bearer {token}
Content-Type: application/json

See Authentication for details on obtaining a Bearer token.

Resources​