Get nosy; make like a private detective.

BEST PLACE TO SNOOP Lane County Circuit Court Where: Public Service Building, 125 E. Eighth Ave. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, closed on holidays

If you're anything like Team Best of ... you're a nosy little number. You want the scoop, the dirt, the inside information.

Those neighbors, that new friend, the boss' most recent hire - all of them have secrets to uncover, closeted skeletons to expose, or at least a couple of traffic tickets on their driving records.

Maybe you've wondered, "Where's the best place to snoop through someone else's private business?"

We've got the answer: Lane County Circuit Court, that's where.

The courthouse is a snooper's paradise. Within its walls lives a treasure trove of titillating paperwork - all open and available for public view, free of charge. Just pass through the security checkpoint without triggering the metal detector, and it's yours for the snooping.

Divorce files, child custody fights, criminal complaints, grand jury indictments, search warrant affidavits, police reports.

Just thinking about it gets us excited.

Some of you might find this kind of curiosity unseemly, but maybe that's because you've got something to hide.

What's your middle name and birth date again?

Just kidding. We'd never tell you if we planned to look you up, silly.

The place to start your own muckraking is in the court clerk's office. Sit down at one of the four computers and type the last name, followed by the first name, of the person you've always wondered about. Some other piece of information, such as an age or middle name, will help prevent mistaken identity.

Push one button and the computer will search Lane County criminal and civil records. Push another button and it will search for records from throughout Oregon. (More detailed instructions are posted near the computers.)

A list of cases matching your entry will appear. Be warned: the database does not include cases handled in municipal court, such as minor traffic violations, city code infractions and some misdemeanors.

You can peruse the scant data available on the computer screen, or, if that doesn't bring satisfaction, write the case number on the notepad provided and hand it to the clerk behind the window. She will bring you the file or direct you to archives in the courthouse basement, where older case records go to gather dust.

Don't steal anything from the files, sticky fingers. Photocopies cost a quarter a page - well worth the price if the stuff is good - and you can always take notes to ensure an accurate memory for future gossiping sessions.

And be wise: Any misuse or abuse of the tidbits found inside the courthouse could lead to the creation of a case file with your name on it.

Calling all amateur private eyes - get the goods on Best of ... by rifling through the archive at www.registerguard.com/bestof.