Connect the MCP.
OpenCourt works inside the AI app you already use, through the Model Context Protocol (MCP). Setting it up takes about two minutes: make a key, paste it into your app, and ask a test question.
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IGet a key
Log in and create an API key. Give it a name you will recognise, such as the app and computer it is for. Copy it when it is shown: you only see it once.
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IIAdd it to your app
Run this in a terminal. Add
--scope userbeforeopencourtto use OpenCourt in every project, not just the current one.terminalCheck it with
claude mcp list.- Install Node.js if you do not have it. Claude Desktop uses it to reach online MCP servers.
- In Claude Desktop, open Settings, then Developer, then Edit Config.
- Paste this into the file. If it already has an
mcpServerssection, add theopencourtentry inside it.
claude_desktop_config.jsonSave the file and restart Claude Desktop.
Open Cursor Settings, then MCP, then Add new global MCP server. Paste this into the file that opens, and save.
~/.cursor/mcp.jsonCreate
.vscode/mcp.jsonin your project, or run MCP: Open User Configuration from the Command Palette to use it everywhere. Paste this, save, and use Copilot Chat in Agent mode..vscode/mcp.jsonAny app that can add a remote MCP server with a request header will work. Most take this format:
mcpServers · opencourtIf your app asks for the details one by one: the server address is
, the transport is Streamable HTTP, and the header isAuthorizationwith the value.The server address is published at launch. Until then the examples show a placeholder.
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IIICheck it works
Ask your app:
Use OpenCourt to look up [2020] SGCA(I) 02.
It should name the judgment and link to its official source. If it does not:
- Restart the app after changing its settings.
- Check the key on your API keys page. A revoked key stops working at once.
- For Claude Desktop, check Node.js is installed.
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IVGood habits
- Keep client names and confidential facts out of your questions. OpenCourt finds the law without them, and does not store what you search.
- Use one key for each app or computer, so you can switch one off without breaking the others.
- See what each app has used on your Credits page.