E
LECTRONIC
C
ASE
F
ILING
CM/ECF
User’s Manual
United States District Court
For the
District of Massachusetts
October 16, 2003
CM/ECF User’s Manual -
October 2003
District of Massachusetts
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Table of Contents
Getting Started...........................................................................................................................................................3
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................3
Help Desk........................................................................................................................................................3
ECF System Capabilities.................................................................................................................................3
Requirements.................................................................................................................................................4
Hardware and Software Requirements............................................................................................................ 4
PACER Registration ....................................................................................................................................... 4
Registering for Access to ECF ......................................................................................................................5
Preparation.................................................................................................................................................................6
Setting Up the Acrobat PDF Reader..............................................................................................................6
Portable Document Format (PDF).................................................................................................................6
How to View a PDF File using Adobe Acrobat Reader..................................................................................6
How to Convert Documents to PDF Format ................................................................................................... 7
Basics ..........................................................................................................................................................................8
User Interactions............................................................................................................................................8
Conventions Used in This Manual: ...............................................................................................................8
Documents Filed In Error..............................................................................................................................8
Imbedded URLs ............................................................................................................................................9
Viewing Transaction Log..............................................................................................................................9
User’s Manual ...............................................................................................................................................9
Case Numbers ...............................................................................................................................................9
ECF Login and PACER Screen ( Non-court Users)....................................................................................10
"Back" And "Forward" Buttons...................................................................................................................10
The "Tab" Key.............................................................................................................................................11
Menus And Event Selections.......................................................................................................................11
Selecting Multiple Parties Or Events...........................................................................................................11
User Supplied Text......................................................................................................................................11
A Step-By-Step Guide..............................................................................................................................................12
How to Access the System ..........................................................................................................................12
Logging In ...................................................................................................................................................12
Selecting ECF Features ...............................................................................................................................14
Manipulating the Screens ............................................................................................................................14
Correcting a Mistake: ..................................................................................................................................14
Signatures; Affidavits of Service.................................................................................................................14
Civil Events Feature ................................................................................................................................................15
Filing a Civil Complaint..............................................................................................................................15
Filing Documents for Civil Cases ...............................................................................................................16
1. Select the type of document to file........................................................................................................... 16
2.
Select the appropriate document or motion type from drop down list........................................... 16
3. Enter the case number in which the document is to be filed. ................................................................... 17
4. Designate the party(s) filing the document ..............................................................................................18
5. Specify the PDF file name and location for the document to be filed...................................................... 18
6. Adding attachments to documents being filed .........................................................................................21
When attachments and exhibits are in paper format...................................................................................... 23
7. Modify docket text ................................................................................................................................... 23
8. Submit the pleading..................................................................................................................................24
9. Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF)............................................................................................................ 26
E-Mail Notification of Documents That Were Filed..................................................................................... 27
Notifications In Regular Civil Cases............................................................................................................. 27
Notifications In Social Security Cases.......................................................................................................... 27
Notifications Of Electronic Orders Or Clerk Notes .....................................................................................27
Criminal Events Feature.........................................................................................................................................28
Filing Documents for Criminal Cases .........................................................................................................28
1. Select the type of document to file........................................................................................................... 28
2. Enter the case number in which the document is to be filed. ................................................................... 29
3. Designate the defendant(s) that the filing relates to. ................................................................................ 30
4. Select the appropriate document or motion type from the drop down list................................................ 30
5. Designate the party(s) filing the document ..............................................................................................31
6. Specify the PDF file name and location for the document to be filed...................................................... 31
7. Add attachments to documents being filed .............................................................................................. 35
When attachments and exhibits are in paper format...................................................................................... 36
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8. Modify docket text ................................................................................................................................... 36
9. Submit the pleading..................................................................................................................................37
10. Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF).......................................................................................................... 38
E-Mail Notification of Documents That Were Filed..................................................................................... 39
Add/Create a New Party .........................................................................................................................................39
Linking Documents (Refer to existing event) ........................................................................................................40
Query Feature ..........................................................................................................................................................42
Attorney.......................................................................................................................................................44
Case Summary.............................................................................................................................................44
Deadlines/Hearings .....................................................................................................................................44
Docket Report .............................................................................................................................................45
History/Documents......................................................................................................................................46
Other Queries ..............................................................................................................................................47
Reports Feature .......................................................................................................................................................47
Docket Sheet ...............................................................................................................................................48
Civil Cases Report.......................................................................................................................................48
Utilities Feature........................................................................................................................................................50
Your Account ..............................................................................................................................................50
Maintain Your Account................................................................................................................................. 50
View Your Transaction Log.......................................................................................................................... 52
Miscellaneous..............................................................................................................................................53
Logout.......................................................................................................................................................................53
Additional Information Regarding ECF................................................................................................................53
Sealed Documents .......................................................................................................................................53
Documents in cases referred to Alternative Dispute Resolution .................................................................53
Ex parte motions..........................................................................................................................................53
APPENDIX A...........................................................................................................................................................54
APPENDIX B...........................................................................................................................................................56
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Electronic Case Files System
User’s Manual
Getting Started
Introduction
This manual provides instructions on how to use the Electronic Case Filing System
(ECF) to file documents with the court, or to view and retrieve docket sheets and
documents for all cases assigned to this system. Users should have a working knowledge
of Internet Browser software and the conversion of documents to portable document
format (PDF). Users should also be familiar with the ECF Administrative Procedures
and standing orders for the United States District Court, District of Massachusetts.
Help Desk
Contact the Court’s Help Desk between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P. M.,
Monday through Friday, if you need assistance using ECF.
Toll Free Help Desk 1-866-239-6233
OR
E-mail: [email protected]
ECF System Capabilities
The electronic filing system allows registered participants with Internet accounts
and Internet Browser software to perform the following functions:
• Access the Court’s web page
• View or download the most recent version of the User’s Manual
• Self-train on a web-based ECF Tutorial
• Practice entering pleadings into ECF using a “training” database that is
similar to the official live ECF database
• Electronically file pleadings and documents in actual (“live”) case
• View official docket sheets and documents associated with cases
• Request notification of case activity in cases in which you are not a party
• View various reports for cases that were filed electronically
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Requirements
Hardware and Software Requirements
The following hardware and software are needed to electronically file, view and
retrieve case documents:
• A personal computer running a standard platform such as Windows
NT, Windows 98 or Macintosh
• An Internet provider using Point to Point Protocol (PPP)
• Netscape Navigator software version 4.7 or greater or Internet
Explorer 5.0 or greater.
• Software, such as Adobe Acrobat Writer to convert documents from a
word processor format to portable document format (PDF).
• A scanner to convert documents that are not in your word processing
system. Note: This would only be used for documents that cannot
be produced electronically. Scanned documents lessen the level of
service we provide by slowing down the entire system. We are
moving away from the utilization of scanned documents inside the
Court and are asking you to do the same when possible. File size
is limited to no more than 2 mb or approximately 30 pages of a
document converted to PDF through scanning.
• Access to electronic mail (e-mail)
PACER Registration
ECF users must have a PACER account with the Court in order to use the Query
and Report features of the ECF system. The United States Congress has given the
Judicial Conference of the United States authority to impose user fees for
electronic access to case information. All registered agencies or individuals will
be assessed the charge of $.07 per page. Generally, a page is defined as 54 lines
of data. Additionally, there is a cap on the $.07 per page charge for a maximum
of $2.10 (the equivalent of 30 pages) for electronic access to any single document.
When charges are accrued, a transaction receipt will appear before the document
is viewed. This receipt will indicate the date and time of the transaction, the type
or description of the transaction, the number of pages billed and the cost for that
particular transaction. The user can click the “View document” button to
proceed, or use the browser’s back button to cancel the request. The PACER
Service Center sends quarterly statements to account holders. For any balance
that is less than $10, billing will be deferred until the next quarter.
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For more information regarding billing and payment requirements and if you do
not have a PACER login, contact the PACER Service Center to establish an
account. You may call the PACER Service Center at (800) 676-6856 or (210)
301-6440 for information or to register for an account. Also, you may register for
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individual attorneys. It takes approximately one week to receive a login and
password from the PACER Service Center.
Registering for Access to ECF
1. Attorneys admitted to the bar of this court, including attorneys admitted pro hac vice,
must register as filing users of the court's ECF system prior to filing any pleadings
electronically. Registration can be accomplished by filling in the on-line ECF
registration or by completing an ECF Registration Form, a copy of which is on the
Court’s web page (www.mad.uscourts.gov). If not submitted on-line, completed ECF
Registration Forms should be mailed or hand delivered to:
Clerk, United States District Court
Attn: CM/ECF Registration
John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse
1 Courthouse Way, Suite 2300
Boston, MA 02210
2. Any one who is a party to a civil action, and not a prisoner, and who is not
represented by an attorney may register as a filing user in the ECF system. If during
the course of the action the person retains an attorney who appears on the person’s
behalf, the Clerk shall terminate the person’s registration upon the attorney’s
appearance.
3. A registered user shall not allow another person to file a document using the user’s
log-in and password, except for an authorized agent of the filing user. Use of a user’s
log-in and password by a staff member shall be deemed to be the act of the registered
user.
4.
Registration constitutes consent to service of all documents by electronic means as
provided in the ECF Administrative Procedures for the District of Massachusetts and
Federal Rule of Civil Procedure (Fed.R.Civ.P) 5(b) and 77(d), and Federal Rule of
Criminal Procedure (Fed.R.Crim.P.) 49(b).
5. Once an account has been established by the court, your login and password will be
sent to you by the Office of the Clerk via e-mail from the CM/ECF Registrar.
6. Registered users can visit a training version of the system on the Internet at
http://www.mad.uscourts.gov/ecf22/index.html
to practice ECF activities.
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We strongly recommend that registered users practice in the “training” ECF database
before filing documents in the “live” ECF database. Information on training for
attorneys and court staff is also available on our web site.
http://www.mad.uscourts.gov/AttyInfo/TrainAnnounce.htm
Preparation
Setting Up the Acrobat PDF Reader
Users must set up software such as Adobe’s Acrobat Reader in order to view
documents that have been electronically filed on the system. All pleadings must
be filed in PDF format. When installing this product, please review and follow
Adobe’s directions to utilize Acrobat Reader after installation.
Portable Document Format (PDF)
Only PDF documents may be filed with the court using the ECF system. Before
electronically filing with the court, users should preview the PDF formatted
document to ensure that it appears in its entirety and in the proper format.
How to View a PDF File using Adobe Acrobat Reader
•
Start the Adobe Acrobat program.
• Go to the File menu and choose Open.
• Click on the location and file name of the document to be viewed.
• If the designated location is correct, and the file is in PDF format,
Adobe Acrobat Exchange loads the file and displays it on the
screen.
• If the displayed document is larger than the screen or consists of
multiple pages, use the scroll bars to move through the document.
• Click on the View menu for other options for viewing the
displayed document. Choose the option that is most appropriate for
the document.
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How to Convert Documents to PDF Format
You must convert all of your documents to PDF format before submitting them to
the Court’s Electronic Case Filing (ECF) system. The conversion process
requires special software such as Adobe Acrobat Writer or FinePrint pdfFactory.
WordPerfect versions 9 and 10 have Acrobat Writer built-in and can also be used
to convert documents to PDF. However, converting a document to PDF through
WordPerfect generally produces a larger file size than through Adobe Acrobat
Writer.
Using any word processing program:
• Install Acrobat Writer or FinePrint pdfFactory on your computer
• Open the document to be converted
• Select the [Print ] option (generally found in the File menu) and in
the dialog box select the option to change the current printer. A
drop down menu with a list of printer choices is displayed.
• Select Adobe PDFWriter or FinePrint pdfFactory*
• “Print” the file. The file should not actually print out; instead the
option to save the file as a PDF format file appears.
• Make a note of the file location so you can find the document later
when you are ready to upload it. Change the location if necessary
by clicking in the “Save in” area of the window.
• Please note that ECF will not accept PDF files that are password
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protected.
• Name the file, giving it the extension .PDF and click the [Save]
button. There are no specific requirements for the file name. You
can name it anything that you will be able to find in order to attach
it during the electronic filing process.
Depending on the word processing program being used, it may be necessary to find the
printer selection option elsewhere. At that point, change the printer to Adobe
PDFWriter, and follow the directions above.
*You must have either Adobe Acrobat Writer or FinePrint pdfFactory installed on your
computer to see these choices listed.
Basics
User Interactions
There are three general types of user interactions allowed by the CM/ECF system:
• Entering information in data fields
• Using command buttons to direct system activities
• Mouse-clicking on hyperlinks
Conventions Used in This Manual:
• Data to be entered by the user is shown enclosed in angle brackets: <data
to be entered>.
• Command buttons are represented in this manual in [bracketed boldface
type].
• Hyperlinks are represented in underlined boldface type.
Documents Filed In Error
A document incorrectly filed in a case may result from a) posting the wrong PDF
file to a docket entry; b) selecting the wrong document type from the menu; or c)
entering the wrong case number and not discovering the error before completing
the transaction.
To request a correction, telephone:
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Toll Free Help Desk 1-866-239-6233
Or
Contact the clerk for the judge assigned to your case (See Attachment A)
as soon as possible after an error is discovered. You will need to provide the case
and document numbers for the document requiring correction. If appropriate, the
court will make an entry indicating that the document was filed in error. You will
be advised if you need to re-file the document. The ECF system does not permit
you to change the misfiled document(s) or incorrect docket entry after the
transaction has been accepted.
Imbedded URLs
Imbedded URLs (Internet addresses) are not permitted. These are viewed as a
possible security threat and it is impossible to guarantee that the owner of the
URL will maintain it in the future.
Viewing Transaction Log
This feature, selected from the Utilities menu, allows you to review all
transactions ECF has processed with your login and password. If you believe or
suspect someone is using your login and password without your permission,
change your password immediately, then telephone the Court’s Help Desk (see p.
3) as soon as possible.
User’s Manual
You can download or view the most recent version of the ECF User’s Manual (in
PDF format) from the District Court’s web page at http://www.mad.uscourts.gov .
When the court’s web page opens, click on the E-Filing-CM/ECF hyperlink.
Case Numbers
A case number is assigned to every case brought in the court. The number is
assigned by office code, year filed, docket type, docket number and then judge
assignment. For example, 4:03CV40094-NMG is a civil action, filed in 2003,
originally filed in the Central Division and assigned to Judge Nathaniel M.
Gorton. It is currently pending in the Central Division.
Criminal case numbers also include the defendant number as assigned by the case
management system. The defendant number is determined by the defendant order
listed on the charging instrument (complaint, indictment, etc.) This order is not
changed by the filing of any superseding charges, unless directed by the Court.
An example of a criminal case number is 1:03CR10234-WGY. A criminal
number including a defendant number is 1:03CR10234-002-WGY.
The docket number is divided into four sections: office number, case year, case
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type, and case sequence:
1:
03
cv
10002
Office/Division
number
1 - Eastern
3 - Western
4 - Central
Case Year
(assigned
by year
case is filed)
Docket type
cv - civil
cr - criminal
mc - miscellaneous
mj - Magistrate Judge
Case number
assigned
sequentially in each
office
The office number tells where a case is pending. If a case is originally filed in the
Western Section (Springfield), the case number would be 3:03cv30094. Should
the case be reassigned to the Eastern Section (Boston), the case number becomes
1:03cv30094, or the Central Section (Worcester) where it becomes 4:03cv30094.
ECF Login and PACER Screen ( Non-court Users)
If you wish to electronically file a document or need to update your User Account
(i.e., update an attorney mailing address or alter e-mail notification information),
enter the system using your court-generated CM/ECF login and password.
During your session, if you deviate from either electronically filing a document or
maintaining your user account by clicking on the query or report menus, the
system will prompt for your PACER issued login and password. If you choose
"Make this my default PACER login", the system will link your PACER
information to your CM/ECF login and password. At that point, you will not be
required to enter your PACER information while working in CM/ECF.
If you only wish to generate reports (i.e., view a docket sheet) or query case
information, initially enter the system using your PACER issued login and
password. If you then need filing functionality or the ability to maintain your
user account, select the UTILITIES menu from the main blue menu bar. From
that menu, select ECF Login to enter your court issued CM/ECF login and
password. An explanation of the login procedures is displayed above the prompt
boxes on the login screen.
The client code field is an optional field provided on the login screens for tracking
purposes during PACER (report and query) functions. It can contain up to 32
characters. If a client code is entered for a transaction, that client code will be
presented on the billing statement generated by the PACER Service Center. A
client code will not appear on the bill unless it is entered at the time of
transaction. Because this code feature is optional, it must be enforced within a
user's office.
"Back" And "Forward" Buttons
The BACK and FORWARD buttons advance or reverse one screen at a time. If
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an error has been made or the user needs to verify entries on a previous screen,
click the BACK button to the specific screen. The FORWARD button moves a
screen ahead to return to the target screen. However, if a change is made, use the
NEXT button to progress.
Please note that the system may log out a user if too many consecutive back
buttons are hit during one transaction. The system may assume there is a security
failure or you may back out to the login screen.
The user may always exit a CM/ECF transaction before it is committed by using
the BACK key or clicking on another menu selection from the top of the frame.
The "Tab" Key
CM/ECF screens are navigated by using the mouse, however the user may also
use the TAB key and space bar to move through the data entry fields in most
screens. Active or "focus" buttons have a faint dotted outline around them. A
focused button may be activated by hitting the space bar. The user can also use
the SHIFT key and the TAB key simultaneously to move back one field at a time.
Menus And Event Selections
Navigating and posting events in CM/ECF is by menu and sub-menu event
selections. The menus and events a particular user will see is predicated on their
user type (i.e., Court User or Attorney User) and access level to the system.
Selecting Multiple Parties Or Events
Most of CM/ECF's selections appear in alphabetical order in drop down lists.
Multiple items may be selected from these lists by holding the CONTROL key
and clicking on selections in the same drop down list. To select a range of items,
hold the SHIFT key and click on the top and bottom of the selection range.
User Supplied Text
Users may supply additional text or augment the system-supplied text in the blank
windows provided. Any text supplied by a non-court user will be displayed on
the docket sheet in italic print.
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A Step-By-Step Guide
Below is a step-by-step guide for entering the system, preparing a document for filing,
filing a motion or application, and displaying a docket sheet. We suggest that you go
through the steps on the training data base before trying to actually file a document in the
live system.
How to Access the System
Users can get into the system via the Internet by going to
http://ecf.mad.uscourts.gov/
Or, you may go to the District of Massachusetts’s Web site at
www.mad.uscourts.gov and click on the E-Filing-CM/ECF hyperlink to open the
login screen and login to ECF.
Users can access the Training Database by going to
https://ecf-train.mad.uscourts.gov or by clicking on the hyperlink on the
Court’s web page for E-filing-CM/ECF and then click on Attorney Training
Database. However, you will need to use one of the practice logins or contact the
help desk for a login to the training database.
Logging In
The next screen is the login screen.
Enter your ECF Login and Password in the appropriate data entry fields. All ECF
login names and passwords are case sensitive.
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Note: Use your ECF login and password if you are entering the system to file a
pleading or to maintain your account. If you only wish to enter ECF to
query the database for case information or to view a document, enter your
PACER login and password. You will be charged a fee to view ECF case
dockets and documents of 7 cents per page up to a maximum of $2.10 per
document.
Verify that you have entered your ECF login and password correctly. If not, click
on the [Clear] button to erase the Login and Password entries and re-enter the
correct information. After you enter the correct login and password information,
click on the [Login] button to transmit your user information to the ECF system.
$ If the ECF system does not recognize your login and password, it will
display the following error message on a new screen.
Login failed either your login name or key is incorrect
$ Click on the [Back] button in your browser and re-enter your
correct login and password.
$ Once the Main Menu appears, choose from a list of hyperlinked options
on the top bar.
Note: The date you last logged into the system appears at the bottom left corner of this
screen. You should review this information each time you login for security
reasons. If you believe your last login date and time are incorrect, or suspect an
unauthorized party is using your login and password, change your password
immediately. Please telephone the court’s Help Desk (see p. 3) as soon as
possible to advise them of the potential security breach.
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Selecting ECF Features
ECF provides the following features that are accessible from the Blue menu bar at the top
of the opening screen.
Civil- Select Civil to electronically file all civil case pleadings, motions, and
other court documents.
Criminal- Select Criminal to electronically file all criminal case pleadings, motions,
and other court documents.
Query- Query ECF by specific case number, party name, or nature of suit to
retrieve documents that are relevant to the case. You must login to
PACER before you can query ECF.
Reports- Choose Reports to retrieve docket sheets and cases-filed reports. You
must login to PACER before you can view an ECF report.
Utilities- View your personal ECF transaction log and maintain personal ECF
account information in the Utilities area of ECF.
Logout- Allows you to exit from ECF and prevents further filing with your
password until the next time you log in.
Manipulating the Screens
Each screen has the following two buttons:
•
clears all characters entered in the box(es) on that screen.
• or accepts the entry just made and displays the next
entry screen, if any
.
Correcting a Mistake:
Use the button on the browser toolbar to go back and correct an entry made on a
previous screen. However, once the document is transmitted to the court, only the court
can make changes or corrections.
Signatures; Affidavits of Service
Documents which must contain original signatures or which require either verification or
an unsworn declaration under any rule or statute, may be filed electronically with
originally executed copies maintained by the filer. The pleadings or other documents
electronically filed shall indicate a signature, e.g., “s/Jane Doe.”
In the case of a stipulation or other document to be signed by two or more persons, the
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15
following procedure should be used:
(a) The filing party or attorney shall initially confirm that the content of the
document is acceptable to all persons required to sign the document and shall
obtain the physical signatures of all parties on the document.
(b) The filing party or attorney then shall file the document electronically,
indicating the signatories, e.g., “s/Jane Doe,” “s/John Doe,” etc.
(c) The filing party or attorney shall retain the hard copy of the document
containing the original signatures until two (2) years after the conclusion of the
case, including any appeals.
(d) A non-filing signatory or party who disputes the authenticity of an
electronically filed document containing multiple signatures or the authenticity of
the signatures themselves must file an objection to the document within ten days
of receiving the Notice of Electronic Filing.
Civil Events Feature
Registered filers will use the Civil feature of ECF to electronically self-file and docket with the
Court a variety of pleadings and other documents for civil cases. This section of the manual
describes the basic steps that you need to take in order to file a single motion with the Court.
The process is consistent regardless of the event.
Filing a Civil Complaint
The Court will continue to accept complaints in the traditional manner, that is a hard
copy, sent by U. S. Mail or delivered in person to the Clerk's office. A 3.5” floppy disk
with the complaint, cover sheets and any other documents to be filed along with the
complaint converted to PDF format may also be provided.
Present the Clerk’s Office with a Civil Cover Sheet (JS-44), local category sheet, and the
complaint which lists the case party information and the fee in the amount of $150.00.
Customer Services staff will assign the case a number and judge and issue the requested
process. The complaint and all initiating documents will be scanned, unless a disk is
provided with the documents in PDF format, and electronically filed by the Clerk’s
Office.
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Filing Documents for Civil Cases
There are nine basic steps involved in filing a document:
1) Select the type of document to file (see Attorney Event Menu);
2) Select appropriate document or motion type from drop down list
3) Enter the case number in which the document is to be filed;
4) Designate the party(s) filing the document;
5) Specify the PDF file name and location for the document to be filed.
6) Add attachments, if any, to the document being filed.
7) Modify docket text as necessary
8) Submit the pleading to ECF
9) Receive notification of electronic filing
After successfully logging into ECF, follow these steps to file a pleading.
1. Select the type of document to file
Select Civil from the blue menu bar at the top of the ECF screen. The Civil
Event window opens displaying all of the events from which you may choose for
your filing. This section of the User's Manual describes the process for filing a
Motion in ECF. The process is similar for filing other pleadings in ECF.
Click on Motions, under Motions and Related Filings
2. Select the appropriate document or motion type from drop down
list
The Motions screen appears and displays a motion selection field with a scroll
bar next to it. Scroll through the menu until you find the type of motion or
application you wish to file.
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For demonstration purposes, highlight Preliminary Injunction and click on [Next].
Note: To select more than one motion, press and hold down the Ctrl key, and click
on each of the desired multiple forms of relief.
3. Enter the case number in which the document is to be filed.
A new screen opens with a Case Number field. Enter the number of the case for
which you are filing a motion and click on [Next].
• If the number is entered incorrectly, click to re-enter. If the computer
prompts that you entered an invalid case number, click on to re-enter.
• When the case number is correct, click on .
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4. Designate the party(s) filing the document
Highlight the name of the party or parties for whom you are filing the motion. If you
represent all defendants or all plaintiffs you may select the entire group by holding
down the control key while pointing and clicking on each party of the group
After highlighting the parties to the motion, click on the [Next] button.
Note: If your party does not appear and should, contact the help desk, or the docket
clerk for the Judicial Officer assigned to your case. If this is a new party to the case
see the section of this manual titled Add/Create New Party.
5. Specify the PDF file name and location for the document to be
filed.
ECF accepts the party or parties you selected and refreshes the screen to display a
new screen depicted below. ECF displays a field for locating and entering the PDF
file of the document (pleading) you are filing in ECF.
Note: You must attach an electronic copy of the actual pleading when
prompted by the system. All documents that you intend to file in ECF
MUST reside in PDF format. Otherwise, ECF will not accept the
document and you will not be able to complete the transaction. Also note
that ECF will not accept PDF files that are password protected.
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• Click on the [Browse] button. ECF opens the following screen.
• You may need to change the Files of type from:
to:
• Navigate to the appropriate directory and file name to select the PDF
document you wish to file.
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• Highlight the file to upload to ECF.
Note: In order to verify that you have selected the correct document, right
mouse click on the highlighted file name to open a quick menu and
left mouse click on [open]. Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat Reader will
launch and open the PDF document that you selected. You should
view it to verify that it is the correct document.
• Once you have verified the document is correct, close Adobe Acrobat and
click on the [Open] button. ECF closes the File Upload screen and inserts
the PDF file name and location in the Filename text window.
• If there are no attachments to the motion, click on [Next]. A new window
opens. Go to Section 7, “Modifying Docket Text,” to proceed with your
filing.
• Please note that memoranda in support of a motion should be filed as a
separate document and not as an attachment to the motion.
• If you have Attachments to your motion, you will select [Yes] on the screen
depicted above. Click on [Next] and proceed to the first step in Section 6,
“Adding Attachments to Documents Being Filed”.
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In the event you selected and highlighted a file that is not in PDF format, ECF will
display the following error message after you click on the [Next] button.
• ECF will not permit you to select a file for your pleading that is not in PDF
format.
• Click on the [Back] button and ECF will return to the previous screen.
Select and highlight the PDF file of your pleading and proceed as before.
Failure to Select A Document to File
If you fail to select a document to file with your pleading, ECF will display the error
message depicted below.
• If you click [OK] from the screen depicted above ECF will return you to the
previous screen. You cannot proceed without attaching a PDF document.
6. Adding attachments to documents being filed
Attachments in the CM/ECF system are any documents you would file as an exhibit
or attachment to a paper document. Examples might be affidavits, proposed
documents, etc. If you acknowledged the need to attach documents to your motion
during the previous step, a new screen appears for you to select the attachments.
If the document you wish to file requires leave of court, such as an amended
complaint or a document to be filed out of time, the proposed document shall be
attached as an exhibit to the motion. If your motion is granted, the order will
direct you to electronically file your document with the court.
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• Click on [Browse] to search for the document file name of the
attachment.
• Next to the field for attachment Type, click on the arrow and ECF opens a
pulldown screen. Highlight the type of attachment from the displayed selection.
• To describe the attachment more fully, click in the Description box and type a
clear and concise description of the attachment. Note: if you choose a type from
the drop down list, such as Exhibit, you do not type Exhibit in the Description
box.
• Click on
[Add to List].
ECF adds the selected document as an attachment to the pleading. A new screen
opens to display the file name of the newly attached document.
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• Repeat the sequence for each additional attachment.
• After adding all of the desired PDF documents as attachments, click on
[Next].
When attachments and exhibits are in paper format
Attachments and exhibits that cannot be created and filed electronically
and when scanned are greater than 2MB in size, must be submitted in
paper format. Present the entire pleading with attachments to the clerk's
office for handling. Electronically file a Notice of Filing in the Clerk’s
Office in the form attached (Attachment 2) and submit the Notice along
with the paper document to the Clerk’s Office for filing within 24 hours.
Note: For moderate length paper attachments, consider dividing them into
two or more smaller attachments, scanning, and filing them electronically.
7. Modify docket text
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Click on the button shown here to open a modifier drop-down list. Select a
modifier if appropriate.
Click in the open text area to type additional text for the description of the
pleading. Users may supply additional text or augment the system-supplied text
in the blank windows provided. Any text supplied by a non-court user will be
displayed on the docket sheet in italic print.
8. Submit the pleading.
• Click on the [Next] button. A new window appears with the complete text for
the docket report.
• Review the docket text and correct any errors. If you need to modify data on a
previous screen, click the button on the browser toolbar to find the
screen you wish to alter.
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• Click on the [Next] button to file and docket the pleading.
Note: The screen depicted above contains the following warning.
Pressing the NEXT button on this screen commits this transaction. You will
have no further opportunity to modify this transaction if you continue.
At any time prior to this step, you can abort the ECF filing or return to previous
screens by:
• clicking on any hyperlink on the Blue ECF menu bar to abort the current
transaction. ECF will reset to the beginning of the process you just selected.
• clicking on the Web Browser [Back] button until you return to the desired
screen.
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9. Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF)
ECF opens a new Motions window displaying an ECF filing receipt.
• The screen depicted above provides confirmation that ECF has registered your
transaction and the pleading is now an official court document. It also displays
the date and time of your transaction and the number that was assigned to your
document. You should note this number on the document’s PDF file.
• Select [Print] on the browser toolbar to print the document receipt.
• Select [File] on the browser menu bar, and choose Save Frame As…from the
drop-down window to save the receipt to a file on the hard drive of your
computer.
Note: The Notice of Electronic Filing represents your Certificate of Service.
The Court strongly urges you to copy it to a file on your computer hard-drive,
print it, and retain a hard copy in your personal files.
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E-Mail Notification of Documents That Were Filed
After a pleading is electronically filed, the ECF System sends a Notice of
Electronic Filing (NEF) to the designated attorneys and parties who have
registered for ECF and supplied their E-mail addresses to the Court.
Individuals who receive electronic notification of the filing are permitted
one "free look” at the document by clicking on the associated hyperlinked
document number embedded in the Notice of Electronic Filing. The filer
is permitted one free look at the document and the Docket Sheet to verify
that the pleading was properly docketed. The system virtually marks or
records the viewing of the docket sheet and document when the user
inserts his PACER login following the click on the hyperlinks. The Court
strongly urges you to copy the Notice of Electronic Filing and pleading
documents to your hard-drive for future access. Subsequent retrieval of
the case docket sheet and pleading from CM/ECF must be made through
your PACER account and is subject to regular PACER fees.
Note: It is the responsibility of filers to send hard copies of the pleading and
Notice of Electronic Filing to attorneys and pro se parties who have
indicated they do not have E-mail accounts.
Notifications In Regular Civil Cases
You will be asked to insert your PACER login and password when
clicking on hyperlinks within e-mail notifications. In this scenario, the
system is virtually marking or recording that the recipient is receiving the
first free look.
Notifications In Social Security Cases
Notifications of activity in Social Security cases, however, are unique in
that it is necessary for the system to identify the reader as counsel of
record in a Social Security case having authorization to view a document
electronically. When an e-mail notification is received and the subject line
indicates that it is for a Social Security case, the recipient must open a
second window and enter the CM/ECF system using the attorney's
CM/ECF login & password BEFORE clicking on any of the e-mail
hyperlinks. The recipient may then go back to the e-mail notification
window and click on the hyperlinks (using their PACER login &
password) to view the electronically filed document.
Notifications Of Electronic Orders Or Clerk Notes
Traditionally, this Court has entered some orders in the margin of the
motion filed. In the future, the Court may enter an ‘electronic order.’ An
electronic order is an order that exists only in an electronic format - there
will be no paper or PDF order. E-mail notifications of electronic orders
will contain just a hyperlink to the docket sheet for the case and not to the
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document filed. There is no PDF file uploaded during this court
transaction and therefore the record of the entire order is solely the docket
text which is created and viewable on the Notice of Electronic Filing.
The same will be true of clerk’s notes. Traditionally, the courtroom clerk
prepared a handwritten report/summary of court proceedings which have
been docketed and placed in the file. In the future, the courtroom clerk
may enter this information directly into the CM/ECF system without
creating a paper record. As with “Electronic Orders”, there is no PDF file
uploaded during this court transaction for “Electronic Clerk’s Notes” and
therefore the record of the entire order is solely the docket text which is
created and viewable on the Notice of Electronic Filing.
Criminal Events Feature
Filing Documents for Criminal Cases
There are ten basic steps involved in filing a criminal document and the same General
Rules and manipulations used for electronically filing civil documents apply to
documents filed in criminal cases.
1) Select the type of document to file (see Attorney Event Menu);
2) Enter the case number in which the document is to be filed;
3) Designate the defendant that the filing relates to;
4) Select the appropriate document or motion type from the drop down list
5) Designate the party(s) filing the document;
6) Specify the PDF file name and location for the document to be filed.
7) Add attachments, if any, to the document being filed.
8) Modify docket text as necessary
9) Submit the pleading to ECF
10) Receive notification of electronic filing
After successfully logging into ECF, follow these steps to file a pleading.
1. Select the type of document to file
Select Criminal from the blue menu bar at the top of the ECF screen. The Criminal
Event window opens displaying all of the events from which you may choose for
your filing. This section of the User's Manual describes the process for filing a
Motion in ECF. The process is similar for filing other pleadings in ECF.
Click on Motions, under Motions and Related Filings
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2. Enter the case number in which the document is to be filed.
A new screen opens with a Case Number field. Enter the number of the case for
which you are filing a motion and click on [Next].
Note: If the case number you are working on is 8:00cr101, you could enter the case
number in any of the following formats:
02-100
02cr100
8:02-cr-100
8-02-cr-100
8:02cr100
• If the number is entered incorrectly, click [Clear] to re-enter. If the computer
prompts that you entered an invalid case number, click on [Back] to re-enter.
• When the case number is correct, click on [Next]
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3. Designate the defendant(s) that the filing relates to.
Click in the boxes to place a check next to each defendant’s name that this filing
relates to. If it relates to all defendants in the case, check the box for “All
Defendants” and leave the other boxes unchecked. When finished selecting
defendants click on [Next].
4. Select the appropriate document or motion type from the drop down
list
A new screen appears and displays a motion selection field with a scroll bar next
to it. Scroll through the menu until you find the type of motion or application you
wish to file.
For demonstration purposes, highlight Suppress and click on [Next].
Note: To select more than one motion, press and hold down the Ctrl key, and click
on each of the desired multiple forms of relief.
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5. Designate the party(s) filing the document
Highlight the name of the party or parties filing the motion. Click on the [Next]
button.
6. Specify the PDF file name and location for the document to be
filed.
ECF accepts the party or parties you selected and refreshes the screen to display a
new screen depicted below. ECF displays a field for locating and entering the PDF
file of the document (pleading) you are filing in ECF.
Note: It is imperative that you attach an electronic copy of the actual pleading when
prompted by the system. All documents that you intend to file in ECF
MUST reside in PDF format. Otherwise, ECF will not accept the document
and you will not be able to complete the transaction. Also note that ECF will
not accept PDF files that are password protected.
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• Click on the [Browse] button. ECF opens the following screen.
• You may have to change the Files of type from:
to:
• Navigate to the appropriate directory and file name to select the PDF
document you wish to file.
• Highlight the file to upload to ECF.
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Note: In order to verify that you have selected the correct document, right
mouse click on the highlighted file name to open a quick menu and left
mouse click on [open]. Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat Reader will launch
and open the PDF document that you selected. You should view it to
verify that it is the correct document.
• Once you have verified the document is correct, close Adobe Acrobat and
click on the [Open] button in the lower right corner of the File Upload
window. ECF closes the File Upload screen and inserts the PDF file name
and location as depicted in the screen below.
• If there are no attachments to the motion, click on [Next]. A new window
opens. Go to Section 8, “Modifying Docket Text,” to proceed with your
filing.
• If you have Attachments to your motion, you will select [Yes] on the screen
depicted above. Click on [Next] and proceed to the first step in Section 7,
“Adding Attachments to Documents Being Filed”.
In the event you selected and highlighted a file that is not in PDF format,
ECF will display the following error message after you click on the [Next]
button.
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• ECF will not permit you to select a file for your pleading that is not in PDF
format.
• Click on the [Back] button and ECF will return to the previous screen for
document selection. Select and highlight the PDF file of your pleading and
proceed as before.
Failure to Select A Document to File
If you fail to select a document to file with your pleading, ECF will display the
error message depicted below.
• If you click [OK] from the screen depicted above ECF will return you to the
Motions screen. You cannot proceed without attaching a PDF document.
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7. Add attachments to documents being filed
If you acknowledged the need to attach documents to your motion during the
previous step, a new screen appears.
• Click on [Browse] to search for the document file name of the
attachment.
• Next to the field for attachment Type, click on the arrow and ECF opens a
pulldown screen. Highlight the type of attachment from the displayed selection.
• To describe the attachment more fully, click in the Description box and type a
clear and concise description of the attachment.
• Click on
[Add to List].
ECF adds the selected document as an attachment to the pleading. A new screen
opens to display the file name of the newly attached document.
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• Repeat the sequence for each additional attachment.
• After adding all of the desired PDF documents as attachments, click on [Next].
When attachments and exhibits are in paper format
Attachments and exhibits that cannot be created and filed electronically and
when scanned are greater than 2MB in size, can be submitted in paper format.
Present the entire pleading with attachments to the clerk's office for handling.
. Electronically file a Notice of Filing in the Clerk’s Office in the form
attached and submit the Notice along with the paper document to the Clerk’s
Office for filing within 24 hours.
Note: For moderate length paper attachments, consider dividing them into
two or more smaller attachments, scanning, and filing them electronically.
8. Modify docket text
Click on the button shown here to open a modifier drop-down list. Select a
modifier if appropriate.
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Click in the open text area to type additional text for the description of the
pleading. Users may supply additional text or augment the system-supplied text
in the blank windows provided. Any text supplied by a non-court user will be
displayed on the docket sheet in italic print
.
9. Submit the pleading.
• Click on the [Next] button. A new window appears with the complete text for
the docket report.
• Review the docket text and correct any errors. If you need to modify data on a
previous screen, click the button on the browser toolbar to find the
screen you wish to alter.
• Click on the [Next] button to file and docket the pleading.
Note: The screen depicted above contains the following warning.
Pressing the NEXT button on this screen commits this transaction. You will
have no further opportunity to modify this transaction if you continue.
At any time prior to this step, you can abort the ECF filing or return to previous
screens by:
• clicking on any hyperlink on the Blue ECF menu bar to abort the current
transaction. ECF will reset to the beginning of the process you just selected.
• clicking on the Web Browser [Back] button until you return to the desired
screen.
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10. Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF)
ECF opens a new Motions window displaying an ECF filing receipt.
• The screen depicted above provides confirmation that ECF has registered your
transaction and the pleading is now an official court document. It also displays
the date and time of your transaction and the number that was assigned to your
document. You should note this number on the document’s PDF file.
• Select [Print] on the browser toolbar to print the document receipt.
• Select [File] on the browser menu bar, and choose Save Frame As…from the
drop-down window to save the receipt to a file on the hard drive of your
computer.
Note: The Notice of Electronic Filing represents your Certificate of Service.
The Court strongly urges you to copy it to a file on your computer hard-drive,
print it, and retain a hard copy in your personal files.
• ECF will electronically transmit the Notice of Electronic Filing to the
attorneys and parties to the case who have supplied their E-mail addresses to
the Court. The ECF filing report also displays the names and addresses of
individuals who will not be electronically notified of the filing. It is the
filer’s responsibility to serve hard copies of the pleading and the Notice of
Electronic Filing to attorneys and parties who are not set up for electronic
notification.
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E-Mail Notification of Documents That Were Filed
After a pleading is electronically filed, the ECF System sends a Notice of
Electronic Filing to the designated attorneys and parties who have supplied
their E-mail addresses to the Court. Individuals who receive electronic
notification of the filing are permitted one "free look” at the document by
clicking on the associated hyperlinked document number embedded in the
Notice of Electronic Filing. The filer is permitted one free look at the
document. The Court strongly urges you to copy the Notice of Electronic
Filing and pleading documents to your hard-drive for future access.
Subsequent retrieval of the case docket sheet and pleading from CM/ECF
must be made through your PACER account and is subject to regular PACER
fees.
Note: It is the responsibility of filers to send hard copies of the pleading and
Notice of Electronic Filing to attorneys and pro se parties who have
indicated they do not have E-mail accounts.
Add/Create a New Party
In some instances you may need to add a party to the ECF system. This may generally
occur when filing amended complaints, third party complaints, etc. If the party you are
adding is not listed in the “Select a Party” screen, click on Add/Create New Party. The
screen depicted below will appear. However, if you believe the party should already
appear on the docket for the case contact the docket clerk for the Judicial Officer
assigned to your case.
You must first perform a search to see if your party is already entered on the ECF system.
Type the first few letters of the party’s last name for an individual, or the first few letters
of the company name. Click [Search].
If a match is found, ECF will display a list of party names. If the name of the party you
are adding appears in the list, click on it and then click [Select name from list]. Review
the party information and select the party’s role in this filing. Click [Submit].
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If a match is not found, or the party does not appear in the list, click [Create new party]
ECF displays the following screen.
• For a company, enter the entire company name in the Last Name field. Choose the
appropriate Role from the drop down list. Click [Submit].
• For an individual, fill out the Last Name, First Name, Middle Name, Generation
and Title fields as appropriate. Choose the appropriate Role from the drop down list.
Click [Submit].
• If there is additional text that will further describe the party, such as: “as next best
friend…”, “as executor of the estate…”, “as successor to…”, etc. add this information
in the “Party Text” field and then Click [Submit].
• Leave all other fields blank.
Linking Documents (Refer to existing event)
Some pleadings such as Responses, Briefs and Indexes should be “linked” to their related
documents in the case. When filing these and certain other types of documents you will
be presented with the following screen.
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An “event” in CM/ECF is anything that has been filed in a case. To link the document
you are currently filing to a previously filed document, check the box in front of “Refer
to existing event(s)?” and click [Next].
Once you click [Next] you are presented with a list of documents that match your search
criteria. For this example we have selected documents filed on May 1, 2003. However,
you may leave the date range blank to retrieve all documents in the case.
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Click the checkbox for the document you wish to link to and click [Next]. When filing
responses to motions, make sure the response is linked to the proper motion or motions.
Query Feature
Registered participants should use this feature to query the Electronic Case Filing (ECF) system for
specific case information. To enter the Query mode, click on Query from the Blue menu bar of
ECF.
ECF opens the PACER Login screen. You must enter your PACER login and password before
ECF permits you to query the ECF database.
Note: Your PACER login and password are different from your ECF login and password. You
must have a PACER account in order to retrieve, view, and print certain documents. You
will be charged a fee of $.07 per page to access documents, docket sheets, etc. from ECF.
After you enter your PACER login and password, ECF opens a Query data entry screen as depicted
below. If you know the number that the Court has assigned to the case, enter it in the Case Number
field and click on the [Run Query] button. ECF opens the query screen depicted in Figure B on the
next page.
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You may query the ECF database by the name of a party or an attorney to the case. Enter the last
name of the party in the appropriate field. If more than one person with that name is in the database,
ECF returns a screen from which to select the correct name (Figure A). If you click on the name of
the party, ECF will open the query screen depicted in Figure B. If the individual is a party to more
than one case, ECF will open a screen listing all of the party’s cases. Click on the case number
hyperlink and ECF opens the query screen depicted in Figure B.
Figure A
After querying the database by case number, name, or nature of suit, ECF opens the
Query window for the specific case you selected. See Figure B.
You may also query a case by the nature of suit. You must enter a range for either the
filed date or the last entry date in order for the query to run. To search for all cases of a
certain type, use the date 1/1/1970 as the "beginning of time." When you run the query,
if there is more than one case that meet those criteria, you will get a screen similar to the
one in Figure A, but listing multiple case numbers.
Figure B
1-01-01465-JR HARRELL V. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
James Robertson, presiding
Date filed:
07/02/2001
Date of last filing:
08/20/2001
Query
Alias
Associated Cases
Attorney
Case Summary
Deadline/Hearing
Docket Report
Filers
History/Documents
Party
Related Transactions
Status
At the top of the window, ECF displays the case number, parties to the case, presiding Judge, date
that the initial claim was filed, and date of last filing for the case. You may choose specific case
information from a large list of query options by clicking on the appropriate hyperlinked name on
the screen. The following paragraphs describe several of the available case-specific query options.
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Attorney
Displays the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the attorneys who represent
each of the parties to the case.
Case Summary
Provides a summary of current case-specific information as represented below.
Deadlines/Hearings
Produces a screen that allows you to query the database by various means to obtain hearing
and other schedule deadlines. If you query as illustrated below, ECF opens the
Deadline/Hearings screen depicted on the next page.
After the window opens, if you click on a document number with a hyperlink, ECF will
display the actual document that created the scheduled conference, hearing or trial.
1-01-01465-JR HARRELL V. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
James Robertson, presiding
Date filed:
07/02/2001
Date of last filing:
08/20/2001
Case Summary
Office:
Washington, DC
Filed:
07/02/2001
Jury Demand:
Both
Demand:
Nature of Suit:
442
Jurisdiction:
Federal Question
Cause:
28:1983 Civil Rights
Disposition:
County:
Terminated:
Origin:
1
Reopened:
Lead Case:
None
Related Case(s):
None
Flags: JURY, TYPE-H
Party 1: WAYNE HARRELL (pla)
Party 2: DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (DFT)
Atty: Ruth Ann Lowery Represents Party 1: pla Phone: (202) 789-6064
Fax: (202) 789-6190
E-mail: [email protected]
Atty: David A. Jackson Represents Party 2: dft Phone: (202) 724-6618
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If you click on the round button to the left of the Deadline/Hearing title, ECF will display
the docket information and related docketing entries for the hearing that you selected.
Docket Report
When you select Docket Report, ECF opens the Docket Sheet screen as depicted below.
You may select a date range for your docket report as well as a range of document numbers.
If you leave the range fields blank, ECF will default to print the entire docket report. Place a
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checkmark in the box to Include links to Notice of Electronic Filing if you wish to view
them from the docket sheet. After you have selected the parameters for your report, click on
the [Run Report] button. ECF will run your custom docket report and display it in a
window as depicted.
The underlined document numbers are hyperlinks to PDF files of the actual documents.
Place your pointer on the button next to the document number and click to display the
Electronic Notification Report for the document.
History/Documents
This selection queries the database for case event history and documents associated with the
case. After you click on the History/Documents hyperlink, ECF opens the screen depicted
below. You may select the sort order for the query report and choose to exhibit all events or
only those with documents attached. ECF also offers you the option to display the docket
text in the report.
After making your selections, click on the [Run Query] button. ECF queries the database
and builds your report. The following figure depicts a portion of a History/Documents
report. This particular report lists all of the events and documents associated with the case in
reverse chronological order. It also displays the docketing text for all docketed events.
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You may view a PDF file of actual documents by clicking on the document number in the
far-left column of the onscreen report.
Other Queries
The process for selecting and running other queries in the Query feature of ECF is similar to
what has been described above.
Reports Feature
The Reports feature of ECF provides the user with several report options. After selecting the
Reports feature from the Blue menu bar, ECF opens the Reports screen depicted below.
If you select Cases Filed or Docket Sheet from the screen depicted above, ECF will ask you to
login to PACER. You may view Court Calendar Events for a case without logging into PACER.
Calendar Events
Cases Filed
Docket Sheet
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Docket Sheet
Click on the Docket Sheet hyperlink and ECF opens the PACER login screen.
Enter your PACER login and password. Click on the [Login] button and ECF will open
the Docket Sheet report query window depicted below.
This is the same query window that ECF displayed when you selected Docket Report from
the Query feature (Page 43). Enter the case number for your docket sheet in the Case
Number field. Select parameters for the remainder of the data entry fields and click on the
[Run Report] button. ECF will display a full docket sheet for the case you selected. See
the Query feature section of this manual for a depiction of a partial docket sheet report. If
you do not need a complete docket sheet, you can narrow the query using the date
filed/entered fields. ECF also offers various sorting options from the Docket Sheet query
screen.
Civil Cases Report
The Civil Cases report provides you with the flexibility to query the ECF database to locate
cases electronically filed within a specific date range, or by Nature of Suit and Cause Code.
When you click on the Civil Cases hyperlink, ECF displays a query screen as depicted here.
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Note: If you are not logged into PACER, ECF will display the PACER login screen.
Login to PACER and ECF will open the Civil Cases Report screen.
Enter the range of case filing dates for your report and select a Nature of Suit or Cause Code, if
you wish to narrow your search. If you leave all fields blank, ECF will display a report for all
cases opened in ECF. This picture depicts part of a report of all cases filed in ECF at the U.S.
District Court from 7/7/03 through 7/14/03.
The far-left column of the Cases Filed report contains hyperlinked case numbers. If you
click on a particular case number, ECF opens the Docket Sheet report window from
which you can retrieve the docket sheet for the selected case. Follow the instructions in
the previous section for a Docket Sheet report.
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Utilities Feature
The Utilities feature provides the means for registered users to maintain their account in ECF and to
view all of their ECF transactions.
Your Account
This section of the Utilities feature provides you the capability to maintain certain aspects of
your ECF account with the Court and to view a log of all your transactions within ECF.
Maintain Your Account
Click on the Maintain Your Account hyperlink to open the Maintain User
Account information screen.
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This screen displays all of the registration information that is contained within the
ECF database for your account with the Court. This includes Bar Identification
and Bar status. YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO UPDATE USER
INFORMATION, INCLUDING MAILING ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER
AND E-MAIL ADDRESS WHENEVER THERE IS A CHANGE.
Clicking on the [E-mail information] button opens the following screen.
ECF will E-mail to parties their Notices of Electronic Filing based upon the
information entered in this screen. Perform the following steps to enter additional e-
mail addresses for individuals that you wish ECF to notify regarding new case
pleadings and documents.
• From the screen depicted in below, enter a check mark by clicking on the box to
the left of the line, which reads “to these additional addresses”.
• Enter the e-mail addresses of those individuals you wish to notify concerning
ECF activity. This data entry field has a capacity of 250 characters for
approximately ten E-mail addresses.
• Stipulate the format of the ECF notices by selecting your choice from the bottom
of the screen.
• If you wish to enter completely new information about your account, use the
[Clear] button to clear the fields on this screen.
After updating your account information, click on the [Return to Account screen]
button to return to your Maintain User Account screen.
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View Your Transaction Log
From the Utilities screen, click on the [View your Transaction Log] button. ECF
opens a screen with two fields for entering the Date Selection Criteria for a
Transaction Log Report. Enter the date range for your report and click on the
[Submit] button. ECF displays a report of all your transactions in ECF within the
date range you specified for Date Selection Criteria. See the figure below for a
sample transaction log report.
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Use this feature of ECF to review your transactions and to verify that:
• all of the transactions you entered are reflected in the Transaction Log
• no unauthorized individuals have entered transactions into ECF using your
login name and password.
Miscellaneous
ECF provides three Miscellaneous functions within the Utilities feature of the system.
• Legal Research
• Mailings
• Verify a Document
When you click on the Legal Research hyperlink from the Miscellaneous screen, ECF
opens a new screen that contains hyperlinks to a Law Dictionary, a Medical Dictionary,
and Westlaw via the Internet. Select the Verify a Document hyperlink to open a query
screen and enter data in the screen fields to locate a particular document attached to a
specific case number. There is also a Mailings hyperlink that opens a new screen for
making or requesting mailings from ECF.
Logout
After you have completed all of your transactions for a particular session in ECF, you should
exit from the system.
Click on the Logout hyperlink from the ECF Blue menu bar. ECF will log you out of the system
and return you to the ECF login screen.
Additional Information Regarding ECF
Sealed Documents
Continue to file sealed documents at the District Court Clerk’s office in accordance with the
existing practices and procedures for conventional filing.
Documents in cases referred to Alternative Dispute Resolution
Continue to file documents in accordance with the existing practices and procedures for
conventional filing as determined by the ADR Coordinator. Any questions on filing ADR
documents in a case assigned to a Judicial Officer should be directed to the deputy clerk
assigned to that Judge.
Ex parte motions
Ex parte motions should be filed in the Clerk’s Office in the conventional manner. Please be
sure the motion is clearly labeled as ‘ex parte’.
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APPENDIX A
GENERAL INFORMATION RE: JUDGES - BOSTON OFFICE
JOHN JOSEPH MOAKLEY UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE
1 COURTHOUSE WAY - SUITE 2300
BOSTON, MA 02210
(617) 748-9152
www.mad.uscourts.gov
DISTRICT JUDGES
INITIALS
COURT CLERK
PHONE
NO. (617)
748-
DOCKET
CLERK
PHONE
NO. (617)
748-
WILLIAM G. YOUNG WGY Elizabeth Smith 9156 Marie Bell 9157
JOSEPH L. TAURO JLT Zita Lovett 9183 Sherry Spencer 9113
RYA W. ZOBEL RWZ Lisa Urso 9187 Jay Johnson 9085
MARK L. WOLF MLW Dennis O’leary 9159 Kathleen Boyce 9155
DOUGLAS P. WOODLOCK DPW Rebecca Greenberg 9170 Michelle Rynne 9171
RICHARD G. STEARNS RGS Mary Johnson 9162 Elaine Flaherty 9112
REGINALD C. LINDSAY RCL Lisa Hourihan 9177 Susan Tebo 9041
PATTI B. SARIS PBS Robert Alba 9175 Maria Simeone 9178
NANCY GERTNER NG Maryellen Molloy 4870 Jennifer Filo 4871
GEORGE A. O'TOOLE, JR. GAO Paul Lyness 9181 Gina Edge 9182
SENIOR DISTRICT JUDGES
INITIALS
COURT CLERK
PHONE
NO. (617)
748-
DOCKET
CLERK
PHONE
NO. (617)
748-
WALTER JAY SKINNER WJS Philip Lyons 9184
A. DAVID MAZZONE ADM Philip Lyons 9184
ROBERT E. KEETON REK Craig Nicewicz 9158 Karen Folan 9172
EDWARD F. HARRINGTON EFH Philip Lyons 4231 Sandra Holahan 4232
MORRIS E. LASKER MEL George Howarth 9127 Sandra Holahan 4232
MAGISTRATE JUDGES INITIALS COURT CLERK PHONE NO.
LAWRENCE P. COHEN LPC Ellen Hayes (617) 748-9240
JOYCE L. ALEXANDER JLA Rex Brown (617) 748- 9238
ROBERT B. COLLINGS RBC Gina Affsa (617) 748- 9233
MARIANNE B. BOWLER MBB Dianalynn Saccoccio (617) 748- 9222
CHARLES B. SWARTWOOD III CBS Lisa Roland (617) 748- 4446
JUDITH G. DEIN JGD Thomas Quinn (617) 748- 9040
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GENERAL INFORMATION RE: JUDGES - WORCESTER OFFICE
DONOHUE FEDERAL BUILDING
595 MAIN STREET
WORCESTER, MA 01608
(508) 929-9900
DISTRICT JUDGES
INITIALS COURT CLERK PHONE
NO. (508)
929 -
DOCKET
CLERK
PHONE
NO. (508)
929 -
NATHANIEL M. GORTON NMG Martin Castles 9904 Sherry Jones 9901
Kathleen
Hassett
9902
MAGISTRATE JUDGE INITIALS COURT CLERK PHONE
NO.
CHARLES B. SWARTWOOD, III CBS Lisa Roland 9905
GENERAL INFORMATION RE: JUDGES - SPRINGFIELD OFFICE
FEDERAL BUILDING & COURTHOUSE
1550 MAIN STREET
SPRINGFIELD, MA 01103
(413) 785-0015
DISTRICT
JUDGES
INITIALS COURT
CLERK
PHONE
NO. (413)
785-
DOCKET
CLERK
PHONE
NO. (413)
785-
MICHAEL A. PONSOR MAP Elizabeth French 0240 Mary Finn 0215
Maurice Lindsay 0214
MAGISTRATE
JUDGE
INITIALS COURT
CLERK
PHONE
NO.
KENNETH P. NEIMAN KPN Bethaney Healey 0244
(ECFManual-MAtest.doc - 10/16/03)
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APPENDIX B
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS
V. CASE NO.
NOTICE OF FILING WITH CLERK’S OFFICE
Notice is hereby given that the documents, exhibits or attachments listed below
have been manually filed with the Court and are available in paper form only:
The original documents are maintained in the case file in the Clerk’s Office.
Date Attorney for
(ECFManual-MAtest.doc - 7/03)
