What is CM/ECF?
(Case Management/Electronic Case Filing)

Case Management/Electronic Case Files (CM/ECF) is the new automated case management and electronic docketing system. CM/ECF provides a new, easy-to-use electronic case filing feature that will make life easier for you by allowing you to file and view court documents over the Internet. CM/ECF will allow attorneys to file and view documents from their office, home or anywhere they have access to the Internet, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Documents are automatically docketed as part of the E-filing process and are immediately available electronically. CM/ECF also provides the following benefits:

• 24-hour access to filed documents over the Internet.
• Automatic e-mail notice of case activity.
• The ability to download and print documents directly from the court system.
• Concurrent access to case files by multiple parties.
• Secure storage of documents (so files are not misplaced).
• Reduced paper costs.
• No need for couriers, runners, or mail when filing documents with the court.

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The electronic case filing system accepts documents in portable document format (PDF). PDF retains the way a document looks, so the pages, fonts and other formatting are preserved. Filing a document with the court’s CM/ECF system is quite easy:

• Create the document using word processing software.
• Save the document in PDF format.
• Log onto the court’s CM/ECF system, using a court-issued login and password.
• Follow the set of simple prompts to provide information about the case, party and document to be filed.
• Attach the PDF document and submit it to the court for filing (by pressing a submit button).
• Save or print the CM/ECF electronic receipt emailed from the court confirming that the document was filed.

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Are There Fees?

There are no added fees for filing documents over the Internet using CM/ECF; existing case filing fees do apply. Electronic access to court data is available through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) program. Attorneys and litigants receive one free copy of documents filed electronically in their cases; additional copies are available for viewing or downloading at eight-cents per page. Congress directed to fund electronic access through user fees, the Judiciary has set the fee at the lowest possible level sufficient to recoup program costs.

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CM/ECF has many security features and has passed the National Security Agency’ evaluation. Documents can only be filed by using a court issued login and password.

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The Northern District went live with electronic filing on January 1, 2004.