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CMECF | eJuror | General | Juror
  • Is my job protected while I serve jury duty?

    Your job is protected under Title 28 U.S.C.A. Section 1875, which reads, in part:

    • No employer shall discharge, threaten to discharge, intimidate, or coerce any permanent employee by reason of such employee’s jury service, or the attendance or scheduled attendance in connection with such service, in any court of the United States.

    Any employer who violates the provision of this section:

    • shall be liable for damages for any loss of wages or other benefits suffered by an employee by reason of such violation;
    • may be enjoined from further violation of this section and ordered to provide other appropriate relief, including but not limited to the reinstatement of any employee discharged by reason of his service; and shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $5,000.00 for each violation as to each employee, and may be ordered to perform community service.
  • What will I be paid for serving on a jury?
    • The U.S. District Court will pay you an attendance fee of $40.00 per day (unless you are a federal employee), plus travel expenses for the round trip from your home based on the current General Services Administration (GSA) rate per mile (click HERE). Jurors who earn in excess of $600.00 in attendance fees in one calendar year will receive a form 1099.
    • Payment can be expected sometime after the first week of the month following the month in which you served
    • The travel reimbursement is not taxable.
  • What is a Grand Jury?

    A Grand Jury does not determine guilt or innocence, but whether there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed. The evidence is normally presented only by an attorney for the government. The grand jury must determine from this evidence whether a person should have formal charges filed by the government. If the grand jury finds probable cause, then it will return a written statement of the charges, called an indictment. Grand jurors sit on a panel of 23 jurors and generally serve one day per month for 18 months. Grand jury terms can be extended if necessary.

  • What is a Petit Jury?

    A Petit Jury is a trial jury for both civil and criminal cases. The Petit Jury listens to the evidence offered during the trial and returns a verdict. A verdict in a civil case may be a finding for the plaintiff or the defendant. A verdict in a criminal case finds the defendant involved guilty or not guilty.

  • Does the court reimburse for parking and toll fees?

    Yes. Should you be called in for service, you will be provided with an envelope so that you may send all your receipts back to the court for reimbursement.

  • After receipt of summons from your office, when should I return the enclosed juror information card?

    Once summoned, the information card should be returned as soon as possible and no later then 10 days after receipt.

  • How long will I be on call ?

    The court summons jurors for a term of eligibility which is a 2 month term during which you may be randomly selected and assigned to come in for possible jury selection.

  • After a trial is over, am I finished or am I still on call?

    If the case you served on went 5 days when that case ended your service will end for that term. If the case you served on went less then 5 days you would still be eligible to be randomly selected for another case in the same manner as your first. Once you have served 5 days, your service would end unless you happen to be assigned to a trial that lasts more then 5 days. Once you are selected as a juror, you are a juror in that matter until that case comes to its conclusion.

  • How will I be notified of my appearance date?

    Once you have been notified of your 2 month term of eligibility, if you should be randomly selected, you will be assigned to a trial on a specific date before a specific judge. You will be notified in writing. Your letter will instruct you to call the courts Jury Information Line at 1-800-377-3772 prior to your reporting date. Making this call is extremely important and may save you a trip should your case be canceled.

  • Can I smoke?

    Smoking is permitted only outside the building.

  • Can I leave the Jury Assembly Room or Courtroom?

    Not without notifying the jury administrator or the presiding judge.

  • What if my employer wants proof that I was serving on jury duty?

    You may request a Certificate of Attendance from the jury administrator. The certificate will be available before you leave the courthouse at the end of the day.

  • Can I be late?

    No. It is extremely important that you be prompt both in the morning and when returning from lunch. It is particularly important when serving on a trial because the entire proceeding can be delayed due to the tardiness of one juror.

  • Will I serve on civil or criminal trials?

    The Federal Court tries both civil and criminal cases and it is possible that you may be selected for either or both.

  • What happens if I fail to report for jury duty ?

    Any juror who fails to report for jury duty and who is not excused by the Court may be served a Show Cause Order by the U.S. Marshal's Office. Subsequently, those jurors will be held in contempt of the Jury Selection Act. Contempt penalties may include a fine of $1,000.00, imprisonment of not more than three days, community service, or any combination thereof.

  • What should I wear for jury duty?

    All jurors should attempt to wear appropriate attire for jury duty. Jeans, shorts, and T-shirts are not considered appropriate attire.

  • What should I bring with me when I report for jury duty?

    You must bring a photo I.D. to gain entrance to the federal building.  You should also bring your summons.  You are permitted to bring your cell phone, however you must turn off and put away while in the courtroom. 

  • I no longer live in Delaware, how do I notify the Court?

    You may update your current address in eJuror, or you may  enter your new address on your questionnaire or summons and mail it back to the Court.

  • I am over 70 years old, can I be excused?

    Persons over 70 are not automatically exempt from service.  However, if you are over 70 years old, you may request to be excused from serving as a juror.  You can request the excuse through eJuror or enclose a written request with your questionnaire or summons. 

  • I just completed jury duty at the State Court, can I be excused from serving again at the Federal Court?

    If you have served as a juror in the past two years, you may request to be excused from serving again.  You can request the excuse through eJuror or you can enclose a copy of your attendance certificate with your questionnaire or summons.

  • How am I selected for jury duty?

    The Court compiles a list of all Delaware residents registered voters, licensed drivers and state I.D. holders over 18.  Persons from this list are randomly sent juror qualification questionnaires. Qualified jurors may be sent a summons for a two month term of eligibility.

  • How do I know that eJuror is secure?

    The Court follows current best practices for database and server security, maintained by highly-skilled Information Technology Court staff, and supported by a dedicated national security group.

  • Why did the system lock me out?

    The system is designed to allow 3 logins, after failure to gain access on the third attempt; the system will lock you out. You must completely log out of eJuror, wait a few minutes, and try again. The system only allows 20 minutes to complete the questionnaire, if it exceeds that time, you will have to start again.

  • What information do I need to use eJuror?

    You will need the nine digit participant number near your name on the questionnaire or summons, the first three letters of your last name, and your birth date to login to the system and complete the form.

  • Who can use the eJuror system?

    Any prospective juror who receives a questionnaire or summons can complete it online, unless the recipient’s last name is less than 3 letters or the recipient is under the age of 18. If you are unable to complete on line due to these system limitations, please complete the paper form and submit it to the Court within 10 days of receipt of the questionnaire or summons.

  • If I complete my questionnaire online, do I submit the paper form to the Court?

    No. If you have completed and submitted your form through eJuror, please do not send the paper form back to the Court. Prior to submitting your completed questionnaire, you can print the information if you would like a copy for your records.

  • What if I make a mistake and need to change an answer?

    Once the form is completed, PRIOR to submission, you will have the opportunity to edit your answers. Prior to submission you can print out your answers for your records. 

  • I have received a summons to report for jury duty, how do I request an excuse, postponement, or partial excuse?

    You must complete and submit the Juror Information Form using eJuror.  Once the Court reviews and accepts the submitted information (usually within 24 hours), log back into eJuror.  You will see “new” options on the left side of the page listing Excuse/Postpone/Partial Excuse.  Click on the desired option and proceed with your request.  

  • How do I check that the Court has received my completed questionnaire through eJuror?

    You will not be notified by the Court that your questionnaire has been received, other than the confirmation that is received when you submit the form. If you are qualified, you may receive a summons in the future with a date for jury service. 

  • What if I need to submit additional information?

    If you need to send additional information, you can send it to the Court’s location address that is listed on your form to the attention of the Jury Department.  You may also send it by email to Delaware_ejuror@ded.uscourts.gov. 

  • Who do I contact if I am having problems with eJuror?

    If you experience problems with eJuror, please contact the eJuror Helpline at (800) 377-3772.

  • I tried to file a PDF document and I receive a message stating "ERROR: This document has security measures in effect, such as password protection or access restriction. This PDF document cannot be accepted." - What should I do?

    You must deactivate the Adobe Acrobat security features, such as password protection, save the file, and submit the document again.

     

  • I tried to file a document and there is a message stating "ERROR: Document is not a well-formed PDF document", what is wrong?

    All documents filed with the System must be in PDF format. These documents are identifiable by ".pdf" at the end of the document name

  • I tried to file a PDF document and received a message that states: “ERROR: Document is malformed or contains code which may cause an external action (such as launching an application). This PDF document cannot be accepted.” What should I do?

    Compress the PDF in Adobe Acrobat and submit the document again by following the steps below:

    • Open your PDF document in Adobe Acrobat
    • Click on File, then Print
    • In the Print pop-up window, select Adobe PDF from the Printer drop-down menu
    • Click on Properties button next to the Printer drop-down menu
    • In the Adobe PDF Document Properties pop-up window, click on the Paper/Quality tab
    • Click on the Advanced button
    • Under Graphic, next to Print Quality, click on 1200 dpi and select 300 dpi from the drop-down menu
    • Click on the OK button twice to return to the Print pop-up window
    • Click on the Print button
    • Type in your file name and click on the Save button
    • Log in to CM/ECF and file the document
  • What does "Internal Server Error" mean?

    It means that the CM/ECF System is unable to complete your request. Please contact the CM/ECF HelpDesk at 302-573-6170.

  • I submitted a document and I received the message, "You cannot load this file because it’s over 35 MB", what should I do?

    This is most likely to occur with scanned documents. If the main document exceeds the 35 MB limit, the document must be broken up into logical divisions with each division not exceeding the 35 MB limit.

     

  • I am not receiving Notices of Electronic Filing in cases in which I am involved, what’s wrong?

    First, make sure you are listed as an attorney of record in the case. If you are listed on the docket sheet, make sure under your information it says “Attorney to be Noticed”.   Contact the CM/ECF Helpdesk (302-573-6170) if you need further assistance.

  • Is the CM/ECF System secure?

    The CM/ECF System has several layers of security in order to ensure that your filing has not been altered in any way.

  • Can a document be filed by fax or be faxed to me?

    We do not accept faxed documents for filing, nor do we send court filings by fax.

  • Where can I obtain a passport?

    Newark Post Office
    110 E. Main Street
    Newark, DE 19711
    (302) 368-4541

    Wilmington Post Office
    500 Delaware Ave. STE 1
    Wilmington, DE 19801
    (302) 656-0196

    Talleyville Post Office
    3911 Concord Pike
    Wilmington, DE 19803
    (302) 479-9495

  • Where do Pro Se or non-CM/ECF parties file new cases?

    All such filings are processed at the Clerk’s Office Intake counter, Room 4209.  The Clerk's Office does not have an after-hours drop box.  When filing by mail, send documents to:

    OFFICE OF THE CLERK
    UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
    844 N KING ST UNIT 18
    WILMINGTON DE 19801-3570

    Exceptions to filing with the Clerk include:

    • Papers accepted and "Filed in Open Court" during a proceeding.
    • As directed by a Judge’s chambers.
  • How does an attorney become admitted to appear pro hac vice in the U.S. District Court - District of Delaware?

    How does an attorney become admitted to appear pro hac vice in the U.S. District Court - District of Delaware, and further register for electronic noticing?

    To be admitted pro hac vice, refer to Local Rule 83.5 (c). A form of the motion and proposed order filed by local counsel, which includes certification by the applicant, is appended to the local rules. The motion must include a statement regarding payment of the $25.00 annual fee. 

    Once an attorney is admitted pro hac vice, if electronic noticing is desired, he/she may register for CM/ECF electronic noticing by submitting the attached registration form to the Clerk's office. Since electronic noticing is optional for pro hac vice admission, the registration process applies on a case-by-case basis.

    Those who register for electronic noticing in CM/ECF should keep the Clerk's Office apprised of updates to their e-mail addresses. Also, please note that such registration is for noticing only and does not provide for document filing rights or user account access.

  • How does an attorney become admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court - District of Delaware?

    Beginning May 4, 2020, the District Court of Delaware will be upgraded to the NextGen electronic case filing system. To seek any type of admission and to electronically file, attorneys must have an individual upgraded PACER account; shared PACER accounts cannot be used for admission or e-filing. If an attorney does not have an individual account, he/she should request one from PACER.

    To be admitted into the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, you must be a member of the Delaware State Bar, and your sponsor must already be admitted to practice before the District Court. Attorney admission to the District of Delaware requires a $196.00 application fee.

    If there is a problem with your application, you will be notified by one of our Attorney Admissions Clerks. Otherwise, your application will be approved, and your Oath Ceremony scheduled for the next available date. You will receive notification by email as to the date, time and presiding Judge for your ceremony. At the time of admission, you must appear before the Court and be introduced by your sponsor. (There is no provision for an attorney to be waived into the bar of the court without making a personal appearance.)

    Registration for Admission

    1. Navigate to www.pacer.gov
    2. Click Manage My Account at the very top of the page
    3. Login with your upgraded individual PACER account username and password
    4. Click on Maintenance tab
    5. Select Attorney Admission/E-file Registration
    6. Select U.S. District Courts as the Court Type and Delaware District Court as the Court. Click Next.
    7. Select Attorney Admissions and E-file
    8. Complete all five sections of the required registration information:
              a. Attorney Bar Information
              b. Sponsoring Attorney
              c. Attorney Information
              d. Document Upload (Application and Certificate of Good State from Delaware Supreme Court)
              e. Additional Attorney Information Required by Court
    9. Complete the personal information on the E-file Registration section (most sections will be auto populated by PACER.
    10. Enter your email address, email frequency and email format. (Note that HTML is the preferred email format). Click Next.
    11. Set default payment information, if desired (not required). Click Next when finished or to bypass this screen.
              a. To use the same account for multiple fee types, once the account information is entered, click on the letter(s) on the left to designate the entered payment method to that account. The letter icon will turn from grey to blue once it has been designated an account.
    12. Check the Acknowledgement of Policies and Procedures for Attorney Admissions box and the two Attorney E-filing Terms of Use acknowledge boxes.
    13. Click Submit. The court will review your admission request and provide you with further instructions via email, including an invitation email to attend an Oath Ceremony.

    IMPORTANT NOTE: You will be required to pay your admission fee online using the link provided in the email. Do not use the Make One-Time PACER Fee Payment option on the Manage My Account link. This option can only be used to pay your PACER bill.

     

  • What items are needed when filing a Notice of Removal pursuant to 28 U.S.C. Section 1441?

    Civil Cover Sheet

    Form (JS-044)

    Notice of Removal  

    Original (not bound or stapled) + one stapled copy;
    Attach copies of all process, pleadings, and orders served upon defendant(s).
    The case caption, insofar as the parties are concerned, must be identical to the caption in State Court (Refer to Local Rule 81.1).

    Filing Fee

    Payment of filing fee, $400.00 (made payable to Clerk, U.S. District Court), or Application to Proceed Without Prepayment of Fees (AO-239).
    Information regarding the procedure for removal can be found in Title 28 of the U.S. Code, Section 1446.

  • What are the filing requirements for various types of pleadings or motions by Pro Se, non-CM/ECF parties?

    Intake deputies screen all documents presented by such filers for compliance with the Federal Rules of Civil Practice and Procedure and the District of Delaware Local Rules. This includes but is not limited to verifying that the caption, case number and Judge assigned match; required signatures are present; service on local counsel is noted, etc.  Deficiencies are brought to the attention of the filing party and occasionally may be corrected on the spot.  Specific filing requirements include but are not limited to:

    • ALIAS SUMMONS: Indicate "ALIAS" above the word "SUMMONS".
    • AMENDED COMPLAINT: Original (not bound or stapled) and one copy; must show service.  Refer to Local Rule 15.1, and F.R.C.P. 15.
    • APPEAL (Notice of): Original and one copy, $505.00 filing fee, payable to Clerk, U.S. District Court or, pauper application may accompany appeal when applicable.  Transcript Purchase Order will be provided to filer.
    • BRIEF and APPENDIX: Original (not bound or stapled), and one copy; must show service; copy bound on left margin; form and content, page numbering, and length, refer to Local Rule 7.1.3.
    • DISCOVERY PAPERS (Admissions, depositions, interrogatories, requests for production):
    • Discovery papers are filed only when ordered or needed by the Court, and when pro se parties are involved in a case.  When filed, original only, must show service. Refer to Local Rule 5.4 and 26.1.
    • JURY (Instructions, Interrogatories, Voir Dire): Original (not bound or stapled) and one copy, must show service.  Refer to Local Rule 47.1, 51.1.
    • MOTION: Original (not bound or stapled), and one copy; must show service.  Refer to Local Rule 5.3.
      • Motions to extend discovery or trial deadline must provide reasons for request and evidence that the client is aware.  Refer to Local Rule 16.4.
      • Motions to amend must include the proposed pleading as amended and one copy, with appropriate underlining and brackets.  Refer to Local Rule 15.1.
    • SEALED DOCUMENTS: Refer to FAQ - How do I present documents for filing under seal?

     

     

  • How do I arrange for service of process via registered mail under a long arm statute?

    Rev. 2/2/2015

    Under Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 4(f)(2)(C)(ii), please complete the following actions:

    E-file a Praecipe (letter format) addressed to the Clerk of Court, listing the documents to be served, names and addresses of defendants to be served by registered mail, and note that service is pursuant to this rule.  When not e-filed, the Praecipe may be saved in pdf on a disk, and filed at the Clerk’s Office Help Desk.

    E-file an Affidavit certifying under penalty of perjury, that counsel has researched service of process in the applicable country, confirming that service by registered mail pursuant to F.R.C.P 4(f)(2)(C)(ii) is an acceptable means of service in that country.   Filer should refer to Department of State web-site, travel.state.gov. “Legal Consideration” section. If service by mail is not acceptable, diplomatic channels may be appropriate pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1608(a)(4).

    Deliver to the Clerk’s Office Help Desk, the following:

    1. One copy of each document to be served, to include a copy of the e-filed praecipe and affidavit, for each party being served;
    2. An original signed and sealed copy of the summons form for each party being served;
    3. Envelope(s) (brown kraft paper – no tyvec or padded) that meets USPS requirements for registered mail, pre-addressed to each party being served, showing return address: Clerk, U.S. District Court, Unit 18, 844 N. King Street, Wilmington, DE 19801.
    4. Completed Registered Mail receipt form PS 3806, Registered Mail Label PS 200, and completed Return Receipt Card PS 2865 (International) for each package being mailed.

    An Intake Deputy will prepare a transmittal/cover letter on Clerk’s Office letterhead, listing the documents being mailed, noting that the mailing is being made pursuant to F.R.C.P. 4(f)(2)(C)(ii), and make final preparations for each package.  Each envelope will be sealed with brown kraft tape over all flaps, with applicable labels properly affixed.

    Once sealed and ready for mailing, the Clerk’s office will advise the requesting party/attorney that the envelopes are ready for their pickup and delivery to the U.S. Post Office.  The requestor arranges pickup and delivery of the packages to the post office and payment of all fees.  After the Post Office completes their processing, the requestor will deliver the registered mail postal receipt to the Clerk’s Office for docketing.

    Upon receipt of the post office registered mail receipts, the Intake Deputy will prepare an Affidavit of Mailing, to include the postal receipts, which will be docketed as Proof of Mailing.

    After service has been made, the international return receipt cards will be mailed back to the Clerk’s Office and be docketed as Return of Service Executed

    Under 10 Delaware Code § 3114, please complete the following actions:

    E-file a Praecipe (letter format) addressed to the Clerk of Court, listing the certified copies of documents to be served, names and addresses of defendants to be served by registered mail, and note that service is pursuant to this rule.  When not e-filed, the Praecipe may be saved in pdf on a disk, and filed at the Clerk’s Office Help Desk.

    Deliver to the Clerk’s Office Help Desk, the following:

    1. One copy of each document to be served, to include a copy of the e-filed praecipe and  summons attesting prior service on the Registered Agent, for each party being served;
    2. Each document should be printed with the docket headers turned ON, and must be CERTIFIED by the Clerk’s Office for $11.00 per document. Make checks payable to CLERK, U.S. DISTRICT COURT.
    3. Envelope(s) (brown kraft paper – no tyvec or padded) that meets USPS requirements for registered mail, pre-addressed to each party being served, showing return address: Clerk, U.S. District Court, Unit 18, 844 N. King Street, Wilmington, DE 19801.
    4. Completed Registered Mail receipt form PS 3806, Registered Mail Label PS 200, and completed Return Receipt Card PS 3811 (Domestic), for each package being mailed.

    An Intake Deputy will prepare a transmittal/cover letter on Clerk’s Office letterhead, listing the documents being mailed, noting that the mailing is being made pursuant to 10 Del Code § 3114, and make final preparations for each package.       Each envelope will be sealed with brown kraft tape over all flaps, with applicable labels properly affixed.

    Once sealed and ready for mailing, the Clerk’s office will advise the requesting party/attorney that the envelopes are ready for pickup and delivery to the U.S. Post Office. The requestor arranges pickup and delivery of the packages to the post office and payment of all fees.  After the Post Office will completes their processing, the requestor will deliver the registered mail postal receipt to the Clerk’s Office for docketing.

    Upon receipt of the post office registered mail receipts, the Intake Deputy will prepare an Affidavit of Mailing, to include the postal receipts, which will be docketed as Proof of Mailing.

    After service has been made, the domestic return receipt cards will be mailed back to the Clerk’s Office and e docketed as Return of Service Executed.

    Under 6 Delaware Code § 17-109 or 18-109, please complete the following actions:

    E-file a Praecipe (letter format) addressed to the Clerk of Court, listing the certified copies of documents to be served, names and addresses of defendants to be served by registered mail, and note that service is pursuant to this rule.  When not e-filed, the Praecipe may be saved in pdf on a disk, and filed at the Clerk’s Office Help Desk.

    Deliver to the Clerk’s Office Help Desk, the following:

    1. One copy of each document to be served, to include a copy of the e-filed praecipe and  summons attesting prior service on the Registered Agent, for each party being served;
    2. Each document should be printed with the docket headers turned ON, and must be CERTIFIED by the Clerk’s Office for $11.00 per document. Make checks payable to CLERK, U.S. DISTRICT COURT.
    3. Envelope(s) (brown kraft paper – no tyvec or padded) that meets USPS requirements for registered mail, pre-addressed to each party being served, showing return address: Clerk, U.S. District Court, Unit 18, 844 N. King Street, Wilmington, DE 19801.
    4. Completed Registered Mail receipt form PS 3806, Registered Mail Label PS 200, and completed Return Receipt Card PS 3811 (Domestic), for each package being mailed.

    An Intake Deputy will prepare a transmittal/cover letter on Clerk’s Office letterhead, listing the documents being mailed, noting that the mailing is being made pursuant to 6 Delaware Code §17-109 or other applicable state statute, and make final preparations for each package. Each envelope will be sealed with brown kraft tape over all flaps, with applicable labels properly affixed.

    Once sealed and ready for mailing, the Clerk’s office will advise the requesting party/attorney that the envelopes are ready for their pickup and delivery to the U.S. Post Office.  The requestor arranges pickup and delivery of the packages to the post office and payment of all fees.  After the Post Office will completes their processing, the requestor will deliver the registered mail postal receipt to the Clerk’s Office for docketing.

    Upon receipt of the post office registered mail receipts, the Intake Deputy will prepare an Affidavit of Mailing, to include the postal receipts, which will be docketed as Proof of Mailing.

    After service has been made, the domestic return receipt cards will be mailed back to the Clerk’s Office and be docketed as Return of Service Executed.

     

     

     

  • How do I obtain copies of documents from an archived case file?

    To place a copy order for paper documents in a closed case accessed for storage at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), Philadelphia Records Center, 14700 Townsend Road, Philadelphia 19154, or a permanent case record on file with NARA Archives at Philadelphia, 14700 Townsend Road, Philadelphia 19154 (formerly center-city Philadelphia), please review the following:
        
    1. PLACING A COPY ORDER DIRECTLY WITH THE RECORDS CENTER:  
    When the case number you are searching for includes an “Accession Number”, you may place your copy order directly with the Philadelphia Records Center, (215) 305-2000.  First, check the applicable list of CIVIL or CRIMINAL cases (please read the notes) in order to obtain the ACCESSION information, which is required when submitting your request to the storage facility.  If you don't find accession information for the case in question, try looking up the case in PACER, under QUERY, CASE FILE LOCATION.  Contact the Clerk’s Office Help Desk if you need further assistance determining the location or status of a case file.  Once you have the accession, box and location numbers, complete the applicable NARA civil or criminal copy order form and follow their instructions.  The NARA forms provide information and instructions on how to obtain copies of accessed paper records from the Federal Records Center.

    NARA Records Center copy forms:
    CIVIL cases
    CRIMINAL cases

    2. PLACING A COPY ORDER DIRECTLY WITH THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
    Check  the applicable CIVIL or CRIMINAL case listings.  When the case number you are searching for does not contain an accession number, and the word “ARCHIVE” appears, you may contact the NARA Archives at Philadelphia, at (215) 305-2044, and place your copy order directly with them.  Copy orders for case documents located at the Archive at Philadelphia, may only be obtained by placing your order directly with them.  If necessary, contact our Clerk’s Office Help Desk (302) 573-6170, for further assistance determining the location or status of a specific case file.  Additional contact information for NARA and NARA, Philadelphia:

    www.archives.gov
    http://www.archives.gov/philadelphia/
    E-Mail: philadelphia.archives@nara.gov

     
    3. PLACING A COPY ORDER  VIA THE DISTRICT COURT HELP DESK
    For cases currently accessed to the Federal Records Center (FRC), you may also place your order with the Clerk's Office Help Desk, at (302) 573-6170.  The current retrieval fee is $64.00 for the first box per case, and $39.00 for each additional box containing the same case.  Electronic retrieval of records is also available from the FRC.  The costs for electronic record retrieval of records is a flat rate of $19.90 plus a FRC per-page of $.65. The fees must be paid in advance, check payable to CLERK, U.S. DISTRICT COURT.  It takes approximately 7-14 days for a case to arrive by mail.  We will contact you upon receipt of the case, then allow you to view the case documents and place a copy order if desired, at the rate of $.50 per page.  When requested, a certified copy (court seal and signature of a deputy clerk) may be obtained for an additional fee of $11.00.

  • How do I present documents for filing under seal?

    Beginning November 1, 2012, a registered user of CM/ECF is required to upload the pdf and e-file their sealed civil and miscellaneous documents directly into CM/ECF. See our video for step-by-step instructions for properly e-filing sealed documents.  The authority for filing a document under seal must be provided by a protective order or other order of the Court. Sealed documents in Social Security cases shall continue to be filed in paper format only.

    Filers who are not registered users of CM/ECF shall present the original sealed document to the Clerk’s Office on a properly labeled compact disk in PDF, with a signed paper copy marked "ORIGINAL", and provide the required number of courtesy copies.  Each copy must be presented in a separate and properly marked envelope.

    When filing the paper courtesy copies of sealed documents, include the heading, case caption, case number, document title, /s/ and attorney information of the e-filer on a cover page taped to the front of the envelope (Click to view example).  Either securely tape a photocopy of the Notice of Electronic Filing to the back of the envelope, OR, indicate the Docket Item # on the top front corner of the cover page.

    The "filed date" of a sealed document is the date first received, either by e-filing, or when presented in paper only/disk format at the Clerk's office.  Counsel may provide additional copies if clock-ins are necessary, however, clock-ins should be placed in separate properly marked individual envelopes.  Intake staff will only stamp the outside envelopes of e-filed "Courtesy copies" or "clock-ins" as "Received", as such envelopes are not opened at the Intake Help Desk.

    Please visit the CM/ECF Page of our web site for additional information, instructions, and a tutorial.