Case 2:24-mc-04032-ECM Document 1 Filed 10/08/24 Page 1 of 3
RECEIVED
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICTCOURT
OCT - q 2024
FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF ALABAMA
CLERK
U.S. DISTRICT COURT
IN RE: DIGITAL ) MIDDLE DIST. OF ALA.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ) STANDING ORDER
CONVENTIONAL FILING OF ) NO. 2:24-mc-4032-ECM
DOCUMENTS, VIDEO FILES, )
AND AUDIO FILES )
STANDING ORDER
Based on advancements in technology, this Standing Order governs new digital
requirements for conventional filing of documents, video files, and audio files. This Standing
Order supersedes any inconsistent formatting rules and procedures of the Court.
A. Digital requirements for represented parties for conventional filing of documents
exceeding 200 pages. When a represented party is required to file documents
conventionally in the Clerk's Office (for example, because the documents have been
sealed pursuant to a Court Order) and the documents exceed 200 pages, including
exhibits, paper documents will not be accepted for filing. Instead, the represented party
must provide an electronic, portable document format (PDF) of the documents on a
USB flash drive at the time of filing, and the USB flash drive will not be returned to
the filer. These digital requirements are optional, and not mandatory, for prose parties,
and this Standing Order does not govern individual Chambers' requirements for paper
courtesy copies.
B. Format of conventionally filed electronic PDF documents.
1. Document size limitations. The Electronic Case Filing system will not accept
individual PDF documents larger than 100 megabytes (MB). If the individual PDF
Case 2:24-mc-04032-ECM Document 1 Filed 10/08/24 Page 2 of 3
file is more than 100 megabytes in size, it must be separated into two or more files,
each under the 100 MB limit. Each PDF file shall be clearly labeled to identify the
sequence of the documents to be filed, and the documents will be filed in the
sequence provided.
2. Text-searchable PDF. Electronic documents must be in Optical character
recognition (OCR) or text-searchable PDF while maintaining the original
document formatting. In the limited circumstances in which a document cannot
practicably be converted to a text-searchable PDF (OCR), the document may be
scanned or converted to non-text-searchable PDF.
3. Flattened PDFs. All PDF files must be flattened prior to loading on a USB flash
drive.
4. Password Protected USB. When necessary to submit sensitive documents as an
encrypted, password protected USB flash drive containing the PDF file(s), the filer
must provide the password to the clerk's office at the time of filing.
5. Pagination. The electronic page counter for the electronic document must match
the page number for each page of the document. The page numbering of a
document filed electronically must begin with the first page or cover page as page
1 and thereafter be paginated consecutively using only Arabic numerals (e.g., 1, 2,
3). The page number for the cover page may be suppressed and need not appear on
the cover page.
6. Exhibits. Each exhibit must be numbered and uploaded as separate exhibits. If the
exhibits are hardcopy trial exhibits, counsel also must provide the courtroom
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Case 2:24-mc-04032-ECM Document 1 Filed 10/08/24 Page 3 of 3
deputy a digital copy of all trial exhibits in compliance with the requirements in
this Standing Order.
C. Format for audio and video files. For all filers-represented and pro se-audio and
video files must be submitted on a USB flash drive. The Court is no longer accepting
physical disc format (e.g., CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray). All submitted audio and video
exhibits must conform to common file standards to ensure compatibility and ease of
access. The preferred formats are as follows:
• Audio: MP3, WAV, or WMA; and
• Video: MKV, MP4, A VI, MPEG or MOV.
Standalone executable players for audio and video are permitted, provided they do not
require the installation of third-party software on the court's information technology
system.
D. Viruses, malware, and content. The filer should ensure that the electronic document
and audio/video files have been scanned for viruses and malware and that all contents
to be filed are present on the USB flash drive.
Done this the t aay of October, 2024.
s
,_.__.._._,....., STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
~...,...,,.~COURT
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