IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF GEORGIA
IN RE: *
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PROCEDURES FOR ACCESS AND *
MANAGEMENT OF SEALED DOCUMENTS * STANDING ORDER 2025-02
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STANDING ORDER
WHEREAS a recent escalation in cyberattacks on the CM/ECF systems of
federal courts requires the implementation of new procedures for the storage and
management of sealed documents;
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that, effective as of the date of this order and until
such time as the Court orders otherwise:
1. Electronic Access to Sealed Documents. Sealed documents will continue
to be filed in CM/ECF under existing procedures but will no longer be accessible or
viewable by electronic means.
2. Service of Sealed Documents Filed in CM/ECF. Because sealed
documents filed in CM/ECF are no longer accessible or viewable electronically,
service of those documents can no longer be accomplished through CM/ECF. Parties
will have to serve sealed documents by other appropriate means as provided by the
Federal Rules of Procedure. The Court will serve sealed documents in paper by mail.
3. Additional Copies of Sealed Documents. Because sealed documents
filed in CM/ECF are no longer accessible or viewable electronically, a party with the
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right to access a sealed document in a case who requires a copy of a sealed
document will have to contact the Clerk’s Office to request a paper copy. Applicable
copy fees will be applied to such requests.
4. Highly Sensitive Documents (HSDs). Sealed documents that are defined
as HSDs will continue to be subject to the Court’s HSD procedures.
5. Questions about Sealed Document Procedures. Any questions about the
filing of and access to sealed documents should be directed to the Clerk’s Office.
This Order supersedes any and all inconsistent Local Rules, Prior Orders, and
Administrative Procedures.
SO ORDERED, this 24th day of September, 2025.
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LESLIE ABRAMS GARDNER
CHIEF UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
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