(A) Redactions
To address the privacy concerns created by Internet access to Court documents,
litigants must modify or partially redact certain personal data identifiers appearing
in case initiating documents, pleadings, affidavits, or other papers. In addition to
those set out in Rule 5.2 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, these identifiers
and the suggested modifications are as follows:
(1) Addresses: Use only City and State;
(2) Signatures: Use s/name; and
(3) Driver’s License numbers: Use only last four numbers.
Litigants also should consider redacting or filing a motion to file under seal any
document that contains information that might bring harm to anyone or should not
be made public for law enforcement or security reasons.
(B) Unredacted Documents and Reference Lists
When redactions result in a document’s intent being unclear or if ordered by the
Court, the filing party must file under seal an unredacted document or a reference
list. A reference list must contain the complete personal data identifier(s) and the
redacted identifier(s) to be used in its (their) place in the filing. If an unredacted
version is not filed, the unredacted version of the document or the reference list
must be retained by the filing party for one year after completion of the case,
including all appeals. Upon a showing that the redacted information is both
relevant and legitimately needed, the Court may, in its discretion, order the
information disclosed to counsel for all parties.
(C) Transcript Redactions
Parties and attorneys may order transcripts. A Court reporter then will file the
transcripts electronically in CM/ECF. The transcript will be available for viewing
at the Clerk’s office public terminal, but may not be copied nor reproduced by the
Clerk’s office for a period of 90 days. A Notice of Filing of Official Transcript will
be served on all parties. If any material should be redacted from a transcript, a party
must file a Notice of Intent to Request Redaction within 7 days of the filing of the
transcript. The responsibility for identifying material that should be redacted, in a
transcript, lies solely with counsel and the parties. Within 21 days from the filing
of the transcript, the parties must file under seal a Motion of Requested Redactions
indicating where the material to be redacted is located, by page and line. If a party
fails to follow the procedures for requesting redaction, the official transcripts will
be made available electronically to the public 90 days after the transcript was
initially filed with the Clerk.
(D) Pro Se Parties
Documents filed in civil cases brought by pro se prisoners need not be redacted
unless so ordered by the presiding Judge. Non-prisoner pro se parties must comply
with the redaction Rules.
(E) Social Security Cases
Documents filed in social security cases need not be redacted unless so ordered by
the presiding judge.
Revised 03/2010
