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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What has changed?
    • On September 22, 2025, the Administrative Office of the United States Courts implemented changes to electronic access to sealed and restricted documents in the Case Management and Electronic Case Files (CM/ECF) system. Sealed and restricted documents will continue to be filed in CM/ECF under existing procedures. However, because sealed and restricted documents filed in CM/ECF will no longer be accessible or viewable electronically, service of sealed and restricted documents cannot be accomplished through CM/ECF.
    • Parties must serve sealed and restricted documents by other appropriate means as provided by the Federal Rules of Procedure. The court will serve sealed and restricted documents in paper by mail or by another secure method. Parties must serve sealed and restricted documents by other appropriate means as provided by the Federal Rules of Procedure. The court will serve sealed and restricted documents in paper by mail or by another secure method.
    • A party with the right to access a sealed or restricted document can request a copy by emailing the Clerk’s Office at: ecf_information@msnd.uscourts.gov
  • What filing events are impacted by this change?
    • The following events are automatically sealed or restricted. Filings made using any of these events will only be accessible to the Court and will not be served on any other person or party through CM/ECF
      • ATTORNEY FILERS - IMPACTED SEALED/RESTRICTED EVENT LIST:
        • Objection to Presentence Investigation Report
        • ​​​​​​​Sentencing Reference Letters
        • Response to Objection to Presentence Investigation Report
        • Sentencing Memorandum
        • Motion for Downward Departure (govt.) - Rule 5K 1.1
        • Motion for Downward Departure
        • Motion for Psychological/Psychiatric/Medical Treatment
        • Motion for Psychological/Psychiatric/Medical Exam
        • Motion to Reduce Sentence – Rule 35 (govt.)
        • Motion to Reduce Sentence – First Step Act of 2018
        • Motion for Upward Departure (govt.) - Rule 5K 1.1
        • Ex Parte Motion (civil and criminal)

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  • Is the process for docketing using any of the sealed and restricted events changing?

    No, please follow the docketing procedures exactly as you normally would. If you are prompted to allow access to other parties, please do so as appropriate. This will help the Court determine which people and parties are authorized to access filings

  • Will Chambers receive my sealed or restricted filing and be able to view it?

    YES

  • Will I be able to view my own sealed or restricted filing, and retrieve a filed/stamped copy?

    NO

  • Will opposing counsel be able to view my sealed or restricted filing through CM/ECF?
    • NO, you must provide service by other means.
  • How can I get a filed/stamped copy of my filing?
    • You may request a filed/stamped copy of a sealed or restricted document that you are authorized to access by emailing the clerk’s office. Copies will be sent to you by mail or another secure method.

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