Do courts have to use the electronic files portions of CM/ECF?
No. Courts may choose to use only the case management portion of the new software and continue as a paper only operation. The Electronic Case Files portion is optional. There are also multiple ways that courts can use the ECF capabilities or they can scan documents received in paper form. They can permit filing of documents in electronic form. Scanning may also be needed as a supplemental process to convert documents that cannot be obtained in electronic form.
