What is the electronic case file (ECF) project?
ECF is an ongoing automation project that allows attorneys to file petitions and other electronic documents with the designated United States courts through the Internet by using a standard web browser. This results in a completely electronic “case file” that does not have any papers associated with it at the court. Therefore, all case information is available for examination electronically through the Internet, again through the use of a standard web browser. It is our expectation that ECF will eventually replace the court’s current automation system and will become the primary method for filing documents and receiving case information. However, pro se parties or individuals without internet access will still be able to file and retrieve documents and information by the traditional paper, VCIS and PACER methods.
ECF is a prototype project that allows attorneys to file petitions and other electronic documents with designated United States courts through the Internet by using a standard web browser. This results in a completely electronic “case file” that does not have any papers associated with it at the court. Therefore, all case information is available for examination electronically through the Internet, again through the use of a standard web browser. It is our expectation that ECF will eventually replace the court’s current automation system and will become the primary method for filing documents with the court and for receiving case information from the court.
