Case Files

Official Record. The electronic version of a document maintained on ECF, or the (a) paper version of a document not so maintained, is the official record of the court. Inspection of Files. Except as otherwise limited by rule or by court order, the (b) electronic portion of an original file in a pending or closed case shall be available for public inspection in the clerk’s office.

The paper portion of an original file shall be available in the division where the case is filed, unless the file has been removed to a federal records center. The clerk shall not release the paper portion of a file from the clerk’s custody without the permission of the presiding judge, or except as permitted by subsection (d) of this rule. (c) Inspection of Closed Files. [REPEALED] Copies of Files. Upon request, the clerk shall provide copies of the contents of (d) case files, including transcripts of oral depositions and court proceedings.

The clerk shall charge the fee established by the court for this service. When large numbers of copies are requested, the clerk is authorized to release the file to a commercial copying service, and to direct that the copy fee be paid directly to the service by the requesting party.