Parties should not include sensitive information in any document filed with the court unless such inclusion is necessary and relevant to the case. Any personal information not otherwise protected by federal or local rule will be made available over the Internet via PACER. In compliance with the policy of the Judicial Conference of the United States, and in order to promote public electronic access to case files while also protecting sensitive information, parties shall refrain from including personal identifiers in all pleadings and other papers filed with the court, including exhibits thereto, whether filed electronically or in paper, unless otherwise ordered by the court. Unless ordered by the court, redaction of personal identifiers beyond those specifically identified in the federal rules is not permitted.
Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure - Rule 49.1 Privacy Protection for Filings Made with the Court
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure - Rule 5.2 Privacy Protection for Filings Made with the Court
Judicial Conference Privacy Policy for Electronic Case Files
Counsel is strongly urged to share this notice with clients so that an informed decision about the inclusion of certain materials may be made. The responsibility for omitting or redacting personal identifiers rests solely with the filing party. The Clerk will not review filings for compliance. Counsel and parties are cautioned that failure to redact personal identifiers may subject them to sanctions or other disciplinary proceedings as appropriate.
The court's policy in no way creates a private right of action against the Court, the Clerk of Court, counsel or any other individual or entity on behalf of any individual or entity that may have identifying information erroneously included in a filed document that is made available on the Internet via PACER.