Judge John F. Walter
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Application To Seal, Proposed Order, Declaration, Proof Of Service, Sealed Document
- 1 copy • Chambers Drop Off • By 10am Day After Submission
In Camera Review Document
- Chambers Drop Off • Upon Application Granted
Proposed Order
- Email • Upon Filing
Sealed Document, Sealed Motion, Sealed Opposition, Sealed Reply, Sealed Declaration In Support, Leave To File Under Seal, Leave For In Camera Review
- Upon Filing
Communication
Chambers
Document Format Requirements6 rules
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
A Word Perfect or Microsoft Word version of the proposed order must be emailed to chambers as required by L.R. 5-4.4.2,
Summary: Proposed orders must be formatted as Word Perfect or Microsoft Word (DOCX) files.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
The next screen is where you will upload your PDF documents.
Summary: Sealed Declaration in Support documents must be uploaded in PDF format.
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This is where you will upload your PDF documents.
Summary: Sealed documents must be uploaded in PDF format for e-filing.
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If you select “A Court Order” from the screen shown above, clicking “Next” twice will bring you to the document upload screen. The next screen is where you will upload your PDF documents. This screen should turn red. If the screen does not turn red, STOP; your documents will not be filed under seal. Go back to the Civil Events Screen and begin the docketing process for your Sealed Opposition again.
Summary: Sealed opposition documents must be uploaded in PDF format; the upload screen must turn red, otherwise stop and restart the docketing process.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
If you select “A Court Order” from the screen shown above, clicking “Next” twice will bring you to the document upload screen. This is where you will upload your PDF documents.
Summary: Sealed Reply documents must be uploaded in PDF format when e-filing.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
You will upload your PDF documents on the next screen. Under “Main Document,” click the “Browse” button, and a file upload box will appear. Navigate to your “Application for Leave for In Camera Review” and select the file, then click “Open.”
Summary: Application for Leave for In Camera Review must be uploaded as a PDF document.
Document Filing Requirements9 rules
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Proposed order shall have an alternative signature line in case it's denied: 1. Counsel shall publically file the document(s), if the party wants the Court to consider the document(s); (Add an option below for return of documents) 2. Attorney shall retrieve the chambers copy of the document(s); or, 3. Clerk destroys the chambers copy of the document(s).
Summary: Proposed orders for sealing requests must include an alternative signature line with specified denial options.
Document Type
Proposed Order
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For each document or other type of information sought to be filed under seal, the party seeking protection must identify and discuss the factual or legal justification for the Court to find “good cause” or “compelling reasons,” as appropriate, that such document or type of information should be protected.
Summary: Civil sealing requests must include factual/legal justification for good cause or compelling reasons for sealing.
Document Type
Application To Seal
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Your Application must be accompanied by: (1) a declaration; (2) a proposed order; (3) a redacted version of any documents of which only a portion is proposed to be filed under seal; and (4) an unredacted version of the documents proposed to be filed under seal. L.R. 79-5.2.2(a)-(b) (eff. 12/1/15).
Summary: Application for Leave to File Under Seal must include a declaration, proposed order, redacted version (if applicable), and unredacted version of the sealed documents.
Document Type
Application For Leave To File Under Seal
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Note that, if you are the party that has designated a document confidential pursuant to a protective order, L.R. 79-5.2.2(b)(i) requires you to file a Declaration explaining why the documents should be filed under seal. You should use the “Sealed Declaration in Support” event to file this declaration.
Summary: Parties that designated a document confidential under a protective order must file a declaration explaining why it should be sealed, using the 'Sealed Declaration in Support' event.
Document Type
Declaration In Support Of Sealed Filing
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All sealed documents should be clearly marked as “FILED UNDER SEAL PURSUANT TO ORDER OF THE COURT DATED ______.” L.R. 79-5.2.2(c).
Summary: All sealed documents must be marked with the specified court-ordered seal language.
Document Type
Sealed Document
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Local Rule 79-5.2.2 requires that certain documents be filed with the Application: (1) a declaration; (2) a proposed order; (3) a redacted version of any documents of which only a portion is proposed to be filed under seal; and (4) an unredacted version of any documents proposed to be filed under seal.
Summary: Local Rule 79-5.2.2 requires Applications for Leave to File Under Seal to include a declaration, proposed order, redacted version of partially sealed documents, and unredacted version of fully sealed documents.
Document Type
Application For Leave To File Under Seal
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Individually navigate to where your “Redacted Document” and “Proposed Order” are saved, and select “Open.”
Summary: A Proposed Order must be submitted with an Application for Leave to File Under Seal.
Document Type
Application For Leave To File Under Seal
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
On the next screen, enter the document caption in the free text field. Remember that this text will be publicly visible, so do not include confidential information here. Click “Next.”
Summary: Sealed document captions are required and must not contain confidential information as they are publicly visible.
Document Type
Sealed Document
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
On the next screen, enter the document caption in the second free text field. Remember that this text will be publicly visible, so do not include confidential information here. Click “Next.”
Summary: Sealed motion captions must be entered in the specified field and must not contain confidential information as they are publicly visible.
Document Type
Sealed Motion
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Requests to seal application, order, and documents require electronic filing of a NOTICE OF MANUAL FILING.
Electronically file a NOTICE OF MANUAL FILING indicating that an application to seal, declaration giving notice or a proof of service, proposed order sealing and under seal documents have been submitted to the Court.
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Page 1 | REQUEST TO SEAL THE APPLICATION, ORDER AND DOCUMENT(S)
Applications to seal only documents (not application/order) must be electronically filed with the proposed order attached.
Electronically file the application to seal and/or declaration giving notice or proof of service. During the electronic filing process, attach the proposed order to the application. (Standard procedure for filing any application with a proposed order).
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Page 1 | REQUEST TO SEAL DOCUMENT(S) ONLY, NOT THE APPLICATION AND ORDER
Attorneys must e-file sealed documents in public/non-sealed civil cases via CM/ECF, with exceptions for criminal cases, entirely sealed cases, and pro se parties.
Effective December 1, 2015, the United States District Court for the Central District of California will amend its local rules to require attorneys to electronically file sealed documents in otherwise PUBLIC/NON-SEALED CIVIL CASES using the Court’s CM/ECF system. Additional changes to the Local Rules effective the same day will change the way leave to file documents under seal must be requested, especially for documents subject to a protective order, and provide guidance for seeking in camera review of documents. A redline of all changes to the Local Rules effective December 1, 2015, is available here: http://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/news/new-and-amended-local-rules-effective-december-1-2015. Please review these changes before filing or seeking leave to file any documents under seal on or after December 1, 2015. Note that the new rules require electronic filing only in PUBLIC/NON-SEALED CIVIL CASES. For now, continue to file sealed documents in criminal cases in paper, or as otherwise directed by your assigned judge’s standing orders. Likewise, continue to file all documents in paper in any case in which the entire case is under seal. And note that pro se parties who have been granted permission to file documents electronically must nonetheless continue to file sealed documents in paper; the CM/ECF system does not allow pro se parties to e-file sealed documents.
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Page 3 | E-FILING SEALED DOCUMENTS IN PUBLIC/NON-SEALED CIVIL CASES
Sealed documents must be e-filed using the CM/ECF 'Under Seal Filing Events' menu; regular motion events will result in public filing.
Please note that, within CM/ECF, a separate menu of events related to the e-filing of sealed documents has been created (“Under Seal Filing Events”). If you attempt to e-file a sealed document, you must use one of the events available from this menu, or your document will not be filed under seal. Do not use a regular motion event on the “Motions and Related Filings” menu, as any documents so filed will be public.
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Page 3 | E-FILING SEALED DOCUMENTS IN PUBLIC/NON-SEALED CIVIL CASES
Only documents filed using specific sealed docket events on the CIVIL CM/ECF menu are sealed upon submission.
Only documents properly filed using specific sealed docket entries are SEALED upon submission. The events are located on the “Under Seal Filing Events” menu found under the “Under Seal Filings” heading on the CIVIL docketing menu. The following sealed civil events are available for your use: Leave for In Camera Review Leave to File Document Under Seal Sealed Declaration in Support Sealed Document Sealed Motion (Generic sealed motion type event) Sealed Opposition Sealed Reply
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Page 5 | Available Events
Sealed documents that cannot be e-filed due to CM/ECF technical failure must be paper-filed with sealed envelopes and PDF CD requirements.
If you cannot file a sealed document electronically due to a technical failure of CM/ECF, you must file it in paper pursuant to L.R. 5-4.6.2. The original and the judge’s copy of all such documents must be submitted for filing in separate sealed envelopes, with a copy of the title page attached to the front of each envelope. An additional copy must be provided in PDF format on a CD. L.R. 79-5.2.
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Page 6 | Problems Filing a Sealed Document
Docketing sealed events must display a red screen; if not, the entry must be restarted.
During the docketing process for any of the events on the “Under Seal Filing Events” menu, the screen will eventually turn RED. This is the indication that you are using a sealed document event. If the screen does not turn red, STOP immediately. You will need to start your docket entry over to ensure you are using the proper sealed document event.
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Page 6 | Red Screens
Electronic filing is required for Applications for Leave to File Under Seal via a two-step process.
Electronically filing an Application for Leave to File Under Seal is a two-step process.
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Page 7 | APPLICATION FOR LEAVE TO FILE UNDER SEAL: SCREEN-BY-SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
Applications for Leave to File Under Seal require no hearing; filers must not set a hearing date and leave Date and Time fields blank when e-filing.
NO HEARING is required for this application, so DO NOT set a hearing date. As no hearing is required, leave the “Date” and “Time” fields blank, and click “Next” to bypass this screen.
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Page 10 | APPLICATION FOR LEAVE TO FILE UNDER SEAL: SCREEN-BY-SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
Amendments to existing Applications for Leave to File Under Seal must use the 'Amendment (Motion related)' e-filing event; using the 'Leave to File Document Under Seal' event creates duplicate calendar entries. Filing party's role must be entered in the Party Role field.
If you are amending an existing Application for Leave to File Under Seal, please use the “Amendment (Motion related)” event located under “Responses, Replies and Other Motion Related Documents” on the main Civil Events Screen. If you use the “Leave to File Document Under Seal” event to file an amended version of an Application already on file, the system will create an unnecessary duplicate motion on the Judge’s calendar. Enter the filing party’s role in the “Party Role” field, and click “Next.”
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Page 10 | APPLICATION FOR LEAVE TO FILE UNDER SEAL: SCREEN-BY-SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
After clicking Next on the final docket entry screen when filing an Application for Leave to File Under Seal, do not click the Back button, as this will cause an error.
The next screen will display the final docket entry text. Click “Next” to complete the filing. DO NOT click the “Back” button once you have clicked “Next.” Clicking the “Back” button at that point will create an error.
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Page 11 | APPLICATION FOR LEAVE TO FILE UNDER SEAL: SCREEN-BY-SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
Sealed declarations in support of applications to file under seal must be filed using the specified ECF event path, as required by local rules.
Use this event to file a declaration required by either L.R. 79-5.2.2(a)(i) or L.R. 79-5.2.2(b)(i). Civil > Under Seal Filings > Under Seal Filing Events > Sealed Declaration in Support
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Page 12 | SEALED DECLARATION: SCREEN-BY-SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
To e-file a Sealed Declaration in Support, select the corresponding event from the list of available events.
Select the “Sealed Declaration in Support” event from the list presented, and click “Next.”
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Page 13 | Guide to Electronically Filing Under-Seal Documents in Civil Cases
Only parties who have already appeared in the case may file a Sealed Declaration in Support via the e-filing portal.
On the following screen, select the party filing the Declaration from the list of parties who have already appeared in the case in the “Select the Party” field, and click “Next.”
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Page 13 | Guide to Electronically Filing Under-Seal Documents in Civil Cases
Under-seal documents in civil cases in the Central District of California must be electronically filed.
Central District of California – Guide to Electronically Filing Under-Seal Documents in Civil Cases
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Page 15 | E-FILING SEALED DOCUMENTS IN PUBLIC/NON-SEALED CIVIL CASES
When e-filing a sealed document, enter the case number in the Civil Case Number field and click Find This Case.
Enter the case number in the “Civil Case Number” field, and click “Find This Case.”
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Page 17 | SEALED DOCUMENT: SCREEN‐BY‐SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
When e-filing a sealed document, first select Under Seal Filing Events from the Civil Events Screen under the UNDER SEAL FILINGS heading.
From the Civil Events Screen, under the heading “UNDER SEAL FILINGS,” select “Under Seal Filing Events.”
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Page 17 | SEALED DOCUMENT: SCREEN‐BY‐SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
If a list of cases is presented when e-filing a sealed document, select the correct case and click Next on that screen and the following screen.
If presented with a list of cases, check the box next to the correct case. Click “Next” once on this screen, and once on the following screen.
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Page 17 | SEALED DOCUMENT: SCREEN‐BY‐SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
When e-filing a sealed document, select the filing party from the list of parties who have appeared in the case and click Next.
On the following screen, select the party filing the Sealed Document from the list of parties who have already appeared in the case in the “Select the Party” field, and click “Next.”
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Page 18 | SEALED DOCUMENT: SCREEN‐BY‐SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
When e-filing a sealed document, answer the question presented on the next screen and click Next.
The next screen will present a question. Answer it, and click “Next.”
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Page 18 | SEALED DOCUMENT: SCREEN‐BY‐SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
When e-filing a sealed document, select the Sealed Document event from the presented list and click Next.
Select the “Sealed Document” event from the list presented, and click “Next.”
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Page 18 | SEALED DOCUMENT: SCREEN‐BY‐SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
When e-filing sealed documents, selecting 'A Court Order' then clicking Next twice leads to upload screen which must turn red; if not, restart docketing process.
8. If you select “A Court Order” from the screen shown above, clicking “Next” twice will bring you to the document upload screen. This screen should turn red. If the screen does not turn red, STOP; your documents will not be filed under seal. Go back to the Civil Events Screen and begin the docketing process for your Sealed Document again.
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Page 19 | Central District of California – Guide to Electronically Filing Under-Seal Documents in Civil Cases
Sealed documents must be linked to an Order granting leave to file under seal during e-filing.
11. The Sealed Document you are filing must be linked to an Order granting leave to file the document under seal. First, however, you will be presented with the option to link this Sealed Document to another document previously filed in the case. For instance, if the Sealed Document being filed is an exhibit to a summary judgment motion, check the box indicating that the document should be linked to another document in the case. If the Sealed Document does not need to be linked to another document, leave the box unchecked, and click “Next” to bypass the linking screen.
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Page 20 | Central District of California – Guide to Electronically Filing Under-Seal Documents in Civil Cases
After clicking Next on the final docket entry text screen when e-filing a sealed document, do not click the Back button, as doing so causes an error.
The next screen will display the final docket entry text. Click “Next” to complete the filing. DO NOT click the “Back” button once you have clicked “Next.” Clicking the “Back” button will create an error.
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Page 22 | Central District of California – Guide to Electronically Filing Under-Seal Documents in Civil Cases
E-filing a sealed motion is only permitted if a prior court order granting leave to file under seal has been obtained.
Please note that this event can only be used to e-file a motion under seal if you have already obtained a court order granting leave to file that motion under seal. If you have not obtained such an order, you will not be able to complete the e-filing process.
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Page 24 | SEALED MOTION (GENERIC SEALED MOTION‐TYPE EVENT): SCREEN‐BY‐SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
To e-file a sealed motion, select the “Sealed Motion (Generic sealed motion type event)” from the event list and click Next.
Select the “Sealed Motion (Generic sealed motion type event)” event from the list presented, and click “Next.”
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Page 25 | SEALED MOTION (GENERIC SEALED MOTION-TYPE EVENT): SCREEN-BY-SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
When e-filing a sealed motion, select the filing party from parties who have appeared in the case, then click Next twice.
On the following screen, select the party filing the Sealed Motion from the list of parties who have already appeared in the case in the “Select the Party” field, and click “Next.” Click “Next” again on the following screen.
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Page 25 | SEALED MOTION (GENERIC SEALED MOTION-TYPE EVENT): SCREEN-BY-SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
If the sealed motion upload screen turns red, upload the main sealed motion document under the “Main Document” field.
If the screen turns red, as shown below, proceed to upload your documents. Under “Main Document,” click the “Browse” button, and a file upload screen will appear. Navigate to where your Sealed Motion is saved and select the file, then click “Open.”
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Page 26 | SEALED MOTION (GENERIC SEALED MOTION-TYPE EVENT): SCREEN-BY-SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
If selecting “A Court Order” as sealing authorization, click Next twice to reach upload screen; screen must turn red, otherwise stop and restart filing process.
If you select “A Court Order” from the screen shown above, clicking “Next” twice will bring you to the document upload screen. This screen should turn red. If the screen does not turn red, STOP; your documents will not be filed under seal. Go back to the Civil Events Screen and begin the docketing process for your Sealed Motion again.
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Page 26 | SEALED MOTION (GENERIC SEALED MOTION-TYPE EVENT): SCREEN-BY-SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
Attachments to sealed motions must be uploaded under the “Attachments” section with correct Category selected for each.
If you have additional documents to attach, under “Attachments,” click the “Browse” button, and a file upload screen will appear. Individually navigate to where your documents are saved, and select “Open.” In each corresponding “Category” field, select the name from the drop down list that correctly identifies each document. Click “Next.”
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Page 26 | SEALED MOTION (GENERIC SEALED MOTION-TYPE EVENT): SCREEN-BY-SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
Filers must select the appropriate document type for the moving sealed motion when e-filing.
Select the appropriate type for your moving document, and click “Next.”
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Page 27 | SEALED MOTION (GENERIC SEALED MOTION-TYPE EVENT): SCREEN-BY-SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
Filers must enter the filing party’s role in the “Party Role” field when e-filing a sealed motion.
Enter the filing party’s role in the “Party Role” field, and click “Next.”
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Page 28 | SEALED MOTION (GENERIC SEALED MOTION-TYPE EVENT): SCREEN-BY-SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
Filers must note the warning message on the specified screen when e-filing a sealed motion.
Note the warning message on the following screen, and click “Next.”
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Page 28 | SEALED MOTION (GENERIC SEALED MOTION-TYPE EVENT): SCREEN-BY-SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
Filers must review the service-related reminder message when e-filing a sealed motion.
Review the REMINDER message regarding service on the next screen. Click “Next.”
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Page 28 | SEALED MOTION (GENERIC SEALED MOTION-TYPE EVENT): SCREEN-BY-SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
Filers must enter hearing information for the presiding judge when e-filing a sealed motion.
Enter the hearing information for the judge before whom the motion is noticed.
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Page 28 | SEALED MOTION (GENERIC SEALED MOTION-TYPE EVENT): SCREEN-BY-SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
After clicking 'Next' to complete e-filing of under-seal documents, do not click 'Back' as this causes an error.
Click “Next” to complete the filing. DO NOT click the “Back” button once you have clicked “Next.” Clicking the “Back” button will create an error.
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Page 35 | Central District of California – Guide to Electronically Filing Under-Seal Documents in Civil Cases
Sealed Reply documents must be e-filed via the ECF Civil Events Screen using the specified navigation path and step-by-step instructions.
Civil > Under Seal Filings > Under Seal Filing Events > Sealed Reply 1. From the Civil Events Screen, under the heading “UNDER SEAL FILINGS,” select “Under Seal Filing Events.” 2. Enter the case number in the “Civil Case Number” field, and click “Find This Case.” 3. If presented with a list of cases, check the box next to the correct case. Click “Next” once on this screen, and once on the following screen. 4. Select the “Sealed Reply” event from the list presented, and click “Next.” 5. Select the party filing the Sealed Reply from the list of parties who have already appeared in the case in the “Select the Party” field, and click “Next.” 6. The next screen will present a question. Answer it, and click “Next.”
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Page 37 | SEALED REPLY: SCREEN-BY-SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
Sealed Reply must be linked to the motion or motions to which it relates.
As noted in the message on the next screen, you will need to link this Sealed Reply to the motion or motions to which it relates. Click “Next.”
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Page 40 | SEALED REPLY: SCREEN-BY-SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
Sealed Reply main document must be uploaded via the 'Main Document' Browse button on the red upload screen.
If the screen turns red, as shown below, proceed to upload your documents. Under “Main Document,” click the “Browse” button, and a file upload screen will appear. Navigate to where your Sealed Reply is saved and select the file, then click “Open.”
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Page 40 | SEALED REPLY: SCREEN-BY-SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
When e-filing a Sealed Reply, selecting 'A Court Order' and clicking Next twice must lead to a red upload screen; if not, stop and restart the Sealed Reply docketing process.
If you select “A Court Order” from the screen shown above, clicking “Next” twice will bring you to the document upload screen. This is where you will upload your PDF documents. This screen should turn red. If the screen does not turn red, STOP; your documents will not be filed under seal. Go back to the Civil Events Screen and begin the docketing process for your Sealed Reply again.
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Page 40 | SEALED REPLY: SCREEN-BY-SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
Sealed Reply must be linked to an order granting leave to file under seal; docketing cannot continue if no such order exists.
The Sealed Reply you are filing must also be linked to an Order granting leave to file the document under seal. The next screen will either inform you that no orders have been filed, so docketing cannot continue, or present a list of orders previously entered in the case. Make a selection from this list, and click “Next.”
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Page 40 | SEALED REPLY: SCREEN-BY-SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
Sealed Reply must be linked to the correct motion during e-filing.
Link the Sealed Reply to the correct motion, and click “Next.”
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Page 40 | SEALED REPLY: SCREEN-BY-SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
After clicking Next to complete an under-seal e-filing, do not click the Back button, as doing so will create an error.
The next screen will again display the final docket entry text. Click “Next” to complete the filing. DO NOT click the “Back” button once you have clicked “Next.” Clicking the “Back” button will create an error.
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Page 41 | SEALED DOCUMENT: SCREEN-BY-SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
First step to e-file Application for Leave for In Camera Review: select Under Seal Filing Events from the Civil Screen's Under Seal Filings section.
1. From the Civil Screen, under the heading “UNDER SEAL FILINGS,” select “Under Seal Filing Events.”
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Page 43 | APPLICATION FOR LEAVE FOR IN CAMERA REVIEW: SCREEN‐BY‐SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
Fifth step to e-file Application for Leave for In Camera Review: select the filing party from the list of appeared parties and click Next.
5. Select the party filing the Application for Leave for In Camera Review from the list of parties who have already appeared in the case in the “Select the Party” field, and click “Next.”
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Page 44 | APPLICATION FOR LEAVE FOR IN CAMERA REVIEW: SCREEN‐BY‐SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
Third step to e-file Application for Leave for In Camera Review: confirm correct case and click Next.
3. Ensure you are selecting the correct case in which to file your documents, and click “Next.”
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Page 44 | APPLICATION FOR LEAVE FOR IN CAMERA REVIEW: SCREEN‐BY‐SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
Fourth step to e-file Application for Leave for In Camera Review: select the Leave for In Camera Review event and click Next.
4. Select the “Leave for In Camera Review” event from the list presented, and click “Next.”
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Page 44 | APPLICATION FOR LEAVE FOR IN CAMERA REVIEW: SCREEN‐BY‐SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
Second step to e-file Application for Leave for In Camera Review: enter the case number and click Find This Case.
2. Enter the case number in the “Civil Case Number” field, and click “Find This Case.”
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Page 44 | APPLICATION FOR LEAVE FOR IN CAMERA REVIEW: SCREEN‐BY‐SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
Attachments to Applications for Leave for In Camera Review must have their “Category” field correctly selected from the drop-down list.
If you have any additional documents to attach, click the “Browse” button under “Attachments,” and a file upload screen will appear. Individually navigate to the documents you want to attach, and select “Open.” In each corresponding “Category” field, select the name from the drop down list that correctly identifies each document.
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Page 45 | APPLICATION FOR LEAVE FOR IN CAMERA REVIEW: SCREEN-BY-SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
When filing an Application for Leave for In Camera Review, the moving document must be categorized as “Application”.
Select “Application” for your moving document, and click “Next.”
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Page 45 | APPLICATION FOR LEAVE FOR IN CAMERA REVIEW: SCREEN-BY-SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
No hearing is required for Applications for Leave for In Camera Review; do not set a hearing date and leave Date/Time fields blank when filing.
NO HEARING is required for this application, so DO NOT set a hearing date. Click “Next.” As no hearing is required, leave the “Date” and “Time” fields blank, and click “Next” to bypass this screen.
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Page 46 | APPLICATION FOR LEAVE FOR IN CAMERA REVIEW: SCREEN-BY-SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
Amendments to Applications for Leave for In Camera Review must use the “Amendment (Motion related)” e-filing event to avoid duplicate calendar entries.
If you are amending an existing Application for Leave for In Camera Review, please use the “Amendment (Motion related)” event located under “Responses, Replies and Other Motion Related Documents” on the main Civil Events page. If you use the “Leave for In Camera Review” event to file an amended version of an Application already on file, the system will create an unnecessary duplicate motion on the Judge’s calendar.
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Page 46 | APPLICATION FOR LEAVE FOR IN CAMERA REVIEW: SCREEN-BY-SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Sealed documents are not accessible via NEF; filing party must serve on opposing counsel by other means, include certificate of service, and serve copy of NEF with sealed documents.
Documents electronically filed under seal will not be accessible through the Notice of Electronic Filing (“NEF”). The filing party is therefore responsible for serving all sealed documents and attachments on opposing counsel by other means. A certificate of service must be included with every sealed filing and a copy of the NEF should be served with the sealed
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Page 4 | OVERVIEW OF E-FILING PROCEDURES
Sealed documents are not accessible via NEF and must be served by other means on opposing counsel, along with the NEF and unredacted document.
Note, however, that while all case participants will receive a NEF, sealed documents will not be accessible through the NEF. All sealed documents will be restricted from viewing. Therefore, you must serve all sealed documents by other means. Print the NEF and serve it, the sealed declaration, and the unredacted document on opposing counsel.
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Page 16 | E-FILING SEALED DOCUMENTS IN PUBLIC/NON-SEALED CIVIL CASES
Sealed documents are restricted from viewing; case participants receive a NEF for sealed filings but cannot access the sealed document via the NEF.
Note, however, that while all case participants will receive a NEF, sealed documents will not be accessible through the NEF. All sealed documents will be restricted from viewing.
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Page 22 | Central District of California – Guide to Electronically Filing Under-Seal Documents in Civil Cases
All sealed documents must be served by non-electronic means, with the NEF and sealed document served on opposing counsel.
Therefore, you must serve all sealed documents by other means. Print the NEF and serve it and the sealed document on opposing counsel.
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Page 23 | EXAMPLE OF COMPLETED DOCKET ENTRY
Sealed documents must be served by other means; print and serve NEF and sealed document on opposing counsel.
Note, however, that while all case participants will receive a NEF, sealed documents will not be accessible through the NEF. All sealed documents will be restricted from viewing. Therefore, you must serve all sealed documents by other means. Print the NEF and serve it and the sealed document on opposing counsel.
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Page 30 | EXAMPLE OF COMPLETED DOCKET ENTRY
Sealed documents cannot be served via NEF; they must be served by other means, with a printed NEF, to opposing counsel.
Note, however, that while all case participants will receive a NEF, sealed document(s) will not be accessible through the NEF. All sealed documents will be restricted from viewing. Therefore, you must serve all sealed documents by other means. Print the NEF and serve it and the sealed document on opposing counsel.
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Page 42 | SEALED DOCUMENT: SCREEN-BY-SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Mandatory tabbed paper chambers copy of sealing request documents (document only) must be delivered to Judge Walter’s courtesy box by 10 a.m. the day after submission.
A mandatory paper chambers copy, tabbed (if appropriate), of the document listed above must be delivered to Judge Walter’s courtesy box, located outside of Chambers, on the 7th floor, by 10:00 a.m. on the day after submission (or as otherwise instructed).
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Page 1 | REQUEST TO SEAL DOCUMENT(S) ONLY, NOT THE APPLICATION AND ORDER
E-filed sealed documents require mandatory chambers copies in sealed envelopes with title page attachments.
mandatory chambers copies of e-filed sealed documents must be provided to chambers pursuant to L.R. 5-4.5, just as with any e-filed documents. However, mandatory chambers copies must be provided in sealed envelopes, with a copy of the title page attached to the front of each envelope. L.R. 79-5.2.2(a).
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Page 5 | Mandatory Chambers Copies & Proposed Orders
Proposed orders must be emailed to chambers upon filing.
A Word Perfect or Microsoft Word version of the proposed order must be emailed to chambers as required by L.R. 5-4.4.2,
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Page 5 | Mandatory Chambers Copies & Proposed Orders
Upon grant of Application for Leave for In Camera Review, deliver copies of in camera review documents to judge's chambers per chambers procedures.
If your Application is granted, you will be responsible for delivering copies of the documents directly to the judge’s chambers, in accordance with the judge’s procedures.
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Page 43 | APPLICATION FOR LEAVE FOR IN CAMERA REVIEW: SCREEN‐BY‐SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
Sealing request (application, order, documents) filers must email specified PDF and Word documents to chambers with required subject line and caption marking.
Send an e-mail to the chambers e-mail at JFW_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov, containing an Adobe PDF version of the application to seal, declaration giving notice or a proof of service, Word version of the proposed order (with the proposed denied instructions as stated above) and an Adobe PDF of the document(s) to be filed under seal with a caption page, clearly marked “UNDER SEAL.” The subject line of the e-mail should have the case number, plus the words “UNDER SEAL REQUEST”.
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Page 1 | REQUEST TO SEAL THE APPLICATION, ORDER AND DOCUMENT(S)
Sealing request (document only) filers must email specified PDF and Word documents to chambers with required subject line and caption marking.
After electronically filing the application and proof of service, send an e-mail to the chambers generic e-mail at JFW_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov, containing an Adobe PDF version of the application to seal, declaration giving notice or a proof of service, Word version of the proposed order (with the proposed denied instructions) and an Adobe PDF of the document(s) to be filed under seal with a caption page clearly marked “UNDER SEAL.” The subject line of the e-mail should have the case number, plus the words “UNDER SEAL REQUEST”.
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Page 1 | REQUEST TO SEAL DOCUMENT(S) ONLY, NOT THE APPLICATION AND ORDER
Each item sought to be sealed must be individually justified; blanket confidentiality claims are prohibited and will result in denial.
Sealing must be justified for each individual item to be sealed or redacted; blanket claims of confidentiality are not allowed and will result in a denial of the application to seal.
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Page 2 | 79-5
Civil cases require redacted public versions and sealed complete versions of partially confidential documents, with unredacted copies having redacted portions bracketed and highlighted.
79-5. Documents that are not confidential or privileged in their entirety should not be filed under seal if the confidential portions can be redacted and filed separately with reasonable amount of effort. The parties should file both documents; complete versions of the pleadings and documents under seal, and a redacted version for public viewing, omitting only such portions as the Court has ordered may be filed under seal. ***On the un-redacted copies (sent via email and the chambers’ copy, the parties ARE ORDERED to place in brackets and highlight the portion[s] of the document text and/or exhibits that have been redacted.***
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Page 2 | 79-5
After leave to file under seal is granted, the party must file the sealed document using the correct CM/ECF events and link it to the granting court order.
Once leave to file a document under seal has been granted, the party that requested leave to file under seal must proceed to file the document. Clerk’s Office staff will not do this for you. If you obtain leave to file a document under seal, you must follow through and file it under seal, or you will not be able to rely on the document in the case. For instance, if you obtain leave to file a motion to dismiss under seal, you must then file your motion to dismiss, using the “Sealed Motion” event under the “Under Seal Filing Events” menu, following the instructions set forth below at page 22. Likewise, if you obtain leave to file an exhibit to a summary judgment motion under seal, you must then proceed to file your summary judgment motion using a regular motion event, then file the sealed exhibit using the “Sealed Document” event on the “Under Seal Filing” menu, and link it to your summary judgment motion, following the instructions set forth below at page 15. Any document filed under seal must also be linked to the court order granting permission to so file. See L.R. 79-5.2.2 (c) (eff. 12/1/15).
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Page 4 | OVERVIEW OF E-FILING PROCEDURES
Leave of court via Application for Leave to File Under Seal is required before filing any sealed document.
Before filing any sealed document, you must have leave of court. Even if a statute or rule authorizes the filing of a particular document under seal, you must obtain a court order in the case in which you plan to file that document. Accordingly, you must first electronically file an Application for Leave to File Under Seal, following the instructions set forth below at page 5.
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Page 4 | OVERVIEW OF E-FILING PROCEDURES
Redacted documents must only redact confidential portions and include 'REDACTED' in the caption and docket text.
If you are required to file a redacted version of a document, only the portions of the document that are confidential should be redacted. Be sure to add the word REDACTED in the caption of the document and in the docket text of the entry.
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Page 6 | Filing a Redacted Document
Publicly viewable documents must be filed via non-sealed event 'Leave to File Under Seal'; sealed documents via sealed event 'Sealed Declaration in Support'.
The rule specifies that the Application, the proposed order, and the redacted documents will be publicly viewable, while the declaration and the unredacted documents will not. Accordingly, you must file the Application, the proposed order, and any redacted documents using one, non-sealed, event (“Leave to File Under Seal”), and the declaration and unredacted documents using another, sealed event (“Sealed Declaration in Support”).
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Page 7 | APPLICATION FOR LEAVE TO FILE UNDER SEAL: SCREEN-BY-SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
To file an initial Application for Leave to File Under Seal in civil cases, upload the application PDF as the main document, upload the redacted document and proposed order as attachments with correct categories, and select 'Application' as the moving document.
Under “Main Document,” click the “Browse” button, and a file upload box will appear. Navigate to your “Application for Leave to File Under Seal” and select the file, then click “Open.” Under “Attachments,” click the “Browse” button, and a file upload screen will appear. Individually navigate to where your “Redacted Document” and “Proposed Order” are saved, and select “Open.” In each corresponding “Category” field, select the name from the drop down list that correctly identifies each document. Click “Next.” Select “Application” for your moving document, and click “Next.”
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Page 9 | APPLICATION FOR LEAVE TO FILE UNDER SEAL: SCREEN-BY-SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
Docket entry text for Applications for Leave to File Under Seal is publicly visible and must not contain confidential information.
On the next screen, in the second free text field, enter the title of the document which you are seeking leave to file under seal. Remember that the docket entry text will be publicly visible, so do not include confidential information here. Click “Next.”
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Page 11 | APPLICATION FOR LEAVE TO FILE UNDER SEAL: SCREEN-BY-SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
When e-filing a Sealed Declaration in Support, the upload screen must turn red; if not, the filing is invalid and the process must be restarted.
This screen should turn red. If the screen does not turn red, STOP; your documents will not be filed under seal. Go back to the Civil Events Screen and begin the docketing process for your Sealed Declaration in Support again.
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Page 13 | Guide to Electronically Filing Under-Seal Documents in Civil Cases
When e-filing a Sealed Declaration in Support, unredacted documents must be uploaded as attachments with the category “Unredacted Document” selected.
Under “Attachments,” click the “Browse” button, and a file upload screen will appear. Navigate to where your “Unredacted Document” is saved, and select “Open.” In the corresponding “Category” field, select “Unredacted Document” from the drop down list. Repeat if attaching multiple unredacted documents. Click “Next.”
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Page 14 | Guide to Electronically Filing Under-Seal Documents in Civil Cases
A Declaration must be linked to the corresponding Application for Leave to File Under Seal.
Note the message indicating that you will be required to link your Declaration to the Application for Leave to File Under Seal to which it relates.
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Page 15 | E-FILING SEALED DOCUMENTS IN PUBLIC/NON-SEALED CIVIL CASES
E-filing a sealed document via the Sealed Document event requires a prior court order granting leave to file under seal; otherwise, e-filing cannot be completed.
Please note that this event can only be used to e-file a sealed document if you have already obtained a court order granting leave to file that document under seal. If you have not obtained such an order, you will not be able to complete the e-filing process.
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Page 17 | SEALED DOCUMENT: SCREEN‐BY‐SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
Local Rule requires court order to file sealed documents; if no order, must first file Application for Leave to File Under Seal, cannot proceed without order.
7. Note that the Local Rule requires a court order to authorize the filing of any sealed document. If you answer the question above by selecting “Statute,” you will see a warning message. If you have not yet obtained a court order, you must first file an Application for Leave to File Under Seal, even if your document is authorized to be filed under seal by statute. You cannot continue with the filing process until you obtain such an order.
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Page 19 | Central District of California – Guide to Electronically Filing Under-Seal Documents in Civil Cases
Sealed documents must be linked to an order granting leave to file under seal; docketing cannot continue if no such order exists.
You must next link your Sealed Document to an Order granting leave to file the document under seal. The next screen will either inform you that no orders have been filed, so docketing cannot continue, or present a list of orders previously entered in the case. Make a selection from this list, and click “Next.”
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Page 21 | Central District of California – Guide to Electronically Filing Under-Seal Documents in Civil Cases
A court order granting leave to file a motion under seal must be obtained prior to filing a sealed motion.
Please note that this event can only be used to e-file a motion under seal if you have already obtained a court order granting leave to file that motion under seal. If you have not obtained such an order, you will not be able to complete the e-filing process.
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Page 24 | SEALED MOTION (GENERIC SEALED MOTION‐TYPE EVENT): SCREEN‐BY‐SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
Local Rule requires court order to file any sealed document; if no order, must first file Application for Leave to File Under Seal, even if statute authorizes sealing, and cannot proceed without the order.
Note that the Local Rule requires a court order to authorize the filing of any sealed document. If you answer the question above by selecting “Statute,” you will see a warning message. If you have not yet obtained a court order, you must first file an Application for Leave to File Under Seal, even if your document is authorized to be filed under seal by statute. You cannot continue with the filing process until you obtain such an order.
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Page 26 | SEALED MOTION (GENERIC SEALED MOTION-TYPE EVENT): SCREEN-BY-SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
Sealed motions must be linked to an order granting leave to file the document under seal.
The Sealed Motion you are filing must be linked to an Order granting leave to file the document under seal.
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Page 27 | SEALED MOTION (GENERIC SEALED MOTION-TYPE EVENT): SCREEN-BY-SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
Confidential information must not be included in the public Application for Leave for In Camera Review.
do not include confidential information
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Page 43 | APPLICATION FOR LEAVE FOR IN CAMERA REVIEW: SCREEN‐BY‐SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
Meritless sealing/redaction requests may lead to complete rejection of the application.
The inclusion of clearly meritless requests to seal or redact documents may result in the complete rejection of an application to seal.
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Page 2 | 79-5
Sealed document titles are publicly viewable on the docket, even if the document itself is sealed.
Please note: The title of the pleading will be placed on the public docket entry. For example: “Declaration of John Doe, Exhibit A.” If approved, the document itself will be sealed and not viewable by the public, but the entry (title) will be viewable.
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Page 1 | REQUEST TO SEAL THE APPLICATION, ORDER AND DOCUMENT(S)
Application for Leave for In Camera Review is a public, unrestricted e-filing event.
Remember that this event is NOT restricted. Your Application for Leave for In Camera Review will be publicly visible
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Page 43 | APPLICATION FOR LEAVE FOR IN CAMERA REVIEW: SCREEN‐BY‐SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
Filing Bundling Requirements
Filing under seal in civil cases requires a mandatory two-step process: first file the Application for Leave to File Under Seal and unsealed attachments, then file the Sealed Declaration and sealed attachments.
The Notice of Electronic Filing will now be displayed. The docketing sequence for the first step of this two-step process (i.e., filing the Application and unsealed attachments) has been completed. You must now continue to the second step (filing the Declaration and sealed attachments) to complete the process.
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Page 11 | APPLICATION FOR LEAVE TO FILE UNDER SEAL: SCREEN-BY-SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS
Chambers Communication Rules
Chambers email address for criminal sealing request submissions is JFW_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov.
send an e-mail to the chambers generic e-mail at JFW_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov
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Page 1 | REQUEST TO SEAL DOCUMENT(S) ONLY, NOT THE APPLICATION AND ORDER