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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who do I contact about the status of my case?

    The status of cases is tracked by the Clerk's Office and all inquiries should be directed there. The address and phone number are listed here.

  • Where can I find Dockets and Opinions?

    The Docket link can be found in the main navigation menu under Court of Appeals Seal. The Docket link is located under the Case Information tab. The Opinions and Opinion searches can be found under the Opinions& Oral Arguments tab. There you will find options for Opinion Archives (Villanova University Law School)Recent Precedential Opinions, Recent Not Precedential Opinions, and Search for Opinions (3rd Circuit Archives).

    Opinions have their own database under the Microsoft Index Server search engine, and may be searched in a number of ways. Help is available on searches through the interface, but basically every word has been indexed and is searchable. For example, if you want to search on a particular judge, simply type in that judge's last name and click "Go".

  • How is this site best viewed?

    This site has been designed for best viewing with the latest version of Microsoft Internet Explorer.

  • What does the PDF icon indicate?

    The PDF icon () indicates that the document is in PDF format and will require the free Adobe Reader software to read it. Additionally, the icon itself is a link to the document.

    To download the latest Adobe Reader software, please click the image below:

  • For what purpose is Email the Web Administrator used?

    Email the Web Administrator is used to send email to the Web Administrator. The email can contain suggestions or comments on the form and content of this web site. Please note that emails to the Web Administrator do not constitute "official" correspondence with the Court and are not a valid means of filing documents with the Court.

    Please note that all inquiries regarding case status should be directed to the Clerks' Office.

  • How do I open a PDF document?

    If you experience any problems viewing the PDF documents on this page, please confirm that you have the latest edition of Adobe Reader installed. If you do not have Adobe Reader installed, please click the image below:

  • Who do I contact if I have a question about CM/ECF?

    You may email the ECF Helpdesk at ecf_helpdesk@ca3.uscourts.gov, or view the site's CM/ECF page.

  • Who do I contact if I have a technical or site content question?

    Please email the web administrator with any technical or site content questions.

    Please note that emails to the Web Administrator do not constitute "official" correspondence with the Court and are not a valid means of filing documents with the Court.

  • How will I know if my case is selected for mediation?

    Counsel will receive a Notice of Assignment for Mediation by mail. The Notice will set forth the date and time for the mediation and the name of the mediator. If a case is not selected for mediation, counsel will receive a briefing schedule from the Clerk's Office.