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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you will find options for Opinion Archives (Villanova University Law School), Recent Precedential Opinions, Recent Not Precedential Opinions, and Search for Opinions (3rd Circuit Archives).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".

  • 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.

  • When will the Court issue a decision in my case?

    Cases and motions are submitted to panels of the Court, to the extent possible, in the order in which they are filed.  The length of time that a case may be pending before submission varies in light of a number of factors including the complexity of the case, the number and frequency of submissions made in the case, and the internal workload of the Court.  You will be sent a copy of any order issued in this matter.

  • Can I bring electronic devices into the courtroom?

    Only arguing counsel and co-counsel are permitted to bring electronic devices (such as phones, laptops and tablets) into the courtroom. If you are a member of the public or press, phones will be secured upon building entry at the guard station. Pen and writing pads are permitted. 

  • How early should I arrive to the courtroom before argument?

    Courtroom doors are open (30) thirty minutes before scheduled oral argument. All arguing Counsel, regardless of case argument order, must check in at the Court crier station (30) thirty minutes prior to the first scheduled argument. You may wait in the courtroom, the hallway or the attorney conference rooms until your case is heard. 

  • Can members of the public attend oral arguments?

    Yes. Subject to courtroom capacity and court security requirements, members of the public may attend oral arguments. Visitors must present proper identification and pass security screening before entering the courthouse.

  • Will all oral arguments be live streamed?

    Absent extraordinary circumstances and/or any technical difficulties, yes. Access an oral argument live stream here. 

  • How do I file the Summary of Oral Argument?

    The Summary of Oral Argument is filed via CM/ECF. The event is located in the drop down under the Argument Notices & Acknowledgements category. The event does not require a form. Summaries (containing 255 characters or less) are typed directly into the field within the event. The summaries will be posted on the Court’s website.

  • How do I file an original proceeding?

    Original proceedings are filed through CM/ECF. From the Startup page, select Utilities menu option. Instructions for filing a new case without filing fee payment are available here. Instructions for filing a new case with filing fee payment are availabile here.

  • My filing status is inactive, can I still file?

    Users with CM/ECF-level filing access can still file even if their search status shows as "inactive" due to six months of inactivity. To update your filing status, complete the Attorney Admission Renewal/Adjustment of Status Form.