PUBLIC ACCESS TO COURT ELECTRONIC RECORDS To all new users of PACER: Thank you for registering for the Public Access to Court Electronic Records(PACER) service. PACER is a service provided by the federal judiciary. I hope you will find PACER beneficial. Listed below are answers to common questions to help you get started. If you have any other questions about PACER, please call the PACER Service Center at (800) 676-6856. Ted Willmann PACER Service Center Manager What is in my PACER starter package? Login and Password Your login and password are found on the first page of the introductory correspondence sent by the PACER Service Center. Your login consists of two alpha and four numeric characters (i.e., aa0001). Your password consists of eight combined alpha and numeric characters. Your login and password should always be entered in lowercase. Court Modem Numbers and Settings The second part of the introductory correspondence is a listing of modem numbers with the correct modem settings for each court you have registered to access. User Manual The user manual contains information that will be helpful while you are using PACER. Please refer questions pertaining to information in the manual to the PACER Service Center at 800-676-6856. How do I dial a court? The first step to dialing a court is to become familiar with your communication software package. Most communication software packages have two dialing options. You may manually dial a court by using your communication software's manual dial option. This will require you to enter the court's modem number and settings each time you dial. The PACER Service Center recommends establishing a dialing directory with each court's modem number and settings. This will enable you to more efficiently utilize the PACER system. Most PACER systems are set for 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity with VT100 terminal emulation. Flow control should be set to RTS/CTS or none. Your software must be set to these parameters. However, a few PACER systems require pcAnywhere software. For those courts that require the use of pcAnywhere, you must use a terminal emulation of pcAnywhere. The courts you have registered for that require pcAnywhere have been notated on page two of the introductory correspondence. If you need help manually dialing a court or setting up a dialing directory, you will need to refer to your communications software manual for instructions. One last helpful hint before you get started. If you dial a 9 (or other code) to get an outside line, or a long distance code for dialing long distance numbers on your telephone, you may also need to do so when dialing through your modem (i.e., 9,18002140847 or 12123856005,code). Use the comma key for a pause. [This page was intentionally left blank.] PUBLIC ACCESS TO COURT ELECTRONIC RECORDS -- -- USER MANUAL [This page was intentionally left blank] PUBLIC ACCESS TO COURT ELECTRONIC RECORDS -- PACER NIBS ABBS -- USER MANUAL Table of Contents 1. ELECTRONIC PUBLIC ACCESS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 1.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 1.2 What Is Needed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 1.3 Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 1.4 Downloading. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 1.5 Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 1.6 Information Currency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 1.7 Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 1.8 Billing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 1.9 Time Limits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 1.10Hot Key Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 1.11 Other Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 1.12 Access Sign Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 1.13 When?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 1.14 PACER Service Center Electronic Bulletin Board . . . .4 2. PACER - U.S. DISTRICT COURTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 2.1 Understanding Case Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 2.2 Understanding Docket Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 2.3 Understanding PACER District Court Release . . . . . .8 2.3.1 Searching by Case Number. . . . . . . . . . . . .8 2.3.2 Searching by Party Name . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 2.3.3 Searching by Filing Date. . . . . . . . . . . . .8 2.3.4 Pick Lists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 2.3.4.1 Case Number and Party Name Pick Lists. . . . . . .9 2.3.4.2 Filing Date Pick Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 2.3.4.3 Defendant Pick Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 2.3.5 Viewing Docket. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 2.3.6 Downloading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 3. PACER - U.S. BANKRUPTCY COURTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 3.1 Understanding BANCAP Case Numbers. . . . . . . . . . 11 3.2 Understanding BANCAP Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 3.2.1 BANCAP Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 3.2.2 Sample Active Case Option. . . . . . . . . 12 4. NIBS - NATIONAL INTEGRATED BANKRUPTCY SYSTEM. . . . . . . . 13 4.1What is NIBS?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 4.2Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 4.3Steps to Getting Access Using NIBS . . . . . . . . . 13 4.4Main Menu Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 4.4.1Search for Bankruptcy by Case Number. . . . . . 14 4.4.2Search for Adversary by Adversary Number. . . . 15 4.4.3Search for Bankruptcy or Adversary by Party Name15 4.4.4Search for Bankruptcy Party Name by Social Security or Tax ID Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 4.4.5Search for Attorney/Trustee/Professional Address/Phone15 4.4.6Display Judges' Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . 15 4.4.7Change Client ID. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 4.4.8 Quit and Log Out. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 5. ABBS - APPELLATE BULLETIN BOARD SYSTEM. . . . . . . . . . . 16 5.1 Selecting Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 5.2 Opinions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 5.3 Docket Sheets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 5.4 Other Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 5.5 Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 6. USING PACER, NIBS, ABBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 6.1 Connecting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 6.2 Getting Answers to Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 7. TIPS FOR ELECTRONIC ACCESS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 7.1 Case Number Wildcarding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 7.2 Update Review. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 7.3 Litigant Analysis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 7.4 Searching By Name. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 7.5 Common Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 7.6 Hanging Up the Phone Connection. . . . . . . . . . . 20 Directory of Electronic Public Access Services . . . . . . .21-42 1. ELECTRONIC PUBLIC ACCESS 1.1 Introduction The Federal Court system has services and technologies designed to provide people outside the court (the "public") with easier and better access to court information. In cooperation with the United States Courts the Federal Judicial Center (FJC) designed an electronic public access system called PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records). There are two distinct and separate PACER services: one for the U.S. District Courts and the second for the U.S. Bankruptcy Courts. The method of accessing and querying for information from the two services is comparable; however, users must dial different telephone numbers, and the format and content of information provided differ. Some bankruptcy courts have locally developed PACER service (such courts are considered "NIBS" courts). Federal circuit courts are offering electronic public access through ABBS (Appellate Bulletin Board System). ABBS is a nationally standard appellate bulletin board designed to bring you appellate court decisions (slip opinions) and other court information such as court oral argument calendars, case dockets, local bar rules, notices and reports, and press releases. These systems allow the use of a computer and modem to dial into the court, connect to a special public information computer, and request information about a case. The system can provide lists of cases, searched by name, as well as a comprehensive electronic summary record of any case. This information can be saved on a computer, or may be printed immediately. Without visiting the court, a user can obtain case and party information. The system is useful when you need quick, accurate information about current federal cases. You can: Track updates to a case of interest -- the user can check if anything has happened to one or perhaps several cases you are tracking. Obtain a printed summary of a case -- the user can retrieve the public summary record of a typical case. Listing of recently docketed events -- the user can review any recent docket entries to any case with recent docket activity. Research case involvements by name -- for example, the user can search for all the cases where "ABC Manufacturing" is a litigant. Obtain slip opinions as soon as they are available to the public -- (appellate courts only) 1.2 What Is Needed The user will need the following items to access this system. If there is a problem with your in-office equipment and software, contact your equipment vendor (the court cannot provide assistance). 1. Computer -- A computer allows the user to save downloaded data (case information) onto a disk for later review, printing, or even editing (such as with a word processor). You must also have a computer to run some type of communication software. 2. Printer -- A printer is indispensable for obtaining a "hard copy" of the information you received. It is much easier to read a printed version, and it can serve as a file document for later reference. 3. Modem -- Currently 2400, 9600 or faster baud modems are acceptable. Use the fastest speed possible. It makes the system easier to use, particularly for downloading large docket reports. 1.3 Technical Specifications Most PACER systems are set for 8 data bits, 1 stop bit and no parity with vt100 terminal emulation. Other than that, it is pure ASCII. If you experience problems running at the standard settings try switching them to 7 bits, 1 stop bit and even parity. A few courts use these settings. 1.4 Capturing Information The easiest method to access the system is to set the communications software to perform a continuous save to disk during the entire session. When the session is finished, it is possible to edit the saved file (if necessary) and print it out for review and reference. If desirable, a user may begin the save-to-disk only after selecting a case to obtain information (but before the report (y/n) question is answered). In this way, the reports(s) can be saved in a file, so the user will not have to edit the extraneous lines later. For downloading slip opinions, see the ABBS section of this manual. If using a printing terminal, a printed version of the entire session will be produced. Often, a dumb terminal can also be set to do a continuous print. Either way, this provides a paper copy of the session which can be read and perhaps filed for later review. 1.5 Printing All hardware-specific codes have been removed from the output sent to the screen. This has the advantage that no matter what sort of printer or terminal/computer used, there should be few problems printing the report. Note that form-feed codes (CTRL-L) are used to separate the pages. Often this will automatically advance your printer to the next page, which is just what is desired. If not, you can edit and paginate as necessary, using any editor or word processor. The output is formatted for 80 columns so a printer will be needed that can handle output at least that wide. Pagination is designed to be suitable for standard 11-inch paper, so this will probably work with printer being used "as is". 1.6 Information Currency The PACER System runs on a computer which is separate from the main court computer. While this allows the courts to offer public service without slowing down the court operations (and offers the potential to expand public service in the future), it does have a slight penalty in information currency. The inquiry computer is updated from the host computer once a day. This update will include all changes made the previous day, and will normally be done early in the morning. Case filings and updates to the docket will typically not appear on the PACER system until the day after they are entered on the main court computer. Of course, technical difficulties may cause delays which are somewhat longer. If there is any major problem with information currency, a message will appear on PACER when first signed on. 1.7 Cost The U. S. Congress has given the Judicial Conference of the United States, the judicial governing body for the U.S. Federal Courts, authority to impose user fees for electronic access to case information. All registered agencies or individuals will be assessed the charge of $.60 per minute of access time. PACER billing begins upon a successful login and fees accrue until the session is terminated by the user or there is an abnormal exit. An abnormal exit is defined as turning off the modem in mid-transmission, losing the carrier, etc. 1.8 Billing The PACER Service Center sends quarterly statements. The statement will be broken down by court and individual login with a client code, time in, time out, and total time for each transaction (Please note, the client code will not appear on the bill unless the user enters it at the beginning of each session). For your convenience, the PACER Service Center accepts payment by VISA, MasterCard, and check. To make payment by credit card please contact the PACER Service Center at 800-676-6856 and provide a customer service representative with the following information: login, credit card number, and expiration date. If you make your payments by check, please include your login on the check to ensure that payment is posted to the correct account. Mail payment to: PACER Service Center, P.O. Box 277773, Atlanta, GA 30384-7773. If you believe there is an error on your statement, please write to the PACER Service Center, P.O. Box 780549, San Antonio, Texas 78278-0549. All requests for credit must be submitted in writing. In your correspondence, provide us with your name, account number, and the dollar amount of the suspected error(s) together with a copy of the portion of the statement in question highlighting the disputed amounts. Please provide a reason for each credit being requested. When the PACER Service Center receives your request you will be contacted by a representative. 1.9 Time Limits There is an "idle time" limit (how long the user can just let it sit there before it complains) as well as a "session time" limit (how long the session can last). Session lengths vary as determined by the court. Permission to re-dial the service is allowed if more time is necessary. In addition, the system will not allow a user to "do nothing" for over a predetermined time by the individual court. A warning will be displayed when a limit is approaching. 1.10Hot Key Exit For all courts except those identified as NIBS courts, the combination will exit the system immediately. The key combination should work at all points within PACER. 1.11 Other Limits Other limits on what is available from this system may be possible as designed by the court. Also, there are limits built in as to the maximum number of people and cases allowed to be matched at one time. This should not be a problem, if a fairly complete name is entered and searching extremely common litigant names is avoided. 1.12 Access Sign Up In order to access the PACER system, contact the PACER Service Center to register and receive a login/password for the system. 1.13 When? Dial-in to access electronic information is virtually around-the-clock. Normally there are several telephone lines available on an automatic rotary so busy signals should not be a problem. 1.14PACER Service Center Electronic Bulletin Board A PACER Service Center electronic bulletin board has been established. This new service (800 214-0847) available at no charge allows existing PACER registrants to dial in 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (your PC software should be set for 8 bits, no parity, 1 stop bit and RTS/CTS or NONE for flow control using 2400-baud modems or faster; 9600 baud modems must be V.32 compatible). PACER Electronic Bulletin Board User Options Listed below are the options available on the PACER Service Center BBS. 1) List PACER Service Center Affiliated Courts This option provides un updated listing of courts serviced by the PACER Service Center, the modem numbers and settings. You may view, print, or download this listing. 2) Register With Another Court This option allows you to register for additional courts online. You can access added courts in 24-48 hours. 3) Review Billing History You may review current or prior year billing history for all courts nationwide. You may review past statements or current transactions. Transactions will be posted to the BBS by the 15th of the following month. Transactions may be sorted and totaled by client code or court. 4) Court Status Information This option provides information regarding the current status of PACER Service Center affiliated courts(i.e., down-time, new modem number, etc.). 5) Account Balance This option provides the current account balance, last payment amount, and date payment was received. 6) Change Password for All Registered Courts This option allows you to change your current password to every court you are registered to access. The new password is effective in 24-48 hours. 7) Change Password Into Bulletin Board Use option number 6. 8) Message Center You may send messages (i.e. comments, suggestions, questions, etc.) to the PACER Service Center personnel. 9) General Information and Bulletins This option provides general information or announcements regarding the PACER service. 10) Download PACER Service Center Documents This option allows you to view, print, or download documents, manuals, or user guides containing information regarding accessing PACER. 11) Basic Troubleshooting for PACER Answers to common questions or problems are provided. 12) Court Registration Information You may view, print, or download a list of courts you are currently registered to access. 13) Request Enhancement or Modification to the PACER System This option allows you to download a form to provide ideas or suggestions on how to improve the PACER System. 2. PACER - U.S. DISTRICT COURTS 2.1Understanding Case Numbers The district court uses four-part numbers. A typical case number is as follows: "1:88cv12345" 1: 88 cv 12345 (Office (Case (Case (Case Number) Year) Type)Sequence) If a court has more than one office (divisional offices), there will be an office code of 1.2.3 for each division. All cases opened in a given year have the last two digits of the year as the second part of the case number. Next is the type, here "cv" for a civil case. Finally, there is an ascending sequence number, here "12345". All four parts of the case number are needed to uniquely identify a case in the court. Fortunately, if the case type or office is omitted on the PACER system, it will display all cases which match the year and number entered. The correct one can then be selected from the list shown. 2.2 Understanding Docket Reports If the user is not familiar with the docket reports, it may take a moment before the format is recognized. These reports were designed to be the official record of a case, primarily used by individuals intimately familiar with the format. In most courts you may access civil as well as criminal docket reports. The typical docket report contains information obtained from the a Civil Cover Sheet submitted by the plaintiff for each civil complaint filed. The parties and counsel for each party, including an address and telephone number, appears on the first page of the docket report. Following a list of the participants in a case, a page break (using CTRL-L formfeed) starts a fresh page for the listing of events in the case. Additional features of the docket report include Docket as of... -- this is the date and time the report was processed on the court's main computer. If no recent updates have been made to the case, this date may be quite some time ago since it has not been necessary to reprocess the report when no updates have occurred. Nature of Suit: -- refer to the Civil Cover Sheet list for a complete explanation of the various codes used here. Major categories include 110-195 Contracts 610-690 Forfeiture/Penalty 210-290 Real Property 710-790 Labor 310-385 Torts 820-840 Property Rights 422-423 Bankruptcy 861-865 Social Security 440-444 Civil Rights 870-875 Federal Tax Suits 510-550 Prisoner Petitions Jurisdiction: -- The basis of jurisdiction that this complaint can be filed at the U.S. District Court. Cause: -- The U.S. Civil Statute (in Title:Section format) under which the plaintiff files the complaint, as well as a brief description of the statute. Lead Docket: -- The case docket number of the lead case for associated or joined cases such as multi-district litigation cases (MDL) and associated cases. Dkt # in other court: -- The case docket number from another court; cases such as Bankruptcy Appeals, Removals from State Courts and transfers from other District Courts. Case Type: -- The major category (Civil, Criminal, or Miscellaneous) and the sub- category, if any. [COR LD NTC] -- Stands for "Counsel Of Record", as well as "LeaD" attorney. The "NTC" indicates this person will receive notices for the case. Could also contain PRO SE, indicating a self-represented party. 4/19/88 -- The left hand dates in the event list for the case indicate when each event was filed in the court. 1 -- The sequence numbers which follow the left hand date are unique document numbers for each filing in the case record. If a "--" appears, there is no document for the particular docketed entry. (eaf) -- The initials of the court staff member who docketed the event. [Entry date 4/20/88] -- The date the event was electronically entered on the electronic docket; it appears only if the entry date differs from the filing date. [Edit date 4/25/88] -- The date this event was edited by the court staff. There may be additional codes or notations at the top right side of each docket page. These local court codes or words represent special case identifiers for court or case management processing. 2.3 Understanding PACER District Court Release The current version of District Court PACER will allow searches by filing date range, expanded pick lists, and downloading by Kermit protocol. Except for the main menu, ENTER is not required after menu selections. Please note: The Case Selection Screen will default to search by case number. Press ENTER with no case number to be placed at the Search Method Selection prompt where you may change to a different search method or exit to the PACER Main Menu. 2.3.1 Searching by Case Number The new version will initially prompt you with a case searching screen. This screen is used to enter a district court four part case number to start the search for a specific case's docket report. The four part case number consists of divisional office code, filing year, case type code and a sequence number which may be up to five digits long. Only the year and sequential number are mandatory. Examples of valid case numbers are as follows: 88- 1347 -or- 1 93 cv 12345. If you use less than the full four parts in your search and more than one case matches your clues, you will be shown a pick list of cases and you may select the case you want from those listed. In criminal cases with multiple defendants, there is a separate docket report for each individual defendant plus a combined report for all defendants. If you already know the defendant number of the individual you are interested in, you may enter that number from this screen and bypass the defendant selection step (e.g., 1 95 m 623 3 -or- 1:96cr885-3). When you enter your search clues and press ENTER you will have one of five outcomes: 1. Case selected - You will be prompted as to how to view the docket report. 2. Case pick list - You will be given a choice of several cases that matched your clues. 3. Defendant pick list - Your clues matched a multiple defendant criminal case so you will be given a chance to select the defendant you are interested in or all defendants. 4. Case not found - Your clues led to no matching stored case number. You will be able to try again from this selection screen. 5. Case number cannot be interpreted - Something in the way you entered the case number is not understood by the program. You may try again from this selection screen. 2.3.2 Searching by Party Name At the Search Method Selection Screen type "p" to search by party name. When searching by party name, your result will be one of the five outcomes previously stated except number five which will be "No matching party found". 2.3.3 Searching by Filing Date At the Search Method Selection Screen type "f" to search by filing date. You will be prompted for the from date range first, then the to date range. The month, day and year may be separated by spaces or slashes (e.g., 2 10 95 or 2-10-95 ). You may enter month/day/year, month/year or year as your from date or to date clue. If both a from and a to date are entered, all cases filed between and including those dates will be sought. If only a from date is entered, then only that date is used for the case search. If only a from year or a from month/year is entered, cases filed during the range of a whole year or a whole month are sought. To retrieve cases filed on a specific date, enter the same from and to date. Generally, the narrower the date range for the search, the shorter the pick list will be. If you do not wish to be scrolling through large numbers of cases in the pick list, you may wish to keep your search date ranges narrow. When you enter your search clues and press ENTER your result will be one of the five outcomes previously stated except number five which will be "Filing date cannot be interpreted." 2.3.4 Pick Lists After a search has been performed a pick list will appear. You may use a standardized set of menu keys to locate the exact defendant you are interested. These keys are the same keys used when searching within the View Docket Report explained later in this document. See Section 2.3.5 Viewing Docket below. 2.3.4.1 Case Number and Party Name Pick Lists The case number pick list appears in order by case number. Party name pick lists will be in alphabetical order. To pick a specific case, use the scroll arrows to place the cursor on the desired case and then press ENTER. If the case you choose is a multiple defendant criminal case, you will then be prompted to select a specific defendant. Otherwise, depending on what is in the database, PACER may display another pick list or the Docket Report Output Menu. 2.3.4.2 Filing Date Pick Lists When a case filing date search yields more than one case, the Filing Date Case Pick List is displayed. This list is in order by filing date and case number. 2.3.4.3 Defendant Pick Lists When a criminal case requested has more than one defendant, the Defendant Pick List is displayed. This list is in order by defendant number. Aliases are included in this list and are treated the same way as regular names for selection purposes. Duplicate defendant numbers indicate aliases of the same individual. To pick a specific defendant use the scroll arrows to place the cursor on the desired defendant and then press ENTER. 2.3.5 Viewing Docket When your docket report has been found by the retrieval system, you will be asked to enter how you wish to handle the report. The following is a brief explanation of the menu's options View report This option allows you to scroll through the whole report. It features text searching and function keys to go directly to the beginning or end of the report. When you choose View report from the Docket Report Output Menu or you are searching for a particular case within a pick list, the following key commands will be available to you: ESC - Escape will take you back one screen E - Will take you back to the PACER Main Menu F - Move forward one screen at a time. B - Move backward one screen at a time L - Prompts you for line number to go to Arrows-Up/Dn - Moves report forward or backward one line. F1 will search backwards from the point of the cursor F2 - Prompts you for string search. Once you have input a string to search, ENTER will search for the string forward from the point of the cursor, F3 will clear the string and allow you to input another, and ESC returns without searching. F3 - Moves the cursor to the beginning of the report F4 - Moves the cursor to the end of the report View Recent entries This option gives you a quick display of the last twenty lines of the report. After choosing this option, you will be prompted to turn your capture file on. View First twenty lines This option displays the first twenty lines of docket report. View Both first and last twenty lines This options displays the first and last twenty lines of the report. List report non-stop This option will scroll the entire report across your screen. It may be useful for very short reports or when you arecapturing your session to disk storage or printer. After choosing this option, you will be prompted to turn your capture file on. Download directly to disk file This option allows you to transmit the docket report file directly to your PC's disk storage. Mark for later download to disk file This option allows you to indicate a report file that you wish to download when you are finished searching for docket reports. Report files marked for download will be handled when you exit back to the PACER Main Menu. This option is similar to the Download option above with two exceptions: 1. A name prompt screen will appear for each file marked. 2. All criminal defendant reports marked for download, which are in the same case, will be grouped into one file. ESCape This option will take you back to the previous pick list or screen. Exit This option takes you to the PACER Main Menu. 2.3.6 Downloading The download menu appears when you: 1. select the D option on the Docket Report Output Menu, or 2. when you are exiting to the PACER Main Menu and have indicated that you wish to download previously marked docket reports. You have the choice of saving the file on your PC's disk with a system default name created from the case number or entering a file name of your own. You may also press ESCAPE and not download the report file. If more than one criminal defendant report in the same case has been marked for later download, the reports for that case will be grouped together into one file for downloading. If you want separate files for each individual defendant in a criminal case, you must use the D option on the Docket Report Output Menu and enter unique names for each report file. When you see the following message displayed on your screen you must invoke your communications software's command to receive a file: Saving file as: ************ File transfer protocol: KERMIT Now invoke your communications software's command to receive a file. The various communications software packages each have their own special command set. You will need to be familiar with the communications software you are employing. PACER uses the Kermit file transfer protocol for downloading. 3. PACER - U.S. BANKRUPTCY COURTS 3.1Understanding BANCAP Case Numbers When first accessing a court, a new user may not be familiar with the two-part bankruptcy case numbers used. All cases opened in a given year have the last two digits of the year as the first part of the case number followed by an ascending sequence number. Some courts have more specific protocols for assigning case numbers. Contact the court for information on court-specific numbering schemes. 3.2 Understanding BANCAP Reports 3.2.1BANCAP Reports After connecting to PACER and entering the proper identification (id) and password, a menu will appear listing the type of reports available in this court. The following is a sample menu: 1.Active Cases (basic case info., dockets, & registry of claims) 2.Listing of New Cases 3.Registry of Claims Only, by Claimant Name or Case Number 4.Closed Cases (Archives - basic case information only) 5.(Additional Listings & Services) 6.Exit (logout) The following is a brief summary of the various options, which are available on the Main Public Access Menu: 1. Active Cases (Basic Case Info., Dockets & Registry of Claims) Provides options for pending and recently-closed cases, which comprise the BANCAP "LIVE" Data Base, to select by case number or participant name to gather case summary information and/or the last 3 months of case events (i.e., docket proceedings) and/or proofs of claims data. 2. Listing of New Cases Provides a listing, sorted by case number or by debtor's name, of recently-filed cases, which were opened on the BANCAP "LIVE" or "MEGA" Data Bases on the previous business day. NOTE: In the [V]iew option, press SPACE BAR to scroll forward. 3. Registry of Claims Provides options for pending and recently-closed cases, which comprise the BANCAP "LIVE" Data Base, to select by case number or participant name to gather proofs-of-claims information. 4. Closed Cases (Archives - Basic Case Info. Only) Provides options for cases, closed at least 2 months, which comprise the BANCAP "ARCHIVE" Data Base, to select by case number or participant name to gather case summary information and Federal Records Center information. 5. Miscellaneous Menu A. Change Password Provides Pacer users the ability to change their password periodically to insure their logins are secure. B. Session Information Provides a breakdown of the Pacer access sessions for a given period of time. 3.2.2Sample Active Case Option The active case option asks three questions (see example below); if docket entries or the registry of claims is to be accessed, respond "y" to the first question about basic case information. These reports were designed to provide concise standard summaries of the official case record; however, not all the case docket entries necessarily appear. The court controls how many months of docket entries are available on PACER. The following is a sample session: Enter name or number (RETURN to quit) -> 9030234 Case 90-30234 was last updated on 6/22/90 Would you like case information for 90-30234 (y/n)? y Would you like to see the docket proceedings (y/n)? y As of [date], there has been a total of [number] claims entered into the computer for this case. Would you like to see the registry of claims (y/n) y 4. NIBS - NATIONAL INTEGRATED BANKRUPTCY SYSTEM 4.1What is NIBS? NIBS (National Integrated Bankruptcy System) allows outside access to a bankruptcy court's computer system for information retrieval only. The system will provide you with information on bankruptcy or adversary cases. You can also look up claims registers, court calendars, and attorney information. To look up information on a case you must call the office where the case was filed. NIBS and BANCAP PACER provide similar information. A bankruptcy court will provide electronic public access with one but not both. 4.2Settings Standard settings for your PC software are: 8 Data bits, No parity, 1 Stop bit, RTS/CTS or NONE for Flow Control and a 9600 Buad or faster modem. The following terminal emulations are acceptable: 1: pcAnywhere IV11: Falco FAME III21: Soroc 2: Ampex 23012: Hazeltine 150022: Tektronix 3: ADDS Regent13: Hewlett-Packard23: Teleray 4: ADDS Viewpoint14: IBM 310124: Televideo 5: ANSI Standard15: Kaypro25: Visual V330 (DG) 6: Beehive 4/78/DMS16: Kimtron KT-7 PC26: VT 100/200 7: Dasher D410/D46017: Link PCTERM27: Wyse 8: DEC VT-5218: LSI ADM 3A28: Zenith Z-19 9: Dig Microsystems19: Prime PST10029: Zenith Z-29 10: Esprit III20: Qume (102/108)30: ATERM or OnLan PC 4.3Steps to Getting Access Using NIBS 1. In some NIBS courts you will be asked to enter an additional password first. This password is available from the PACER Service Center. 2. Choose your terminal emulation from the list provided. Enter the number corresponding to the type of terminal, or terminal emulation, you are using and press the key. If you use numbers 2 to 29, see the following special key sequences: ESC HOME UP ARROW END DN ARROW PGUP

LEFT ARROW PGDN RIGHT ARROW Refer to these commands if your communication software package does not support the use of the , , , , or Keys. The only condition is that you will need to reset the key usage by your communications package. 3. The welcome screen will now be displayed. After you have read the screen press any key to continue. 4. You are now at the billing information screen, please enter your PACER Service Center ID. 5. You will then be prompted to enter in your assigned password. Please enter your PACER Service Center password and press enter. 6. At this point you have the option to enter in up to 12 characters to describe this session. This information will be included on your billing statement. For instance, you may wish to enter in a case number or name for in house billing. You may also choose to enter in the name of the person accessing the system, for in house tracking of usages. 7. Strike a key and after a few moments, you will be given the NIBS System main menu screen. A typical NIBS Main Menu will be similar to the following: A) Search by Case Number B) Search by Adversary Number C) Search by Party Name D) Search by SSN/TAX # E) Search for Professional F) Judges' Calendar G) Change Client ID Q) Quit and Log Out 8. Press the letter of the option you would like to use. 4.4Main Menu Options 4.4.1Search for Bankruptcy by Case Number Select the letter from the main menu corresponding to "Search by Case Number". The user will be prompted to type the case number. When viewing docket entries, the starting item number relates to the first entry to be displayed/printed on the docket. The ending item number relates to the last entry to be displayed/printed on the docket. Any number range can be displayed/printed. 4.4.2Search for Adversary by Adversary Number Select the letter from the main menu corresponding to "Search by Adversary Number". The user will be prompted to type the adversary number. 4.4.3Search for Bankruptcy or Adversary by Party Name Select the letter from the main menu corresponding to "Search by Party Name"(you do not need to enter the whole name). Press . An alphabetical list of names will appear. Type the letter of the desired case. The following options are available to you from the name listing: PgUpView the previous screen of names (alphabetically listed). PgDnView the next screen of names (alphabetically listed). EscWill return you to the main menu. 4.4.4Search for Bankruptcy Party Name by Social Security or Tax ID Number Select the letter from the main menu corresponding to "Search by Social Security or Tax ID Number". Type the social security or tax id number (you do not need to enter the dashes) and press . If only one match is found, the cover sheet will automatically display. If more than one match is found, you will must choose from the list displayed on the screen. 4.4.5Search for Attorney/Trustee/Professional Address/Phone Select the letter from the main menu corresponding to "Search for Professional". Type up to 11 letters of the last name. Press . An alphabetical list will be displayed. Use PgUp and PgDn to move alphabetically through the listing. 4.4.6Display Judges' Calendar Select the letter from the main menu corresponding to "Judges' Calendar". Type in the initials of the judge and/or the desired date. 4.4.7Change Client ID Select the letter from the main menu corresponding to "Change Client ID". A screen will be displayed that will allow the user to change the "client id" during the session without hanging up. 4.4.8Quit and Log Out Select the letter from the main menu corresponding to "Exit". Your log in time and log out time as well as the total length of your session will be displayed on the screen. 5. ABBS - APPELLATE BULLETIN BOARD SYSTEM ABBS is a nationally standard appellate bulletin board designed to bring you current court information electronically. The standard set up for accessing ABBS is as follows: 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, full duplex with vt100 terminal emulation. 5.1Selecting Files You can select a file by entering the corresponding letter(s) from the far left column. To select more than one file on the screen, enter the letters consecutively, i.e. abcd. Ctrl-K at any time for download/viewing options. 5.2Opinions Opinions are posted to ABBS the minute they are available to the public. Opinions are available in both ASCII and wordprocessor formats. You can list newly issued opinions, select opinions by case number, search on a specific string of characters or see a list of opinions by case type (Opinions menu). You can also choose to view the long or short descriptions for cases (User Options menu, B opinion Description Toggle). 5.3Docket Sheets Docket sheet information is up-to-the-minute. You can see all current information that is available to the public. You can search for a case by case number or the name of any party/attorney in the case. If you have questions about something on the docket sheet or a filing in your case, contact the Clerk's Office of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the circuit which you are accessing. 5.4Other Information ABBS also has other information, aside from Opinions and Docket Sheets, that may be of interest to you. Items are available in both ASCII and WordPerfect 5.1 formats, unless otherwise noted. You can view or download all of these items. The system is available on a 24 hour a day basis, 7 days a week. The only exceptions to this are: 1) while new opinions are being posted; and 2) during system backup. 5.5Menu Options The following is a list of menu options available through ABBS: OPINIONS MENU A and B You can batch download all of today's opinions C and D You can batch download a group of opinions you select by case number E You can see a list of today's opinions and select files you wish to download FYou can select opinions by case number to download G You can see a list of opinions starting from a specified date, or all of the available opinions H You can search for a particular set of characters, i.e. Arkansas. REMEMBER, you can only search for words that may appear in the full description of the case if you have toggled to see long descriptions (see User Options.) You can see either Today's Opinions by case type (criminal, civil and prisoner) or see the entire list of opinions by case type. J You can download a listing of available opinions. Several lists are available, i.e.long and short descriptions as well as case type. RECORDS MENU AYou can select docket sheets by case number to view or download. BYou can select docket sheets by a range of case numbers to view or download. C You can select docket sheets for cases in which you specify a party or attorney name. DYou can view or download any court notices. E You can view or download the Local Rules, Internal Operating Procedures or Plan to Expedite Criminal Appeals FYou can view or download the current Court calendar. G You can view or download any correction to a previously posted opinion, or orders amending an opinion. You can also view or download a document listing current pending rehearing requests and those recently rules upon. H You can view or download court reports. IYou can view or download Supreme Court information. J You can view or download the clerk's monthly Clerk's Chronicles and any related material. USER OPTIONS A You can toggle the ansi/vt100 terminal emulation on or off. This toggle will only remain in effect until you log off. B You can toggle to view the long case description. This toggle will only remain in effect until you log off. C You can toggle to expert mode. You will not be asked to confirm selections by case number, a yes is assumed. This toggle will only remain in effect until you log off. E You can leave a comment to the system administrator. GYou can view the new user message. HYou can view the initial welcome message. 6. USING PACER, NIBS, ABBS 6.1Connecting To use this system, just follow the steps in this checklist. 1. Set up Equipment -- Follow the standard startup procedure for your PC. Make sure your modem is turned on and plugged in to your computer and telephone line. The user must communicate at 2400 or faster baud, 8 data bits, one stop bit, and no parity, with a few exceptions; this standard setup may already be the default for system being used. 2. Dial the Court's Computer Number -- Use the modem to dial the courts public access system. A login prompt shortly after the connection is made should be received. If the login prompt does not appear after connection, hit the key or send a break. 3. Log In -- Enter the user name and password provided by the PACER Service Center. Logins should be entered in lower case letters. 4. Select a case or menu item as appropriate. 6.2 Getting Answers to Questions If there are questions about the information the court is providing (how far back does the data go, how long does it take a motion filed to appear on this system, or a question about a docket entry) contact the court directly. If you would like access to a court that you are not currently registered, contact the PACER Service Center to add the court to your current login. Neither the PACER Service Center nor the court has the resources to provide extensive technical assistance for trouble with a PC communicating, or other problems. Please contact the vendor or local systems technician if basic difficulties are occurring using a terminal or computer equipment. 7. TIPS FOR ELECTRONIC ACCESS There are a number of ways this public information program can be used to rapidly obtain needed information. Here are some special features and techniques which can save time and effort. 7.1 Case Number Wildcarding With PACER, the four parts of the case "number" (office, year, type, and number) are not needed; only year and number are required. The system will access the case or cases which match the numbers entered, listing the choices for further selection. For example, case "88-12345" is desired, you can just type it in to the system that way. If there is more than one case with that year/number (for example, with different office codes, or with different types), each will be listed for further identification. 7.2Update Review Tracking several cases with a common participant. If the electronic docket has been retrieved during an earlier session, when accessing the case list (selecting by person), review the "last update" date to see if there is any need for a new docket report. If not, it is not necessary to retrieve a new report. 7.3Litigant Analysis This system can be used to learn more about other cases involving the same party. For example, if working on a suit against XYZ Corporation, a search of the corporate name can be done to discover if anyone else is currently involved in a case with the same company. 7.4 Searching By Name The PACER system will search for a party in many ways. It is helpful though, if the name is requested the same way that it was entered on the computer. Here are some ways to make this easier. In any court, there are a number of people who actually enter cases into the computer. Because of this, there can be some variations in how a name actually is entered, and several searches may be necessary to find a party of interest. For example, the United States Air Force could be entered in several ways: United States Air Force U.S. Air Force U.S.A.F. Air Force 7.5 Common Names It is possible to look up a case with PACER using any of the parties in the case. However, names which represent very active litigants (such as "USA") are not a very good choice to search with. If using a party who is in too many cases, the system will spend a minute or two searching, and eventually state that too many cases were selected. The solution is to use a more unique litigant to find the case of interest. If, for example, accessing a case of John Q. Watchburg vs. USA, do the search on the name "Watchburg" rather than on the too common "USA". 7.6Hanging Up the Phone Connection Please remember that your equipment is responsible for closing the communications with the PACER system when you are through using it. In some PC environments, such as Windows, it is possible to go from one project to another without hanging up a COM line connection. If you do switch to another activity and the PACER system encounters some problem, your phone line could still be engaged. If this were a toll call, the "meter" might stay running on your call long after you thought your session was complete. Please be sure that at the end of each session you go back to the main menu and choose the logoff option then hang up the line on your end. DIRECTORY OF ELECTRONIC PUBLIC ACCESS SERVICES to Automated Information in the United States Federal Courts Revised: March 1, 1998 Directory available on the Internet: http://www.uscourts.gov/PubAccess.html The federal judiciary is now in its eight year offering various electronic public access services to federal court information. These services continue to receive strong endorsements and have generated ever increasing demand -- more than seven million calls per year-- both from within the legal community and from other interested parties (viz., federal and state agencies, business and non-profit organizations, the press, and the public in general). These services permit the public to gain direct, rapid, and easy access to official court information and records from outside the courthouse. To date, the following services are being offered: U.S. Supreme Court Electronic Bulletin Board System: Provides on-line access to the Court's automated docket, argument calendar, order lists, slip opinions, rules, bar admission forms and instructions, Court tour information, special notices and general information. The automated docket posted on the BBS is current as of the preceding business day. Slip opinions (the second version of an opinion which is issued in pamphlet form a few days after release of the Court's bench opinion, the opinion released immediately after an opinion is announced in open Court) and orders are posted within a few days after their release. This BBS contains opinions issued during October Terms 1993, 1994, and 1995. Access to the BBS is presently provided at no cost. U.S. Supreme Court Clerk's Automated Response Systems (CARS): Permits caller using a standard touch-tone telephone to obtain the status of cases on the U.S. Supreme Court automated docket from an automated voice synthesizer response system. Recording tells callers to press "1" for case information, "2" for Bar admission information, or "4" to speak to a clerk. For best results, callers should have the Supreme Court docket number available when making an inquiry. The case name can also be used. Access to the CARS is currently provided at no cost. ABBS (Appellate Bulletin Board System): All federal circuit courts now offer public users electronic access to appellate court decisions (slip opinions) and other court information such as court oral argument calendars, case dockets, local court rules, notices and reports, and press releases. Most appellate courts have upgraded their systems and offer both slip opinions and case dockets on the same public access computer. Information on these systems can be viewed on-line or downloaded into a user's computer. In accordance with Judicial Conference policy, most circuits charge the $.60 per minute access fee for this service. Persons desiring to use this service must first register with the PACER Service Center at 1-800 676- 6856. The federal courts continue to upgrade equipment and expand data retrieval options and reports. In addition, more jurisdictions will be offering 800 lines in order to eliminate long distance toll charges. Each court controls its own computer system and case information database; therefore, there are some variations among jurisdictions as to the information offered. PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records): PACER allows any user with a personal computer or word processor to dial-in to a district or bankruptcy court computer and retrieve official electronic case information and court dockets usually in less than a minute. In accordance with Judicial Conference policy, most courts charge a $.60 per minute access fee for this service. District PACER and BANCAP PACER each offer information in a different manner. Some courts have a locally-developed public access systems. These are referred to as NIBS or JAMS courts. Persons desiring to use this service must first register with the PACER Service Center at 1-800 676- 6856. The federal courts continue to upgrade equipment and expand data retrieval options and reports. In addition, more jurisdictions will be offering 800 lines in order to eliminate long distance toll charges. Each court controls its own computer system and case information database; therefore, there are some variations among jurisdictions as to the information offered. Beginning November 17, 1997, a new public access service will be available. The U.S. Party/Case Index will provide the capability to perform national or regional searches on party name and social security number in the bankruptcy index, party name and nature of suit in the civil index, and party name in the criminal and appellate indices. The search will provide a list of case numbers, filing locations and filing dates for those cases matching the search criteria. For more information on the U.S. Party/Case Index, please contact the PACER Service Center at 1-800-676-6856. In accordance with Judicial Conference policy, most courts charge a $.60 per minute access fee for this service. Persons desiring to use this service must first register with the PACER Service Center at 1-800 676-6856. Electronic Filing & Attorney Docketing Service: This is a prototype service that has been operating since January 1, 1996 in the Northern District of Ohio, (OH-N, Cleveland), and since November 30, 1996 in the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, (NY-S, Manhattan). Nine additional courts will begin prototyping this service during the fall, 1997. These prototype electronic filing systems enable attorneys to electronically submit pleadings and corresponding docket entries to the court via the Internet, eliminate the need for court staff to handle paper documents or make docket entries, and provide instantaneous access to court records on the Internet. The OH-N prototype contains over 7,000 maritime asbestos civil cases, and the NY-S prototype contains approximately 70 major corporate bankruptcy cases and adversary proceedings. The entire case file and official docket are available for viewing and electronic downloading via the Internet. Access to the information on this system is currently available at no charge; however, a Judicial Conference approved user fee may be applied in the future. For more information, please contact Michael Greenwood, at the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, (202- 273-2748). To view the New York service, go to URL: www.nysb.uscourts.gov and select View Docket Sheet for a Live Case. The PACER Service Center Electronic Bulletin Board has been established by the federal court's centralized registration and billing service in San Antonio, Texas. This service is available at no charge (1-800-214-0847), and allows registrants to dial in 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To access the BBS your PC software should be set for 8 bits, no parity, 1 stop bit and RTS/CTS or NONE for flow control using 2400-baud modems or faster; 9600 baud modems must be V.32 compatible. The service: (a) provides an updated listing of courts serviced by the PACER Service Center, (b) automatically registers users for additional courts and changes passwords, (c) reviews the users billing history for all courts, (d) provides user manuals and status reports on each court's PACER system (e.g., courts with computer disruptions or other technical problems), and (e) allows users to leave messages and comments for PACER Service Center personnel. VCIS (Voice Case Information System) and AVIS (Appellate Voice Information System): VCIS and AVIS use an automated voice response system to read a limited amount of bankruptcy or appellate case information directly from the court's database in response to Touch-Tone telephone inquiries. Access to the VCIS and the AVIS is currently offered at no cost. Additional Background Information Public access services provide the greatest benefits to the public and to the court only if they are widely known. Please reproduce and distribute this document to any potential end-users interested in these time-saving court services. Please report errors or updates to the PACER Service Center at 1-800-676- 6856. For information on the Supreme Court systems please contact John Middleton at 202-479-2938. If you would like additional information about policies, plans, or fees, or general user questions please contact: Joann Howard Swanson, EPA Program Manager, Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, Office of Court Programs (202) 273-1500 (e-mail address: Joann_Swanson@ao.uscourts.gov). If you need technical assistance contact the PACER Service Center at 1-800-676-6856 (e-mail pacer@aottsd.uscourts.gov). U.S. SUPREME COURT (as of 3/1/98) U.S. Supreme Court (Opinions & Dockets) (202) 554-2570 U.S. Supreme Court (CARS) Touch-tone Telephone (202) 479-3034 No charge for access at this time U.S. CIRCUIT COURTS OF APPEAL (as of 3/1/98) ABBS There is a $0.60 per minute of connect time access fee associated with this system (effective 4/1/96). There is no charge for registration (800 676-6856). Courts of Appeal Local Telephone Number Toll Free Telephone Number Additional Information 1st Circuit (617) 223-4640-2 Opinions & Dockets 2nd Circuit (212) 857-8650 Opinions & Dockets 3rd Circuit (215) 597-1873 (800) 789-7879 Opinions & Dockets 4th Circuit (804) 771-2028 (800) 313-8674 Opinions & Dockets 5th Circuit Opinions are available on the Internet. 6th Circuit (513) 684-2842 (513) 684-2953 Opinions & Dockets ; you will be prompted for a password and/or identification; respond by typing (in lower case letters) bbs. 7th Circuit (312) 408-5176 (312) 435-5850 Opinions & Dockets ; you will be prompted for a password and/or identification; respond by typing (in lower case letters) bbs. 8th Circuit (314) 539-3576 (800) 652-8671 Opinions & Dockets 9th Circuit (415) 556-9020 (800) 447-2775 Opinions & Dockets 10th Circuit (303) 844-5682 (800) 279-9107 Opinions & Dockets 11th Circuit Opinions; you will be prompted for a password and/or identification; respond by typing (in lower case letters) bbs; available on the Internet http://www.ca11.us courts.gov D. C. Circuit (202) 219-9600 (800) 426-3231 Opinions & Dockets Federal Circuit (202) 786-6584 (202) 633-6550 (202) 633-6593 (202) 633-9608 Opinions; you will be prompted for a password and/or identification; respond by typing (in lower case letters) bbs U.S. DISTRICT COURTS (as of 3/1/98) PACER: PUBLIC ACCESS TO COURT ELECTRONIC RECORDS There is a $0.60 per minute of connect time access fee associated with this system (effective 4/1/96). There is no charge for registration (800 676-6856). District Court Local Telephone Number Toll Free Telephone Number Additional Information Alaska (907) 271-6212 (888) 271-6212 Alabama-Middle (334) 223-7023 Alabama-Northern (205) 731-3502 Alabama-Southern (334) 694-4672 (800) 622-9392 Arizona (602) 514-7113 (888) 372-5707 Arkansas-Eastern (501) 324-6190 (800) 371-8842 Arkansas-Western (501) 783-3538 Contact (501) 783- 6833 to register. California-Central (213) 894-3625 (800) 263-9358 California-Eastern (916) 498-6567 (800) 530-7682 California-Northern (415) 522-2144 (888) 877-5883 California-Southern (619) 557-7138 (888) 241-9760 Colorado (303) 844-3454 (888) 481-7027 Connecticut (203) 773-2451 (800) 292-0658 Delaware (302) 573-6651 (888) 793-9488 District of Columbia (202) 273-0606 (888) 253-6878 Florida-Middle (904) 232-2566 (888) 815-8701 Florida-Northern (904) 942-8898 (800) 844-0479 Florida-Southern (305) 536-7265 (800) 372-8846 Georgia-Middle (912) 752-8170 (888) 234-3839 Georgia-Northern (404) 730-9668 (800) 801-6932 Georgia-Southern (912) 650-4046 (800) 801-6934 Hawaii (808) 541-1179 Idaho (208) 334-9590 Contact (208) 334- 9342 to register. Illinois-Central (217) 492-4997 (800) 258-3678 Illinois-Northern (312) 408-7777 (800) 621-7029 Illinois-Southern (618) 482-9430 (800) 426-7523 Indiana-Northern (219) 246-8200 (800) 371-8843 Indiana-Southern Contact (317) 226- 7425 to register. Iowa-Northern (319) 362-3256 (888) 845-4528 Iowa-Southern (515) 284-6475 Kansas (913) 551-6556 (800) 898-3078 Kentucky-Eastern (606) 233-2787 (800) 361-0442 Kentucky-Western (502) 582-5495 Louisiana-Eastern (504) 589-6714 (888) 257-1175 Louisiana-Middle (504) 389-0684 (800) 616-8757 Louisiana-Western (318) 676-3958 (888) 263-2679 Maine (207) 780-3392 (800) 260-9774 Maryland (410) 962-1812 (800) 241-2259 Massachusetts (617) 223-4294 (888) 399-4639 Michigan-Eastern (313) 234-5376 (800) 229-8015 Michigan-Western (616) 732-2765 (800) 547-6398 Minnesota (612) 664-5170 (800) 818-8761 Mississippi-Northern (601) 236-4706 (888) 227-0558 Mississippi-Southern (601) 965-5141 (800) 839-6425 Missouri-Eastern (314) 539-3857 (800) 533-8105 Missouri-Western (816) 426-6033 (888) 205-2526 Montana (406) 452-9851 (800) 305-5235 Nebraska (402) 221-4797 (800) 252-9724 Nevada Not available. New Hampshire (603) 226-7737 (800) 361-7205 New Jersey (609) 989-0590 (888) 297-9938 New Mexico (505) 248-8031 (800) 248-1742 New York-Eastern (718) 246-2494 (888) 331-4965 New York-Northern (315) 448-0537 (800) 480-7525 New York-Southern (212) 805-6373 New York-Western (716) 551-3333 North Carolina-Eastern (919) 856-4768 (800) 995-0313 North Carolina-Middle (336) 332-6010 (800) 372-8820 North Carolina- Western (704) 350-7426 (888) 509-2865 North Dakota (701) 250-4283 (800) 407-4453 Ohio-Northern (216) 522-3669 (800) 673-4409 Ohio-Southern (614) 469-6990 (800) 710-4939 Oklahoma-Eastern (918) 687-2625 Oklahoma-Northern (918) 699-4742 (888) 881-0574 Oklahoma-Western (405) 231-4531 (888) 699-7068 Oregon (503) 326-8904 Pennsylvania-Eastern (215) 597-0258 Contact (215) 597- 5710 to register. Pennsylvania-Middle (717) 347-8286 (800) 658-8381 Pennsylvania-Western (412) 644-6374 (800) 770-4745 Puerto Rico (787) 766-5774 (800) 517-2441 Rhode Island (401) 528-5145 (888) 421-6861 South Carolina (803) 765-5871 (800) 831-6162 South Dakota (605) 338-8193 Tennessee-Eastern (423) 545-4647 (800) 869-1265 Tennessee-Middle (615) 736-7164 (800) 458-2994 Tennessee-Western (901) 495-1259 (800) 407-4456 Texas-Eastern (903) 590-1104 (888) 837-7816 Texas-Northern (214) 767-8918 (800) 684-2393 Texas-Southern (713) 250-5046 (800) 998-9037 Texas-Western (210) 472-5256 (888) 869-6365 Utah (801) 524-4221 (800) 314-3423 Virgin Islands (340) 777-8614 Additional password 'jams' Virginia-Eastern (703) 299-2158 (800) 852-5186 Virginia-Western (540) 857-2288 (540) 857-2290 (888) 279-7848 Vermont (802) 951-6623 (800) 263-9396 Washington-Eastern (509) 353-2395 (888) 372-5706 Washington-Western (206) 553-2288 (800) 520-8604 West Virginia-Northern (304) 233-7424 (888) 513-7959 West Virginia - Southern (304) 347-5596 (800) 650-2141 Wisconsin-Eastern Not available. Wisconsin-Western (608) 264-5914 (800) 372-8791 JAMS court. Wyoming (307) 772-2808 (888) 417-3560 Court of Federal Claims (202) 219-4734 (800) 369-8477 U.S. BANKRUPTCY COURTS (as of 3/1/98) PACER: PUBLIC ACCESS TO COURT ELECTRONIC RECORDS There is a $0.60 per minute of connect time access fee associated with this system (effective 4/1/96). There is no charge for registration (800 676-6856). Bankruptcy Court Local Telephone Number Toll Free Telephone Number Additional Information Alabama-Middle (334) 223-7486 (888) 247-9272 NIBS court. PC Anywhere Version 4 software or its equivalent is strongly recommended. Alabama-Northern Birmingham Anniston Decatur Tuscaloosa (205) 731-3746 (205) 731-3749 (205) 238-0456 (205) 355-2349 (205) 758-1309 (800) 689-7621 (800) 689-7645 (800) 362-9279 (800) 686-5824 NIBS court. PC Anywhere Version 4 software or its equivalent is suggested. Alabama-Southern (334) 441-5638 Alaska (907) 271-2695 (907) 271-2699 Arizona Phoenix Tucson Yuma (602) 640-5832 (520) 620-7470 (520) 783-9535 (800) 556-9230 (800) 556-9224 (800) 556-9227 NIBS court. PC Anywhere Version 4 software or its equivalent is suggested. Additional password 'bkc' Arkansas (501) 918-5565 (800) 891-6572 California-Central Los Angeles Santa Ana San Fernando ----------------------------- Santa Barbara Riverside (213) 894-6199 (714) 836-2281 (818) 587-2932 ------------------- (805) 844-4806 (909) 276-2914 (800) 257-3887 (888) 819-0232 (800) 838-2479 ------------------- (888) 819-0231 (888) 819-0233 NIBS court. PC Anywhere Version 4 software or its equivalent is suggested. -------------------------- - BANCAP PACER. Any communications package set at N/8/1. California-Eastern (916) 498-5530 (800) 990-8897 California-Northern (415) 705-3148 (888) 773-8548 California-Southern (619) 557-6875 (800) 870-9972 Colorado (303) 844-0263 (888) 213-4715 Connecticut (860) 240-3570 (860) 240-3572 Delaware (302) 573-6243 (800) 249-9857 NIBS court. PC Anywhere Version 4 software or its equivalent is suggested. District of Columbia (202) 273-0630 (202) 273-0642 (888) 289-2414 Florida-Middle Jacksonville Orlando Tampa (904) 232-1311 (407) 648-6212 (813) 243-5206 NIBS court. PC Anywhere Version 4 software or its equivalent is strongly recommended. Florida-Northern Tallahassee Pensacola (904) 942-8815 (904) 444-0189 (888) 765-1752 (888) 765-1751 NIBS court. PC Anywhere Version 4 software or its equivalent is strongly recommended. Florida-Southern (305) 536-7492 (305) 536-7496 (888) 443-0081 Georgia-Northern (404) 730-3264 (800) 436-8395 Georgia-Middle (912) 752-3551 (800) 546-7343 Georgia-Southern Savannah Augusta (912) 650-4190 (706) 722-9776 (800) 891-9583 (800) 295-8679 NIBS court. PC Anywhere Version 4 software or its equivalent is suggested. Hawaii (808) 522-8118 NIBS court. PC Anywhere Version 4 software or its equivalent is suggested. Additional password 'pals' Idaho (208) 334-9895 Contact (208) 334- 9342 to register. Illinois-Central (217) 492-4260 (800) 454-9893 Illinois-Northern Chicago Rockford (312) 408-5101 (815) 987-4489 (815) 987-4490 NIBS court. PC Anywhere Version 4 software or its equivalent is suggested. Additional password 'query' Illinois-Southern (618) 482-9114 (618) 482-9116 (800) 933-9148 Indiana-Northern (219) 236-8199 Indiana-Southern (317) 226-5146 Contact (317) 226- 6710 to register. Requires Carbon Copy Plus software. Iowa-Northern (319) 286-2287 (800) 220-5534 Iowa-Southern (515) 284-6466 (800) 597-5917 Kansas (316) 269-6258 (800) 613-7052 Kentucky-Eastern (606) 233-2777 (800) 497-2777 Kentucky-Western (502) 625-7388 (800) 263-9389 Louisiana-Eastern (504) 589-6761 (800) 743-2464 Louisiana-Middle (504) 382-2176 Louisiana-Western (318) 676-4235 (888) 523-1976 Maine (207) 780-3268 (207) 780-3269 (800) 733-8797 Maryland (410) 962-3211 (800) 927-0474 Massachusetts (617) 565-6021 (617) 565-6023 (617) 565-7593 (888) 201-3571 Michigan-Eastern (313) 961-4934 Michigan-Western (616) 732-2739 (800) 526-0342 Minnesota (612) 664-5325 Mississippi-Northern (601) 369-9805 (601) 369-9854 (888) 372-5709 Mississippi-Southern (601) 965-6103 (800) 223-1078 NIBS court. PC Anywhere Version 4 software or its equivalent is strongly recommended. Missouri-Eastern (314) 425-6935 (888) 577-1668 Missouri-Western (816) 426-6033 (888) 205-2526 Montana (406) 782-1051 (800) 716-4305 NIBS court. PC Anywhere Version 4 software or its equivalent is suggested. Nebraska (402) 221-4882 (800) 788-0656 Nevada (702) 388-6920 New Hampshire (603) 666-7923 (800) 610-9325 New Jersey (973) 645-3555 (800) 253-1597 New Mexico (505) 248-6518 (888) 821-8813 New York-Eastern (718) 488-7012 (800) 263-7790 New York-Northern (518) 431-0175 (800) 390-8432 New York-Southern (212) 668-2896 (212) 668-2899 New York-Western (716) 551-3152 (716) 551-3155 (800) 450-8052 North Carolina-Eastern Raleigh Wilson (919) 243-1766 (800) 565-2105 (800) 564-2104 NIBS court. PC Anywhere Version 4 software or its equivalent is suggested. North Carolina-Middle (910) 333-5389 (800) 417-3571 North Carolina-Western (704) 344-6121 (800) 324-5614 North Dakota (701) 239-5265 (800) 810-4092 Ohio-Northern (330) 489-4779 (800) 579-5735 Ohio-Southern (937) 225-7561 (800) 793-7003 Oklahoma-Eastern (918) 756-4812 Oklahoma-Northern (918) 581-7713 NIBS court. PC Anywhere Version 4 software or its equivalent is suggested. Additional password 'public' Oklahoma-Western (405) 231-5064 (405) 231-5065 Oregon (503) 326-5650 (800) 610-9315 Pennsylvania-Eastern (215) 597-3501 (888) 381-2921 Pennsylvania-Middle Harrisburg Wilkes-Barre (717) 782-3727 (717) 821-4033 (800) 882-6899 (800) 640-3037 NIBS court. PC Anywhere Version 4 software or its equivalent is suggested. Additional password 'gildea' Pennsylvania-Western (412) 355-2588 (800) 795-2829 Puerto Rico (809) 766-6579 (800) 792-8338 NIBS court. PC Anywhere Version 4 software or its equivalent is suggested. Rhode Island (401) 528-4062 (800) 610-9310 South Carolina (803) 765-5965 (800) 410-2988 South Dakota (605) 330-4342 (800) 261-3167 Tennessee-Eastern (423) 752-5136 (888) 833-9512 Tennessee-Middle (615) 254-5290 Contact (615) 736- 5577 to register. Tennessee-Western (901) 544-4336 (800) 406-0190 Texas-Eastern (903) 590-1220 (800) 466-1681 Texas-Northern (214) 767-8091 (888) 225-1738 Texas-Southern (713) 250-5046 (800) 998-9037 Texas-Western (210) 472-6262 (888) 372-5708 Utah (801) 524-5760 (800) 718-1188 Virgin Islands (340) 777-8614 NIBS court. PC Anywhere Version 4 software or its equivalent is suggested. Additional password 'bkc' Vermont (802) 747-7633 (800) 260-9968 Virginia-Eastern Richmond Alexandria Newport News Norfolk (804) 771-2575 (703) 557-6272 (757) 595-1365 (804) 441-3663 (800) 890-2829 (800) 890-2858 (800) 890-2785 (800) 890-2954 NIBS court. PC Anywhere Version 4 software or its equivalent is suggested. Additional passwords: Richmond - 'edvari' Alexandria - 'edvaal' Newport - 'edvann' Norfolk - 'edvanf' Virginia-Western Roanoke Harrisonburg Lynchburg (540) 857-2319 (540) 434-8373 (804) 528-9003 (800) 249-9839 (800) 248-0329 (800) 248-2469 NIBS court. PC Anywhere Version 4 software or its equivalent is suggested. Washington-Eastern (509) 353-3289 (800) 314-3430 NIBS court. PC Anywhere Version 4 software or its equivalent is strongly recommended. Washington-Western (206) 553-0060 (206) 553-0064 (206) 553-6127 (800) 704-4492 West Virginia-Northern (304) 233-2871 (800) 809-3016 West Virginia-Southern (304) 347-5554 Wisconsin-Eastern (414) 297-1400 Wisconsin-Western (608) 264-5630 (800) 373-8708 Wyoming (307) 772-2036 (888) 804-5536 AVIS: APPELLATE VOICE INFORMATION SYSTEM (as of 3/1/98) There is no access fee associated with this service. Courts of Appeal Local Telephone Number Toll Free Telephone Number 1st Circuit (617) 223-4713 2nd Circuit (212) 791-8016 4th Circuit (804) 771-2084 (800) 362-7992 5th Circuit (504) 589-6514 DC Circuit (202) 273-0926 (800) 552-8621 VCIS: VOICE CASE INFORMATION SYSTEM (as of 3/1/98) There is no access fee associated with this service. Bankruptcy Court Local Telephone Number Toll Free Telephone Number Alabama-Middle Alabama-Northern Alabama-Southern (334) 441-5637 Alaska (907) 271-2658 Arizona Phoenix Tucson (602) 640-5820 (520) 620-7475 Arkansas (501) 324-5770 (800) 891-6741 California-Central Los Angeles Santa Ana San Fernando Santa Barbara Riverdale (213) 894-4111 (714) 836-2278 (818) 587-2936 (805) 884-4805 (909) 383-5552 California-Eastern (916) 551-2989 (800) 736-0158 California-Northern San Francisco San Jose (415) 705-3160 (800) 570-9819 (800) 457-0604 California-Southern (619) 557-6521 Colorado (303) 844-0267 Connecticut (860) 240-3345 (800) 800-5113 Delaware (302) 573-6233 (888) 667-5530 District of Columbia (202) 273-0048 Florida-Middle Jacksonville Orlando Tampa (904) 232-1313 (407) 648-6800 (813) 243-5210 Florida-Northern Florida-Southern (305) 536-5979 (800) 473-0226 Georgia-Northern (404) 730-2866 (404) 730-2867 Georgia-Middle (912) 752-8183 Georgia-Southern Savannah Augusta Hawaii Idaho (208) 334-9386 Illinois-Central (217) 492-4550 (800) 827-9005 Illinois-Northern Chicago Rockford (312) 408-5089 (815) 987-4487 Illinois-Southern (618) 482-9365 (800) 726-5622 Indiana-Northern (219) 236-8814 (800) 755-8393 Indiana-Southern (800) 335-8003 Iowa-Northern (319) 362-9906 (800) 249-9859 Iowa-Southern (515) 284-6427 (800) 597-5917 Kansas (316) 269-6668 (800) 827-9028 Kentucky-Eastern (606) 233-2657 (800) 998-2650 Kentucky-Western (502) 625-7391 (800) 263-9385 Louisiana-Eastern (504) 589-7879 Louisiana-Middle (504) 382-2175 Louisiana-Western (318) 676-4234 (800) 326-4026 Maine (207) 780-3755 (888) 201-3572 Maryland (410) 962-0733 Massachusetts (617) 565-6025 Michigan-Eastern (313) 961-4940 Michigan-Western (616) 456-2075 Minnesota (612) 290-2070 (800) 959-9002 Mississippi-Northern (601) 369-8147 Mississippi-Southern Biloxi Jackson (601) 435-2905 (601) 965-6106 (800) 293-2723 (800) 601-8859 Missouri-Eastern (314) 425-4054 Missouri-Western (816) 842-7985 (816) 426-5822 Montana (406) 782-1060 Nebraska (402) 221-3757 (800) 829-0112 Nevada (702) 388-6708 (800) 314-3436 New Hampshire (603) 666-7424 (800) 851-8954 New Jersey (201) 645-6044 (201) 645-6045 New Mexico (505) 248-6536 (888) 435-7822 New York-Eastern (718) 852-5726 (800) 252-2537 New York-Northern (800) 206-1952 New York-Southern (212) 668-2772 New York-Western (716) 551-5311 (800) 776-9578 North Carolina-Eastern (919) 234-7655 North Carolina-Middle (910) 333-5532 North Carolina-Western (704) 344-6311 North Dakota (701) 239-5641 Ohio-Northern (330) 489-4731 (800) 898-6899 Ohio-Southern Dayton, Cincinnati Columbus (513) 225-2544 (513) 225-2562 (800) 726-1004 (800) 726-1006 Oklahoma-Eastern (918) 756-8617 Oklahoma-Northern Oklahoma-Western (405) 231-4768 (800) 872-1348 Oregon (503) 326-2249 (800) 726-2227 Pennsylvania-Eastern (215) 597-2244 Pennsylvania-Middle Pennsylvania-Western (412) 355-3210 Puerto Rico Rhode Island (401) 528-4476 South Carolina (803) 765-5211 (800) 669-8767 South Dakota (605) 330-4559 (800) 768-6218 Tennessee-Eastern (423) 752-5272 (800) 767-1512 Tennessee-Middle Tennessee-Western (901) 544-4325 (888) 381-4961 Texas-Eastern (903) 590-1217 Texas-Northern (214) 767-8092 (214) 767-4200 Texas-Southern (713) 250-5049 (800) 745-4459 Texas-Western (210) 472-4023 Utah (801) 524-3107 (800) 733-6740 Virgin Islands Vermont (802) 747-7627 (800) 260-9956 Virginia-Eastern (804) 771-2736 (800) 326-5879 Virginia-Western Washington-Eastern (509) 353-2404 Washington-Western (206) 553-8543 (206) 553-6504 (888) 436-7477 West Virginia-Northern (304) 233-7318 West Virginia-Southern (304) 347-5337 Wisconsin-Eastern (414) 297-3583 Wisconsin-Western (800) 743-8247 Wyoming