With the current lapse in funding, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit continues to resolve cases and controversies as mandated by statute and the Constitution. The Court will docket new cases, receive documents for filing, determine motions, hear cases on submission and by argument, and decide cases during the duration of the appropriations lapse. Cases scheduled to be heard on oral argument will go forward as scheduled, unless the court directs otherwise. The obligation of parties to comply with the filing requirements of the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure and this court’s Local Rules remain in effect, but the court will consider appropriate requests for continuances or extensions of time.

All filers must upgrade their PACER account to file in our court.  See the following links for more information:

ECF Information Page

PACER NextGen Frequently Asked Questions

Appellate Rules 8, 11, 25, 26, 28.1, 29, 31, 39, and 41, and Forms 4 and 7 were amended effective December 1, 2018. See the following links:

(Updated) Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure with Fifth Circuit Rules and Internal Operating Procedures

Text of amended rules and forms

Redline of amended rules and forms