11TH CIRCUIT RULES OF COURT
TITLE 7
GENERAL PROVISIONS

RULE 25-1 | FILINGS FROM PARTY REPRESENTED BY COUNSEL

When a party is represented by counsel, the clerk may not accept filings from the party.

RULE 25-2 | FILING OF PAPERS TRANSMITTED BY ALTERNATE MEANS

The clerk may specially authorize the filing of papers transmitted by alternate means in emergencies and for other compelling circumstances. In such cases, signed originals must thereafter also be furnished by conventional means. Provided that the clerk had given prior authorization for transmission by alternate means and the papers conform to the requirements of FRAP and circuit rules, the signed originals will be filed nunc pro tunc to the receipt date of the papers transmitted by alternate means. The court may act upon the papers transmitted by alternate means prior to receipt of the signed originals.

RULE 25-3 | ELECTRONIC CASE FILES (ECF) SYSTEM

(a) Definitions.

The following definitions apply in the circuit rules.

(1) Document means any order, opinion, judgment, petition, application, notice, transcript, motion, brief, or other filing in a case.

(2) ECF (Electronic Case Files) means the system maintained by the court for receiving and storing documents in electronic format.

(3) ECF Filer means an attorney or non-incarcerated pro se party who has registered and is therefore authorized to file documents electronically and to receive service through the ECF system.

(4) NDA (Notice of Docket Activity) is a notice generated automatically by the ECF system at the time a document is filed and a docket entry results. This notice sets forth the date of filing, the text of the docket entry, and the names of the attorneys or pro se parties required to receive notice of the filing. If a PDF document is attached to the docket entry, the NDA will also identify the person filing the document and the type of document, and will contain a hyperlink to the filed document. Any document filed by the court will similarly list those to whom electronic notice of the filing is being sent.

(5) PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) is an electronic system that allows internet users to view, print, and download electronically maintained docket information and federal court documents.

(6) PDF (Portable Document Format) means a non-modifiable electronic file containing the “.pdf” file extension. Text-Searchable PDF means a PDF file generated from an original word-processing file rather than scanned.

(b) Electronic Filing by Attorneys.

Except as otherwise required by circuit rule or court order, all counsel of record must file documents electronically using the ECF system. Upon motion and a showing of good cause, the court may exempt an attorney from the electronic filing requirements and authorize filing and service by means other than the use of the ECF system. The motion, which need not be filed or served electronically, must be filed at least 14 days before the brief, petition, or other document is due. Also see 11th Cir. Rules 30-3 and 31-5.

(c) Electronic Filing by Non-Incarcerated Pro Se Parties.

Non-incarcerated pro se parties are permitted to use the court’s ECF system. However, once a non-incarcerated pro se party has registered to use the ECF system, such party is required to do so unless the court grants the party’s request to not use the system or revokes the party’s permission upon a finding that the party has abused the privilege of using the ECF system.

(d) Registration and Passwords.

To register as a user of the ECF system, an attorney or pro se party must submit to the PACER Service Center a completed ECF Registration form. An attorney must be a member of the Eleventh Circuit bar, admitted for a particular proceeding under 11th Cir. R. 46-3, admitted pro hac vice in a particular case, or appearing in a particular case as a pro se party. In addition to ECF registration, the attorney, the attorney’s firm, or the pro se party must have a PACER account and an e-mail address. The log-in and password for ECF access will be used to file documents electronically with the court.

Upon receipt of the attorney or pro se party’s registration information from the PACER Service Center, the clerk will determine eligibility and activate the ECF Filer’s account. If a log-in and/or password should become compromised, the ECF Filer is responsible for notifying the PACER Service Center. An ECF Filer whose e-mail address, mailing address, telephone number, or fax number changes from that disclosed on the filer’s original ECF Registration form must promptly notify the PACER Service Center.

(e) Electronic Filing.

Documents must be filed and served electronically in accordance with these rules. Information and training materials related to electronic filing are available at www.ca11.uscourts.gov. Authorized use of an ECF Filer’s log-in and password by another is deemed to be the act of the ECF Filer. Later modification of a filed document or docket entry by the ECF Filer is not permitted except as authorized by the court. The clerk may edit the docket entry to correct or supplement the text. A notation will be made indicating the entry was edited. When a correction to an electronically filed document (e.g., motion, brief, or appendix) is necessary, the ECF Filer must upload the entire new document, and not just the corrected pages.

All electronically filed documents must be in PDF form and must conform to all technical and format requirements established by the court and, if any, the Judicial Conference of the United States. Whenever possible, documents must be in Text-Searchable PDF and not created by scanning. The maximum size of a document that may be filed electronically is 50 MB (megabytes). If a document exceeds 50 MB, it must be filed in separate volumes, each not to exceed 50 MB.

In accordance with FRAP 25(a)(5) and 11th Cir. R. 25-5, an ECF Filer must redact all documents, including briefs, consistent with the privacy policy of the Judicial Conference of the United States. Remote electronic access to dockets in immigration, Social Security, and Railroad Retirement Act cases is limited. See FRAP 25(a)(5) and 11th Cir. R. 25-5. In this regard, remote electronic public access to the full record in these cases is restricted to judges, court staff, and the parties and attorneys in the appeal or agency proceeding. Access to orders and opinions is not restricted in these cases. Parties seeking to restrict access to orders and opinions must file a motion explaining why that relief is required in a given case.

(f) Service.

Registration to use the ECF system constitutes consent to receive electronic service of all documents as provided by the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure and the circuit rules, as well as to receive electronic notice of correspondence, orders, and opinions issued by the court. The notice generated and e-mailed by the ECF system constitutes service of all electronically filed documents on attorneys and pro se parties registered to use the ECF system. Independent service, either by paper or otherwise, need not be made on those attorneys or parties and no certificate of service is required. Incarcerated pro se litigants, non-incarcerated pro se litigants who are not registered to file electronically or whose permission to file electronically has been revoked, and attorneys who are exempt from electronic filing must be served by the filing party through the conventional means of service set forth in FRAP 25 and a certificate of service is required.

(g) Documents Exempted from Electronic Filing.

Unless otherwise directed by the court, the following documents must not be filed through the ECF system:

(1) any document filed by an incarcerated party who is not represented by counsel;

(2) a document filed under seal or requested to be filed under seal;

(3) a document classified as a highly sensitive document;

(4) any documents pertaining to a request for authorization, a claim for compensation, or a claim for reimbursement of expenses under the Criminal Justice Act and Addendum Four that are not otherwise appropriate for submission through the eVoucher system; and

(5) a voucher and associated documents pertaining to a claim for reimbursement of expenses under Addendum Five.

(h) Documents Under Seal.

Documents filed under seal in the court from which an appeal is taken will continue to be filed under seal on appeal to this court. A motion to file documents under seal may be filed electronically unless prohibited by law, circuit rule, or court order. The sealed documents or documents requested to be sealed must not be attached to the motion. Documents requested to be sealed must be submitted in paper format in a sealed envelope, and must be received by the clerk within 10 days of filing the motion. The face of the envelope containing such documents must contain a conspicuous notation that it contains “DOCUMENTS UNDER SEAL” or substantially similar language. See also 11th Cir. R. 25-5.

(i) Filing Deadlines.

An electronically filed document is deemed filed upon completion of the transmission and issuance of an NDA. The uploading of an incorrect document, or the filing of a document in the wrong case, does not constitute compliance with filing deadlines. In the event an ECF Filer uploads an incorrect document, or files a document in the wrong case, the clerk will send the ECF Filer notice of the error. If the ECF Filer corrects the error within 5 days of the clerk’s notice, a motion to file the document out of time is not required. Otherwise, the ECF Filer must also electronically file in the case a motion to file the document out of time.

An ECF Filer whose filing is untimely as the result of a technical failure may seek appropriate relief from the court. Technical issues such as log-in and password questions, and creating and uploading PDF documents, should be directed to the PACER Service Center help desk. Procedural questions concerning how to docket a specific event should be directed to the Eleventh Circuit ECF help desk. This includes any instance in which an ECF Filer has transmitted a document to the ECF system and did not thereafter receive an NDA.

(j) Electronic Filing and Service by the Clerk.

The electronic filing of any document by the clerk of court or a deputy clerk by use of that individual’s log-in and password shall be deemed the filing of a signed original document for all purposes. Service by the clerk on an obsolete e-mail address will constitute valid service on an ECF Filer if the filer has failed to notify the PACER Service Center of a new e-mail address.

(k) Entry on the Docket and Official Court Record.

The electronic transmission of a document, together with transmission of the NDA from the court, constitutes the filing of the document under the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure and constitutes the entry of that document onto the official docket of the court maintained by the clerk pursuant to FRAP 45(b)(1). The electronic version of filed documents, whether filed electronically in the first instance or received by the clerk in paper or other format and subsequently scanned or converted into electronic format, constitutes the official record in the case. When the clerk scans a paper document into the ECF system, the clerk will discard the paper document once it has been scanned and made a part of the official record, unless the electronic file thereby produced is incomplete or of questionable quality. A document submitted electronically is deemed to have been filed on the date indicated in the system-generated NDA.

Except as otherwise provided by circuit rule or court order, all orders, opinions, judgments, and other court-issued documents in cases maintained in the ECF system are filed in accordance with the circuit rules, which constitutes entry on the docket kept by the clerk, and are served on ECF Filers electronically. Any order or other court-issued document filed electronically without the original signature of a judge or authorized court personnel has the same force and effect as if the judge or clerk had signed a paper copy of the document.

RULE 25-4 | INFORMATION AND SIGNATURE REQUIRED

All documents filed, including motions and briefs, must contain the name, office address, and telephone number of an attorney or a party proceeding pro se, and be signed by an attorney or by a party proceeding pro se. Inmate filings must be signed by the inmate and should contain name, prisoner number, institution, and address. Signatures for ECF Filers are governed by FRAP 25(a)(2)(B)(iii). The ECF Filer of any electronically filed document containing multiple signatures must include each person’s name on a signature block. By submitting such a document, the ECF Filer certifies that each of the other filers has expressly agreed to the form and substance of the document, and that the ECF Filer has their authority to submit the document electronically.

RULE 25-5 | MAINTAINING PRIVACY OF PERSONAL DATA

In order to promote electronic access to case files while also protecting personal privacy and other legitimate interests, parties shall refrain from including, or shall partially redact where inclusion is necessary, the following personal data identifiers from all pleadings filed with the court, including exhibits thereto, whether filed electronically or in paper, unless otherwise ordered by the court.

a. Social Security numbers and Taxpayer Identification numbers. If an individual’s social security number or taxpayer identification number must be included in a pleading, only the last four digits of that number should be used.

b. Names of minor children. If the involvement of a minor child must be mentioned, only the initials of that child should be used. For purposes of this rule, a minor child is any person under the age of eighteen years, unless otherwise provided by statute or court order.

c. Dates of birth. If an individual’s date of birth must be included in a pleading, only the year should be used.

d. Financial account numbers. If financial account numbers are relevant, only the last four digits of these numbers should be used.

e. Home addresses. If a home address must be included, only the city and state should be used.

Subject to the exemptions from the redaction requirement contained in the Federal Rules of Civil, Criminal, and Bankruptcy Procedure, as made applicable to the courts of appeals through FRAP 25(a)(5), a party filing a document containing the personal data identifiers listed above shall file a redacted document for the public file and either:

(1) a reference list under seal. The reference list shall contain the complete personal data identifier and the redacted identifier used in its place in the redacted filing. All references in the filing to the redacted identifiers included in the reference list will be construed to refer to the corresponding complete personal data identifiers. The reference list must be filed under seal, may be amended as of right, and shall be retained by the court as part of the record. A motion to file the reference list under seal is not required. Or

(2) an unredacted document under seal, along with a motion to file the unredacted document under seal specifying the type of personal data identifier included in the document and why the party believes that including it in the document is necessary or relevant. If permitted to be filed, both the redacted and unredacted documents shall be retained by the court as part of the record.

The responsibility for redacting these personal data identifiers rests solely with counsel and the parties. The clerk will not review each pleading for compliance with this rule. A person waives the protection of this rule as to the person’s own information by filing it without redaction and not under seal.

Consistent with FRAP 25(a)(5), remote electronic public access is not provided to pleadings filed with the court in Social Security appeals, immigration cases, and Railroad Retirement Act cases. Therefore, parties in such cases are exempt from the requirements of this rule.

In addition to the foregoing, a party should exercise caution when filing a document that contains any of the following information. A party filing a redacted document that contains any of the following information must comply with the rules for filing an unredacted document as described in numbered paragraph (2) above.

• Personal identifying number, such as driver’s license number;

• medical records, treatment and diagnosis;

• employment history;

• individual financial information;

• proprietary or trade secret information;

• information regarding an individual’s cooperation with the government;

• national security information;

• sensitive security information as described in 49 U.S.C. §114(s).

RULE 25-6 | COURT ACTION WITH RESPECT TO IMPERMISSIBLE LANGUAGE OR INFORMATION IN FILINGS

(a) When any paper filed with the court, including motions and briefs, contains:

(1) ad hominem or defamatory language; or

(2) information the public disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy; or

(3) information the public disclosure of which would violate legally protected interests, the court on motion of a party or on its own motion, may without prior notice take appropriate action.

(b) The appropriate action the court may take in the circumstances described above includes ordering that: the document be sealed; specified language or information be stricken from the document; the document be struck from the record; the clerk be directed to remove the document from electronic public access; the party who filed the document either explain why including the specified language or disclosing the specified information in the document is relevant, necessary, and appropriate or file a redacted or replacement document.

(c) When the court takes such action under this rule without prior notice, the party may within 14 days from the date the court order is issued file a motion to restore language or information stricken or removed from the document or file the document without redaction, setting forth with particularity any reasons why the action taken by the court was unwarranted. The timely filing of such motion will postpone the due date for filing any redacted or replacement document until the court rules on the motion.

RULE 25-7 | OBLIGATION TO NOTIFY COURT OF CHANGE OF ADDRESSES

Each pro se party and attorney exempt from electronic filing requirements has a continuing obligation to notify this court of any changes to the party’s or attorney’s mailing address and e-mail address, if any, during the pendency of the case in which the party or attorney is participating. Every attorney registered to use the ECF system has a continuing obligation to notify the PACER Service Center of any changes to the attorney’s e-mail address, mailing address, telephone number, and fax number. The transmission of court documents to a previous address is effective if the pro se party or attorney has failed to comply with this rule.

RULE 26-1 | MOTION FOR EXTENSION OF TIME

A motion for extension of time made pursuant to FRAP 26(b) shall contain a statement that movant’s counsel has consulted opposing counsel and that either opposing counsel has no objection to the relief sought, or will or will not promptly file an objection. In criminal appeals, counsel must state whether the party they represent is incarcerated.

RULE 26.1-1 | CERTIFICATE OF INTERESTED PERSONS AND CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT (CIP): FILING REQUIREMENTS

(a) Paper or E-Filed CIPs.

(1) Every party and amicus curiae (“filers”) must include a certificate of interested persons and corporate disclosure statement (“CIP”) within every motion, petition, brief, answer, response, and reply filed.

(2) In addition, appellants and petitioners must file a CIP within 14 days after the date the case or appeal is docketed in this court.

(3) Also, all appellees, intervenors, respondents, and all other parties to the case or appeal must file a CIP within 28 days after the date the case or appeal is docketed in this court, regardless of whether appellants and petitioners have filed a CIP. If appellants and petitioners have already filed a CIP, appellees, intervenors, respondents, and all other parties may file a notice either indicating that the CIP is correct and complete, or adding any interested persons or entities omitted from the CIP.

(b) Web-based CIP. On the same day any filer represented by counsel first files its paper or e-filed CIP, that filer must also complete the court’s web-based CIP at www.ca11.uscourts.gov. At the website, counsel for filers will log into the web-based CIP where they will enter stock (“ticker”) symbol information for publicly traded corporations to be used by the court in electronically checking for recusals. If there is no publicly traded corporation involved, and thus no stock ticker symbol to enter, the filer still must complete the web-based CIP by entering “nothing to declare.”

Failure to complete the web-based CIP will delay processing of the motion, case, or appeal, and may result in other sanctions under 11th Cir. R. 26.1-5(c).

The e-filing of a CIP by an attorney registered to use the ECF system does not relieve that attorney of the requirement to complete and keep updated the web-based CIP. Pro se filers (except attorneys appearing in particular cases as pro se parties) are not required or authorized to complete the web-based CIP.

RULE 26.1-2 | CIP: CONTENTS

(a) General. A CIP must contain a complete list of all trial judges, attorneys, persons, associations of persons, firms, partnerships, or corporations that have an interest in the outcome of the particular case or appeal, including subsidiaries, conglomerates, affiliates, parent corporations, any publicly held corporation that owns 10% or more of the party’s stock, and other identifiable legal entities related to a party.

In criminal and criminal-related appeals, the CIP must also disclose the identity of any victims. In bankruptcy appeals, the CIP must also identify each debtor, the members of the creditor’s committee, any entity which is an active participant in the proceedings, and other entities whose stock or equity value may be substantially affected by the outcome of the proceedings.

(b) CIPs in Briefs. The CIP contained in the first brief filed must include a complete list of all persons and entities known to that filer to have an interest in the outcome of the particular case or appeal. The CIP contained in the second and all subsequent briefs filed may include only persons and entities omitted from the CIP contained in the first brief filed and in any other brief that has been filed. Filers who believe that the CIP contained in the first brief filed and in any other brief that has been filed is complete must certify to that effect.

(c) CIPs in Motions or Petitions. The CIP contained in each motion or petition filed must include a complete list of all persons and entities known to that filer to have an interest in the outcome of the particular case or appeal. The CIP contained in a response or answer to a motion or petition, or a reply to a response, may include only persons and entities that were omitted from the CIP contained in the motion or petition. Filers who believe that the CIP contained in the motion or petition is complete must certify to that effect.

(d) CIPs in Petitions for En Banc Consideration. In a petition for en banc consideration, the petitioner’s CIP must also compile and include a complete list of all persons and entities listed on all CIPs previously filed in the case or appeal prior to the date of filing of the petition for en banc consideration. Eleventh Circuit Rule 26.1-2(b) applies to all en banc briefs.

RULE 26.1-3 | CIP: FORM

(a) The CIP must list persons (last name first) and entities in alphabetical order, have only one column, and be double-spaced.

(b) A corporate entity must be identified by its full corporate name as registered with a secretary of state’s office and, if its stock is publicly listed, its stock (“ticker”) symbol must be provided after the corporate name. If no publicly traded company or corporation has an interest in the outcome of the case or appeal, a statement certifying to that effect must be included at the end of the CIP and must be entered into the web-based CIP.

(c) At the top of each page, the court of appeals docket number and short style must be noted (name of first-listed plaintiff or petitioner v. name of first-listed defendant or respondent). Each page of the CIP must be separately sequentially numbered to indicate the total number of pages comprising the CIP (e.g., C-1 of 3, C-2 of 3, C-3 of 3). These pages do not count against any length limitations imposed on the papers filed.

(d) When being included in a document, the CIP must immediately follow the cover page within a brief, and must precede the text in a petition, answer, motion, response, or reply.

RULE 26.1-4 | CIP: AMENDMENTS

Every filer is required to notify the court immediately of any additions, deletions, corrections, or other changes that should be made to its CIP. A filer must do so by filing an amended CIP with the court and by including an amended CIP with all subsequent filings. A filer:

• must prominently indicate on the amended CIP the fact that the CIP has been amended;

• must clearly identify the person or entity that has been added, deleted, corrected, or otherwise changed; and

• if represented by counsel, must update the web-based CIP to reflect the amendments on the same day the amended CIP is filed.

If an amended CIP that deletes a person or entity is filed, every other party must, within 10 days after the filing of the amended CIP, file a notice indicating whether or not it agrees that the deletion is proper.

RULE 26.1-5 | FAILURE TO SUBMIT A CIP OR COMPLETE THE WEB-BASED CIP

(a) The court will not act upon any papers requiring a CIP, including emergency filings, until the CIP is filed and the web-based CIP is completed, except to prevent manifest injustice.

(b) The clerk is not authorized to submit to the court any brief, petition, answer, motion, response, or reply that does not contain the CIP, or any of those papers in a case or appeal where the web-based CIP has not been completed, but may receive and retain the papers pending supplementation of the papers with the required CIP and pending completion of the web-based CIP.

(c) The failure to comply with 11th Cir. Rules 26.1-1 through 26.1-4 may result in dismissal of the case or appeal under 11th Cir. R. 42-1(b), return of deficient documents without action, or other sanctions on counsel, the party, or both.

RULE 27-1 | MOTIONS

(a) No Copies and Form of Motion.

(1) When a motion is filed in paper, only the original motion and supporting papers must be filed. No additional copies are required.

(2) A motion filed in paper must contain proof of service on all parties if required by FRAP 25(d), and should ordinarily be served on other parties by means which are as equally expeditious as those used to file the motion with the court.

(3) A motion shall be accompanied by, and the opposing party shall be served with, supporting documentation required by FRAP 27, including relevant materials from previous judicial or administrative proceedings in the case or appeal. A party moving for a stay must include a copy of the judgment or order from which relief is sought and any opinion and findings of the district court.

(4) In addition to matters required by FRAP 27, a motion shall contain a brief recitation of prior actions of this or any other court or judge to which the motion, or a substantially similar or related application for relief, has been made.

(5) A motion for extension of time made pursuant to FRAP 26(b) shall, and other motions where appropriate may, contain a statement that movant’s counsel has consulted opposing counsel and that either opposing counsel has no objection to the relief sought, or will or will not promptly file an objection.

(6) In criminal appeals, counsel must state whether the party they represent is incarcerated.

(7) Both retained and appointed counsel who seek leave to withdraw from or to dismiss a criminal appeal must recite in the motion that the party they represent has been informed of the motion and either approves or disapproves of the relief sought and show service of the motion on the party they represent.

(8) Appointed counsel who seek leave to withdraw from representation in a criminal appeal must follow procedures set forth by the Supreme Court in Anders v. California, 386 U.S. 738, 87 S.Ct. 1396, 18 L.Ed.2d 493 (1967). It is counsel’s responsibility to ensure that the record contains transcripts of relevant proceedings in the case, including pre-trial proceedings, trial proceedings (including opening and closing arguments and jury instructions), and sentencing proceedings. Counsel’s brief in support of a motion to withdraw under Anders must contain:

(1) a certificate of service indicating that the brief has been served on the party represented as well as on the other parties to the appeal; and

(2) a statement certifying that counsel has informed the party represented that he or she has 30 days to file a response to the motion to withdraw with the court.

(9) All motions filed with the court shall include a Certificate of Interested Persons and Corporate Disclosure Statement as described in FRAP 26.1 and the accompanying circuit rules.

(10) A motion must comply with the typeface and type style requirements of FRAP 32(a)(5) and 32(a)(6).

(11) A motion must comply with the requirement for references to the record found at 11th Cir. R. 28-5.

(b) Emergency Motions.

(1) Except in capital cases in which execution has been scheduled, a motion will be treated as an emergency motion only when both of the following conditions are present:

1. The motion will be moot unless a ruling is obtained within seven days; and

2. If the matter sought to be reviewed is a district court order or action, the motion is being filed within seven days of the filing of the district court order or action.

Motions that do not meet these two conditions but in which a ruling is required by a date certain may be treated as “time sensitive” motions.

(2) A party requesting emergency action shall label the motion as “Emergency Motion” and state the nature of the emergency. If a motion requests relief by a date certain to avoid irreparable harm, the motion must specify that date in bold on the caption page, and the motion must explain the basis for the requested ruling date as well as why the motion was not filed earlier. The motion must also state the reasons for granting the requested relief and must specifically discuss:

(i) the likelihood the moving party will prevail on the merits;

(ii) the prospect of irreparable injury to the moving party if relief is withheld;

(iii) the possibility of harm to other parties if relief is granted; and

(iv) the public interest.

Upon filing an emergency motion, the movant must promptly notify the opposing party by electronic means at the address listed in the ECF system, if available.

(3) If the emergency motion raises any issue previously raised in a district court, the movant must provide all filings in the district court supporting or opposing the position taken by the movant and the district court’s ruling on the issue. If compliance is not possible, the reason for non-compliance shall be stated.

(4) To expedite consideration by the court, the movant must telephone the clerk at the earliest practical time and describe a motion that has not yet been filed in writing. This is not a substitute for the filing required by FRAP 27(a). Failure to notify the clerk via telephone in advance may delay the processing of the motion.

The clerk is authorized, subject to review by the court, to act for the court on the following unopposed procedural motions:

(1) to extend the time for filing briefs or other papers in appeals not yet assigned or under submission as follows:

• in forma pauperis motions, standalone certificates of interested persons and corporate disclosure statements, applications for a certificate of appealability, civil appeal statements, transcript order forms, motions for leave to proceed, filing fees, consent forms, responses to jurisdictional questions, and responses to motions, up to the amount of time originally given to file, generally 14 or 30 days;

• the agency record, up to 40 days; and

• first requests for an extension of up to 30 days to file or correct a deficiency in briefs and appendices, pursuant to 11th Cir. R. 31-2(a).

(2) to make non-substantive corrections at the request of counsel in briefs or pleadings filed in this court;

(3) to extend the time for filing petitions for rehearing for not longer than 28 days, but only when the court’s opinion is unpublished;

(4) to consolidate appeals from the same district court;

(5) a party’s first motion to reinstate an appeal dismissed by the clerk if the motion to reinstate is filed within 14 days of dismissal;

(6) to enter orders continuing on appeal district court appointments of counsel for purposes of compensation;

(7) to grant first requests for an extension of up to 14 days for filing Bills of Costs and/or motions for attorney’s fees;

(8) to grant leave to adopt by reference any part of the brief of another;

(9) for substitution of parties pursuant to FRAP 43(c)(2);

(10) to withdraw motions.

(11) to file out-of-time any required filing received no more than 14 days after the due date, unless a judge has already ruled that no further extensions will be granted.

The clerk is authorized, subject to review by the court, to act for the court on the following opposed procedural motions:

(12) to grant first requests for an extension of up to 30 days to file or correct a deficiency in briefs and appendices, pursuant to 11th Cir. R. 31-2(a) in appeals not yet assigned or under submission;

(13) to expedite briefing in a direct appeal of a criminal conviction and/or sentence when it appears that an incarcerated defendant’s projected release is expected to occur prior to the conclusion of appellate proceedings.

The clerk is also authorized to carry a motion with the case where there is no need for court action prior to the time the matter is considered on the merits by a panel.

(d) Motions Acted Upon by a Single Judge. Under FRAP 27(c), a single judge may, subject to review by the court, act upon any request for relief that may be sought by motion, except to dismiss or otherwise determine an appeal or other proceeding. Without limiting this authority, a single judge is authorized to act, subject to review by the court, on the following motions:

(1) where opposed, motions that are subject to action by the clerk under part (c) of this rule;

(2) for certificates of appealability under FRAP 22(b) and 28 U.S.C. §2254;

(3) to appeal in forma pauperis pursuant to FRAP 24 and 28 U.S.C. §1915(a);

(4) to appoint counsel for indigent persons appealing from judgments of conviction or from denial of writs of habeas corpus or petitions filed under 28 U.S.C. §2255, or to permit court appointed counsel to withdraw;

(5) to extend the length of briefs except in capital cases, and to extend the length of petitions for rehearing or rehearing en banc;

(6) to extend the times prescribed by the rules of this court for good cause shown (note that FRAP 26(b) forbids the court to enlarge the time for taking various actions, including the time for filing a notice of appeal); in criminal appeals, counsel requesting an extension of time to file a brief must state whether the party they represent is incarcerated;

(7) to exercise the power granted in FRAP 8 and 9 with respect to stays or injunctions or releases in criminal cases pending appeal but subject to the restrictions set out therein, and under FRAP 18 with respect to stays pending review of decisions or orders of agencies but subject to the restrictions on the power of a single judge contained therein;

(8) to stay the issuance of mandates;

(9) to expedite appeals;

(10) to file briefs as amicus curiae prior to issuance of a panel opinion.

(e) Two-Judge Motions Panels. Specified motions as determined by the court may be acted upon by a panel of two judges.

(f) Motions Shall Not Be Argued. Unless ordered by the court no motion shall be orally argued.

(g) Effect of a Ruling on a Motion. A ruling on a motion or other interlocutory matter, whether entered by a single judge or a panel, is not binding upon the panel to which the appeal is assigned on the merits, and the merits panel may alter, amend, or vacate it.

RULE 27-2 | MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION

A motion to reconsider, vacate, or modify an order must be filed within 21 days of the entry of such order. No additional time shall be allowed for mailing.

RULE 27-3 | SUCCESSIVE MOTIONS FOR RECONSIDERATION NOT PERMITTED

A party may file only one motion for reconsideration with respect to the same order. Likewise, a party may not request reconsideration of an order disposing of a motion for reconsideration previously filed by that party.

RULE 27-4 | SANCTIONS FOR FILING A FRIVOLOUS MOTION

When a party or an attorney practicing before this court files a frivolous motion, the court may, on motion of a party, or on its own motion after notice and a reasonable opportunity to respond, impose an appropriate sanction on the party, the attorney, or both. For purposes of this rule, a motion is frivolous if:

(a) it is without legal merit and cannot be supported by a reasonable argument for an extension, modification, or reversal of existing law, or the establishment of new law; or

(b) it contains assertions of material facts that are false or unsupported by the record; or

(c) it is presented for an improper purpose, such as to harass or to cause unnecessary delay or needless increase in the cost of litigation.

Sanctions may be monetary or nonmonetary in nature. Monetary sanctions may include an order to pay a penalty into the court, or an order directing payment to another party of some or all of the attorney’s fees and expenses incurred by that party as a result of the frivolous motion, or both.

When a motion to impose sanctions is filed under this rule, the court may, if warranted, award to the party prevailing on the motion reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses incurred in presenting or opposing the motion.

RULE 28-1 | BRIEFS - CONTENTS

Each principal brief shall consist, in the order listed, of the following:

(a) Cover Page. Elements to be shown on the cover page include the court of appeals docket number centered at the top; the name of this court; the title of the case [see FRAP 12(a)]; the nature of the proceeding [e.g., Appeal, Petition for Review]; the name of the court, agency, or board below; the title of the brief, identifying the party or parties for whom the brief is filed; and the name, office address, and telephone number of the attorney. See FRAP 32(a)(2).

(b) Certificate of Interested Persons and Corporate Disclosure Statement. A Certificate of Interested Persons and Corporate Disclosure Statement (“CIP”) is required of every party and amicus curiae. The CIP shall comply with FRAP 26.1 and the accompanying circuit rules, and shall be included within each brief immediately following the cover page.

(c) Statement Regarding Oral Argument. Appellant’s brief shall include a short statement of whether or not oral argument is desired, and if so, the reasons why oral argument should be heard. Appellee’s brief shall include a similar statement. The court will accord these statements due, though not controlling, weight in determining whether oral argument will be heard. See FRAP 34(a) and (f) and 11th Cir. R. 34-3(c).

(d) Table of Contents. The table of contents shall include page references to each section required by this rule to be included within the brief. The table shall also include specific page references to each heading or subheading of each issue argued.

(e) Table of Citations. The Table of Citations shall show the locations in the brief of citations, and shall contain asterisks in the margin identifying the citations upon which the party primarily relies. The Table of Citations should not use the “passim” notation, but should instead list every page on which an authority is cited. Page ranges may be used if the authority is cited on every page in the range (e.g., “7-10” instead of “7, 8, 9, 10”).

(f) Statement Regarding Adoption of Briefs of Other Parties. A party who adopts by reference any part of the brief of another party pursuant to FRAP 28(i) shall include a statement describing in detail which briefs and which portions of those briefs are adopted.

(g) Statement of Subject-Matter and Appellate Jurisdiction. The jurisdictional statement must contain all information required by FRAP 28(a)(4)(A) through (D).

(h) Statement of the Issues.

(i) Statement of the Case. In the statement of the case, as in all other sections of the brief, every assertion regarding matter in the record shall be supported by a reference to the record, as described in 11th Cir. R. 28-5. The statement of the case shall briefly recite the nature of the case and shall then include:

(i) the course of proceedings and dispositions in the court below. IN CRIMINAL APPEALS, COUNSEL MUST STATE WHETHER THE PARTY THEY REPRESENT IS INCARCERATED;

(ii) a statement of the facts. A proper statement of facts reflects a high standard of professionalism. It must state the facts accurately, those favorable and those unfavorable to the party. Inferences drawn from facts must be identified as such;

(iii) a statement of the standard or scope of review for each contention. For example, where the appeal is from an exercise of district court discretion, there shall be a statement that the standard of review is whether the district court abused its discretion. The appropriate standard or scope of review for other contentions should be similarly indicated, e.g., that the district court erred in formulating or applying a rule of law; or that there is insufficient evidence to support a verdict; or that fact findings of the trial judge are clearly erroneous under Fed.R.Civ.P. 52(a); or that there is a lack of substantial evidence in the record as a whole to support the factual findings of an administrative agency; or that the agency’s action, findings and conclusions should be held unlawful and set aside for the reasons set forth in 5 U.S.C. §706(2).

(j) Summary of the Argument. The opening briefs of the parties shall also contain a summary of argument, suitably paragraphed, which should be a clear, accurate and succinct condensation of the argument actually made in the body of the brief. It should not be a mere repetition of the headings under which the argument is arranged. It should seldom exceed two and never five pages.

(k) Argument and Citations of Authority. Citations of authority in the brief shall comply with the rules of citation in the latest edition of either the “Bluebook” (A Uniform System of Citation) or the “ALWD Guide” (Association of Legal Writing Directors’ Guide to Legal Citation). Citations shall reference the specific page number(s) which relate to the proposition for which the case is cited. For state reported cases the national reporter series should be cross referenced (e.g., Southern Reporter, Southeast Reporter).

(l) Conclusion.

(m) Certificate of Compliance. The certificate described in FRAP 32(g), if required by that rule.

(n) Certificate of Service. The certificate described in FRAP 25(d), if required by that rule.

RULE 28-2 | APPELLEE’S BRIEF

An appellee’s brief need not contain items (g), (h), and (i) of 11th Cir. R. 28-1 if the appellee is satisfied with the appellant’s statement.

RULE 28-3 | REPLY BRIEF

A reply brief need contain only items (a), (b), (d), (e), (k), (m) and (n) of 11th Cir. R. 28-1.

RULE 28-4 | BRIEFS FROM PARTY REPRESENTED BY COUNSEL

When a party is represented by counsel, the clerk may not accept a brief from the party.

RULE 28-5 | REFERENCES TO THE RECORD

References to the record in a brief must be to document number and page number. The page number in a transcript is the page number that appears in the header generated by the district court’s electronic filing system if available at the time of filing. Otherwise, the page number is the page number assigned by the court reporter. The brief must note the reference format used. A reference may (but need not) contain the full or abbreviated name of a document.

RULE 28.1-1 | BRIEFS IN CROSS-APPEALS

In addition to the requirements of FRAP 28.1, briefs in cross-appeals are also governed by 11th Cir. R. 28-1 through 28-5 and the Internal Operating Procedures corresponding to those rules.

RULE 28.1-2 | BRIEFING SCHEDULE IN CROSS-APPEALS

Except as otherwise provided by 11th Cir. R. 31-1, the initial brief of appellant/cross-appellee shall be served and filed within 40 days after the date on which the record is deemed filed as provided by 11th Cir. R. 12-1. The brief of appellee/cross-appellant shall be served and filed within 30 days after service of the last appellant’s brief. The second brief of appellant/cross-appellee shall be served and filed within 30 days after service of the last appellee/cross-appellant’s brief. Appellee/cross-appellant’s reply brief shall be served and filed within 21 days after service of the last appellant/cross-appellee’s second brief.

RULE 29-1 | MOTIONS FOR LEAVE

Motions for leave to file a brief of amicus curiae must comply with FRAP 27 and 11th Cir. R. 27-1, including the requirement of a Certificate of Interested Persons and Corporate Disclosure Statement as described in FRAP 26.1 and the accompanying circuit rules.

RULE 29-2 | AMICUS BRIEF

In addition to the requirements of FRAP 29(a)(4), an amicus brief must contain items (a), (b), (d), (e), (h), (j), (k), (l), (m) and (n) of 11th Cir. R. 28-1.

RULE 29-3 | MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE AMICUS BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF PETITION FOR REHEARING EN BANC

A request for leave to file an amicus brief in support of a petition for rehearing en banc must be made by motion accompanied by the proposed brief in conformance with 11th Cir. R. 35-5, except that subsections (f) and (k) may be omitted. The proposed amicus brief must not exceed the length limits set out in FRAP 29(b)(4), exclusive of items required by 11th Cir. R. 35-5(a), (b), (c), (d), and (j). The cover must be green. An amicus curiae must file its proposed brief, accompanied by a motion for filing when necessary, no later than seven days after the petition for rehearing en banc being supported is filed. Unless the court directs otherwise, no response to the motion may be filed.

RULE 29-4 | MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE AMICUS BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF PETITION FOR PANEL REHEARING

A request for leave to file an amicus brief in support of a petition for panel rehearing must be made by motion accompanied by the proposed brief in conformance with FRAP 29(a)(3) and (a)(4) and the corresponding circuit rules. The proposed amicus brief must not exceed the length limits set out in FRAP 29(b)(4), exclusive of items that do not count towards page limitations as described in 11th Cir. R. 32-4. The cover must be green. An amicus curiae must file its proposed brief, accompanied by a motion for filing when necessary, no later than seven days after the petition for panel rehearing being supported is filed. Unless the court directs otherwise, no response to the motion may be filed.

RULE 30-1 | APPENDIX - APPEALS FROM DISTRICT COURT AND TAX COURT

(a) Contents. In appeals from district courts and the tax court, the appellant must file an appendix containing those items required by FRAP 30(a)(1), which are:

• the relevant docket entries in the proceeding below;

• the relevant portions of the pleadings, charge, findings, or opinion;

• the judgment, order, or decision in question; and

• other parts of the record to which the parties wish to direct the court’s attention.

Other than FRAP 30(a)(1), the requirements in FRAP 30 do not apply in this circuit.

Consistent with the requirements of FRAP 30(a)(1) that the appendix contain relevant docket entries and relevant portions of the record, this court has determined that the following items are either relevant docket entries or relevant portions of the record in the types of appeals specified below and thus must be included in the appendix:

(1) the district court or tax court docket sheet, including, in bankruptcy appeals, the bankruptcy court docket sheet;

(2) in an appeal in a criminal case, the indictment, information, or petition as amended;

(3) in an appeal in a civil case, the complaint, answer, response, counterclaim, cross-claim, and any amendments to such items;

(4) those parts of any pretrial order relevant to the issues on appeal;

(5) the judgment or interlocutory order appealed from;

(6) any other order or orders sought to be reviewed, including, in bankruptcy appeals, the order(s) of the bankruptcy court appealed to the district court;

(7) in an appeal from the grant or denial of a petition for a writ of habeas corpus under 28 U.S.C. §2254, all opinions by any state court previously rendered in the criminal prosecution and related collateral proceedings and appeals, and any state court orders addressing any claims and defenses brought by the petitioner in the federal action. This requirement applies whether or not the state court opinions and orders are contained in the district court record;

(8) any supporting opinion, findings of fact and conclusions of law filed or delivered orally by the court;

(9) if the correctness of a jury instruction is in issue, the instruction in question and any other relevant part of the jury charge;

(10) a magistrate’s report and recommendation, when appealing a court order adopting same in whole or in part;

(11) findings and conclusions of an administrative law judge, when appealing a court order reviewing an administrative agency determination involving same;

(12) the relevant parts of any document, such as an insurance policy, contract, agreement, or ERISA plan, whose interpretation is relevant to the issues on appeal;

(13) in an appeal in a criminal case in which any issue is raised concerning the guilty plea, the transcript of the guilty plea colloquy and any written plea agreement;

(14) in an appeal in a criminal case in which any issue is raised concerning the sentence, the transcript of the sentencing proceeding, and the presentence investigation report and addenda (under seal in a separate envelope); and

(15) any other pleadings, affidavits, transcripts, filings, documents, or exhibits that any one of the parties believes will be helpful to this court in deciding the appeal.

Except as otherwise permitted by subsection (a)(7) of this rule, under no circumstances should a document be included in the appendix that was not submitted to the trial court.

(b) Appellee’s Responsibility. If the appellant’s appendix is deficient or if the appellee’s brief, to support its position on an issue, relies on parts of the record not included in appellant’s appendix, the appellee must file its own supplemental appendix within seven days of filing its brief. The appellee’s supplemental appendix must not duplicate any documents in the appellant’s appendix.

In an appeal by an incarcerated pro se party, counsel for appellee must submit an appendix that includes the specific pages of any record materials referred to in the argument section of appellee’s brief and those referred to in the argument section of the appellant’s brief that are relevant to the resolution of an issue on appeal.

(c) Time for Filing. A party must file an appendix or supplemental appendix within seven days of filing the party’s brief.

(d) Number of Copies. A pro se party proceeding in forma pauperis may file only one paper copy of the appendix or supplemental appendix, except that an incarcerated pro se party is not required to file an appendix.

Every other party must file two paper copies of the appendix or supplemental appendix within seven days of filing the party’s brief, and if the appeal is classed for oral argument, such party must file an additional three identical paper copies of the appendix previously filed within seven days after the date on the notice from the clerk that the appeal has been classed for oral argument. The appendix must be served on counsel for each party separately represented, and on each pro se party. Where multiple parties are on one side of an appeal, they are strongly urged to file a joint appendix.

For filers using the ECF system, the electronically filed appendix is the official record copy of the appendix. Use of the ECF system does not modify the requirement that filers must provide to the court the required number of paper copies of the appendix. Filers will be considered to have complied with this requirement if, on the day the electronic appendix is filed, the filer sends two paper copies to the clerk using one of the methods outlined in FRAP 25(a)(2)(A)(ii). If the appeal is classed for oral argument, the filer (except for pro se parties proceeding in forma pauperis) must file an additional three identical paper copies of the appendix in accordance with the preceding paragraph. Also see 11th Cir. R. 25-3.

(e) Form. The paper appendix shall be reproduced on white paper by any duplicating or copying process capable of producing a clear black image, with a cover containing the information specified in 11th Cir. R. 28-1(a) and captioned “Appendix.” The appendix shall be assembled with a front and back durable (at least 90#) white covering and shall be bound across the top with a secure fastener. Indexing tabs shall be affixed to the first page of each document in the appendix to identify and assist in locating the document. An index identifying each document contained in the appendix and its tab number shall be included immediately following the cover page. The appendix shall include a certificate of service if required by FRAP 25(d).

RULE 30-2 | APPENDIX - AGENCY REVIEW PROCEEDINGS

Except in review proceedings covered by 11th Cir. R. 15-1, in proceedings for review of orders of an agency, board, commission or officer, the petitioner must file an appendix containing those items required by FRAP 30(a)(1), which are:

Other than FRAP 30(a)(1), the requirements in FRAP 30 do not apply in this circuit.

The requirements concerning the appellee’s duty to file, time for filing, number of copies, and form, set out in 11th Cir. R. 30-1(b), (c), (d), and (e), also apply in agency proceedings. In a National Labor Relations Board enforcement proceeding, the party adverse to the Board shall be considered a petitioner for purposes of this rule.

RULE 30-3 | ELECTRONIC APPENDIX SUBMISSION

This rule only applies to attorneys who have been granted an exemption from the use of the ECF system under 11th Cir. R. 25-3(b). On the day the attorney’s paper appendix is served, the attorney must provide the court with an electronic appendix in accordance with directions provided by the clerk. The time for serving and filing an appendix is determined by service and filing of the paper appendix. If corrections are required to be made to the paper appendix, a corrected copy of the electronic appendix must be provided. The certificate of service, if required, shall indicate the date of service of the appendix in paper format.

RULE 31-1 | BRIEFS - TIME FOR SERVING AND FILING

(a) Briefing Schedule. Except as otherwise provided herein, the appellant shall serve and file a brief within 40 days after the date on which the record is deemed filed as provided by 11th Cir. R. 12-1. The appellee shall serve and file a brief within 30 days after service of the brief of the last appellant. The appellant may serve and file a reply brief within 21 days after service of the brief of the last appellee.

(b) Pending Motions. If any of the following motions or matters are pending in either the district court or the court of appeals at the time the appeal is docketed in the court of appeals or thereafter, the appellant (or appellant/cross-appellee) shall serve and file a brief within 40 days after the date on which the district court or the court of appeals rules on the motion or resolves the matter, and the appeal is allowed to proceed, or within 40 days after the date on which the record is deemed filed as provided by 11th Cir. R. 12-1, whichever is later:

• Motion to proceed In Forma Pauperis

• Motion for a Certificate of Appealability or to expand a Certificate of Appealability

• Motion of a type specified in FRAP 4(a)(4)(A) or FRAP 4(b)(3)(A)

• Determination of excusable neglect or good cause as specified in FRAP 4(a)(5)(A) or FRAP 4(b)(4)

• Assessment of fees pursuant to the Prisoner Litigation Reform Act

• Appointment and/or withdrawal of counsel

• Request for transcript at government expense

• Designation by appellee of additional parts of the proceedings to be ordered from the court reporter, order by appellee of such parts, or motion by appellee for an order requiring appellant to order such parts, as provided by FRAP 10(b)(3)(B) and (C)

• Motion to consolidate appeals, provided that such motion is filed on or before the date the appellant’s brief is due in any of the appeals which are the subject of such motion

Except as otherwise provided below, if any of the foregoing motions or matters are pending in either the district court or the court of appeals after the appellant (or appellant/cross-appellee) has served and filed a brief, the appellee (or appellee/cross-appellant) shall serve and file a brief within 30 days after the date on which the district court or the court of appeals rules on the motion or resolves the matter, and the appeal is allowed to proceed, or within 30 days after the date on which the supplemental record is deemed filed as provided by 11th Cir. R. 12-1, whichever is later.

When a motion to consolidate appeals is filed or is pending after an appellant has served and filed a brief in any of the appeals which are the subject of such motion, the due date for filing appellee’s brief shall be postponed until the court rules on such motion. If the motion is granted, the appellee (or appellee/cross-appellant) shall serve and file a brief in the consolidated appeals within 30 days after the date on which the court rules on the motion, or within 30 days after service of the last appellant’s brief, whichever is later. If the motion is denied, the appellee (or appellee/crossappellant) shall serve and file a brief in each separate appeal within 30 days after the date on which the court rules on the motion, or within 30 days after service of the last appellant’s brief in that separate appeal, whichever is later.

(c) Effect of Other Pending Motions on Time for Serving and Filing Brief. Except as otherwise provided in this rule, a pending motion does not postpone the time for serving and filing any brief. However, the filing of a motion to dismiss a criminal appeal based on an appeal waiver in a plea agreement or of a motion for summary affirmance or summary reversal shall postpone the due date for the filing of any remaining brief until the court rules on such motion. In addition, a motion to file a brief out-of-time, a motion to file a brief that does not comply with the court’s rules, or a motion to file a replacement brief shall postpone the due date for filing an opposing party’s response brief or reply brief until the court rules on such motion.

(d) Jurisdictional Question. If, upon review of the district court docket entries, order and/or judgment appealed from, and the notice of appeal, it appears that this court may lack jurisdiction over the appeal or cross-appeal, the court may request the parties to advise the court in writing of their position with respect to the jurisdictional question(s) raised. The issuance of a jurisdictional question does not stay the time for filing appellant’s brief otherwise provided by this rule. Unless otherwise ordered by the court, the due date for filing appellee’s or appellee-cross-appellant’s brief shall be postponed until the court determines that the appeal or cross-appeal shall proceed or directs the parties to address the jurisdictional question(s) in their briefs on the merits. When the court rules on a jurisdictional question, a new due date will be set for filing appellee’s or appellee-crossappellant’s brief if the appeal or cross-appeal is allowed to proceed.

RULE 31-2 | BRIEFS AND APPENDICES - MOTION TO EXTEND TIME

(a) First Request for an Extension of Time. A party’s first request for an extension of time to file its brief or appendix or to correct a deficiency in the brief or appendix must set forth good cause. A first request for an extension of 30 days or less may be made by telephone or in writing, is not subject to 11th Cir. R. 26-1, and may be granted by the clerk. A first request for an extension of more than 30 days must be made by written motion setting forth with particularity the facts demonstrating good cause, and will only be acted upon by the court. When a briefing schedule has been established by court order, a first request for an extension must be made by written motion and will only be acted upon by the court. Any motion for extension of time by the court shall be subject to 11th Cir. R. 26-1. A request for an extension of time made after any first request under this subsection has been granted shall be subject to 11th Cir. R. 31-2(d).

(b) First Request Filed 14 or More Days in Advance. When a party’s first request for an extension of time to file its brief or appendix is filed 30 or more days in advance of the due date for filing the brief or appendix and the requested extension of time is denied in full on a date that is seven or fewer days before the due date or is after the due date has passed, the time for filing the party’s brief or appendix will be extended an additional seven days beyond the initial due date or the date the court order is issued, whichever is later, unless the court orders otherwise.

(c) Seven Days in Advance Requirement. If a party’s first request for an extension of time to file its brief or appendix seeks an extension of more than 14 days, the motion must be filed at least seven days in advance of the due date for filing the brief or appendix. Such a motion received by the clerk less than seven days in advance of the due date for filing the brief or appendix will generally be denied by the court, unless the motion demonstrates that the good cause on which the motion is based did not exist earlier or was not and with due diligence could not have been known earlier or communicated to the court earlier.

(d) Second Request for an Extension of Time. A party’s second request for an extension of time to file its brief or appendix or to correct a deficiency in its brief or appendix is extremely disfavored and is granted rarely. A party’s second request for an extension will be granted only upon a showing of extraordinary circumstances that were not foreseeable at the time the first request was made. A second request must be made by written motion and will only be acted upon by the court.

(e) Extension of Time Must Be Requested Prior to Expiration of Due Date. A request for an extension of time to correct a deficiency in the brief or appendix pursuant this rule must be made or filed within 14 days of the clerk’s notice as provided in 11th Cir. R. 42-3. The clerk is without authority to file an appellant’s motion for an extension of time to correct a deficiency in the brief or appendix received by the clerk after the expiration of the 14-day period provided by that rule. [See 11th Cir. R. 42-2 and 42-3 concerning dismissal for failure to prosecute in a civil appeal.]

RULE 31-3 | BRIEFS - NUMBER OF COPIES

All parties must file four briefs in paper. For filers using the ECF system, the electronically filed brief is the official record copy of the brief. Use of the ECF system does not modify the requirement that filers must provide to the court four paper copies of a brief. ECF filers will be considered to have complied with this requirement if, on the day the electronic brief is filed, the filer sends four paper copies to the clerk using one of the methods outlined in FRAP 25(a)(2)(A)(ii). Also see 11th Cir. R. 25-3.

If the appeal is classed for oral argument, parties (except for pro se parties proceeding in forma pauperis) must file an additional one identical paper copy of the brief within seven days after the date on the notice from the clerk that the appeal has been classed for oral argument.

RULE 31-4 | EXPEDITED BRIEFING IN CRIMINAL APPEALS

The clerk is authorized to expedite briefing when it appears that an incarcerated defendant’s projected release is expected to occur prior to the conclusion of appellate proceedings.

RULE 31-5 | ELECTRONIC BRIEF SUBMISSION

This rule only applies to attorneys who have been granted an exemption from the use of the ECF system under 11th Cir. R. 25-3(b). On the day the attorney’s paper brief is served, the attorney must provide the court with an electronic brief in accordance with directions provided by the clerk. The time for serving and filing a brief is determined by service and filing of the paper brief. If corrections are required to be made to the paper brief, a corrected copy of the electronic brief must be provided. The certificate of service, if required, shall indicate the date of service of the brief in paper format.

RULE 32-1 | BINDING OF PAPERS

Except as otherwise provided by 11th Cir. R. 30-1(e) for appendices, all papers shall be stapled or bound on the left. All copies presented to the court must be legible.

RULE 32-2 | BRIEFS - COVER

The cover of the brief must clearly indicate the name of the party on whose behalf the brief is filed. Each copy must comply with FRAP, have a cover of durable quality (at least 90#) on both front and back sides, and be securely bound along the left-hand margin so as to insure that the bound copy will not loosen or fall apart or the cover be detached by shipping and use. Exposed metal prong paper fasteners are prohibited on briefs.

RULE 32-3 | BRIEFS - FORM

Only the cover page, a certificate of service, direct quotes, headings and footnotes may be singlespaced. All other typed matter must be double-spaced, including the Table of Contents and the Table of Citations. The court may reject or require recomposition of a brief for failure to comply.

The clerk may exercise very limited discretion to permit the filing of briefs in which the violation of FRAP and circuit rules governing the format of briefs is exceedingly minor if in the judgment of the clerk recomposition of the brief would be unwarranted.

Except as otherwise provided in the preceding paragraph, unless each copy of the brief, in the judgment of the clerk, conforms to this rule and to provisions of FRAP 32(a), the clerk may conditionally file the brief, subject to the requirement that the party file in the office of the clerk a complete set of replacement briefs which comply with FRAP and circuit rules within 14 days of issuance of notice by the clerk that the briefs have been conditionally filed. The clerk’s notice shall specify the matters requiring correction. No substantive changes may be made to the brief. The time for filing of the opposing party’s brief runs from the date of service of the conditionally filed brief and is unaffected by the later substitution of corrected copies pursuant to this rule.

RULE 32-4 | BRIEFS - PAGE NUMBERING AND LENGTH

The pages of each brief shall be consecutively numbered except that materials referred to in 11th Cir. R. 28-1(a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (m) and (n) and any addendum containing statutes, rules, or regulations need not be numbered and do not count towards page limitations or type-volume limitations. Motions for leave to file briefs which do not comply with the limitations set forth in FRAP 28.1(e) or FRAP 32(a)(7), as applicable, must be filed at least seven days in advance of the due date of the brief. The court looks with disfavor upon such motions and will only grant such a motion for extraordinary and compelling reasons.

RULE 33-1 | KINNARD MEDIATION CENTER

(a) Filing Civil Appeal Statement.

A Civil Appeal Statement is required in all civil appeals, except as provided in section (a)(3) below.

(1) Civil appeals from United States district courts. When notice of the filing of a notice of appeal is served pursuant to FRAP 3(d), the clerk of the district court shall notify the appellant(s) (and cross-appellant(s)) that a Civil Appeal Statement form is available as provided in section (a)(4) below. The appellant(s) (and cross-appellant(s)) shall file with the clerk of the court of appeals, with service on all other parties, a completed Civil Appeal Statement within 14 days after the date the appeal is docketed in this court. The completed Civil Appeal Statement shall set forth information necessary for an understanding of the nature of the appeal. Any appellee may file a response with the court of appeals within 10 days of the receipt of the completed Civil Appeal Statement and shall serve a copy of the response on all other parties.

(2) Review of administrative agency orders and appeals from the United States Tax Court. When the clerk of the court of appeals notifies the parties that an appeal or petition has been docketed, the clerk shall also notify the appellant(s)/petitioner(s) (and cross-appellant(s)/crosspetitioner(s)) that a Civil Appeal Statement form is available as provided in section (a)(4) below. The appellant(s)/petitioner(s) (and cross-appellant(s)/cross-petitioner(s)) shall file with the clerk of the court of appeals, with service on all other parties, a completed Civil Appeal Statement within 14 days from the date the notice was transmitted by the clerk of the court of appeals. The completed Civil Appeal Statement shall set forth information necessary for an understanding of the nature of the appeal or petition. Any appellee/respondent may file a response with the court of appeals within 10 days of the receipt of the completed Civil Appeal Statement and shall serve a copy of the response on all other parties.

(3) A Civil Appeal Statement is not required to be filed in (1) appeals or petitions in which any party is proceeding without the assistance of counsel or in which any party is incarcerated; (2) appeals from habeas corpus actions filed under 28 U.S.C. §§2241, 2254, and 2255; and (3) immigration appeals.

(4) Availability of Civil Appeal Statement forms. The Civil Appeal Statement form is available on the Internet at www.ca11.uscourts.gov. Copies may also be obtained from the clerk of the court of appeals and from the clerk of each district court within the Eleventh Circuit.

(b) [Rescinded]

(c) Mediation.

(1) An active or senior judge of the court of appeals, a panel of judges (either before or after oral argument), or the Kinnard Mediation Center, by appointment of the court, may direct counsel and parties in an appeal to participate in mediation conducted by the court’s circuit mediators. Mediations are official court proceedings and the Kinnard Mediation Center circuit mediators act on behalf of the court. Counsel for any party may request mediation in an appeal in which a Civil Appeal Statement is required to be filed if he or she thinks it would be helpful. Such requests will not be disclosed by the Kinnard Mediation Center to opposing counsel without permission of the requesting party. The purposes of the mediation are to explore the possibility of settlement of the dispute, to prevent unnecessary motions or delay by attempting to resolve any procedural problems in the appeal, and to identify and clarify issues presented in the appeal. Mediation sessions are held in person, by telephone, or by video conference. Parties are expected to participate in the mediation, unless their participation is waived in advance of the mediation by the mediator. Counsel must, except as waived by the mediator in advance of the mediation date, have the party available during the mediation. Should waiver of party availability be granted by the mediator, counsel must have the authority to respond to settlement proposals consistent with the party’s interests. For a governmental or other entity for which settlement decisions must be made collectively, the availability, presence, or participation requirement may be satisfied by a representative authorized to negotiate on behalf of that entity and to make recommendations to it concerning settlement.

(2) A judge who participates in the mediation or becomes involved in the settlement discussions pursuant to this rule will not sit on a judicial panel that deals with that appeal.

(3) Communications made during the mediation and any subsequent communications related thereto shall be confidential. Such communications shall not be disclosed by any party or participant in the mediation in motions, briefs, or argument to the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals or to any court or adjudicative body that might address the appeal’s merits, except as necessary for enforcement of Rule 33-1 under paragraph (f)(2), nor shall such communications be disclosed to anyone not involved in the mediation or otherwise not entitled to be kept informed about the mediation by reason of a position or relationship with a party unless the written consent of each mediation participant is obtained. Counsel’s motions, briefs, or argument to the court shall not contain any reference to the Kinnard Mediation Center. No person, including any attorney or participant, may record the mediation.

(d) Confidential Mediation Statement. The court requires, except as waived by the circuit mediator, that counsel in appeals selected for mediation send a confidential mediation statement assessing the appeal to the Kinnard Mediation Center before the mediation. The Kinnard Mediation Center will not share the confidential mediation statement with the other side, and it will not become part of the court file.

(e) Filing Deadlines. The filing of a Civil Appeal Statement or the scheduling of mediation does not extend the time for ordering any necessary transcript (pursuant to 11th Cir. R. 10-1) or for filing briefs (pursuant to 11th Cir. R. 31-1). Such time may be extended by a circuit mediator to comply with these rules if there is a substantial probability the appeal will settle and the extension will prevent the unnecessary expenditure of time and resources by counsel, the parties, and the court.

(f) Noncompliance Sanctions.

(1) If the appellant or petitioner has not taken the action specified in paragraph (a) of this rule within the time specified, the appeal or petition may be dismissed by the clerk of the court of appeals after appropriate notice pursuant to 11th Cir. R. 42-1.

(2) Upon failure of a party or attorney to comply with the provisions of this rule or the provisions of the court’s notice of mediation, the court may assess reasonable expenses caused by the failure, including attorney’s fees; assess all or a portion of the appellate costs; dismiss the appeal; or take such other appropriate action as the circumstances may warrant.

(g) Use of Private Mediators.

(1) Upon agreement of all parties, a private mediator may be employed by the parties, at their expense, to mediate an appeal that has been selected for mediation by the Kinnard Mediation Center.

(2) Such private mediator

(i) shall have been certified or registered as a mediator for the preceding five years;

(ii) shall have been admitted to practice law for the preceding fifteen years and be currently in good standing; and

(iii) shall be currently admitted to the bar of this court.

(3) All persons while employed as private mediators shall follow the private mediator procedures as set forth by the Kinnard Mediation Center.

(4) The provisions of this subsection (g) shall be in effect until discontinued by the Chief Circuit Mediator or by the court.

RULE 34-1 | SESSIONS

(a) At least one session of the court shall ordinarily be held each court year in each state of the circuit. Sessions may be scheduled at any location having adequate facilities. The court may assign the hearing of any appeal to another time or place of sitting.

(b) Regular and special sessions of the court may be held in Atlanta, Jacksonville, Miami, Montgomery, Tallahassee, Tampa, and at any other such place as the chief judge designates.

RULE 34-2 | QUORUM

Unless otherwise directed, a panel of the court shall consist of three judges. When an appeal is assigned to an oral argument panel, at least two judges shall be judges of this court unless such judges cannot sit because recused or disqualified or unless the chief judge certifies that there is an emergency including, but not limited to, the unavailability of a judge of the court because of illness. Any two judges of a panel constitute a quorum. If a judge of a panel that has taken an appeal or matter under submission is not able to participate in a decision, the two remaining judges, whether or not they are both judges of this court, may decide the appeal or may request the chief judge or a delegate of the chief judge to designate another judge to sit in place of the judge unable to participate. No further argument will be had or briefs received unless ordered.

Prior to oral argument, if a judge of an oral argument panel to which an appeal has been assigned determines that he or she cannot sit for reasons other than recusal or disqualification, the two remaining judges, whether or not they are both judges of this court, may hear oral argument. If the third judge is thereafter able to participate as a panel member, the third judge may listen to the oral argument recording and participate in the decision. If the third judge is thereafter not able to participate as a panel member, the two remaining judges may proceed as provided in the paragraph above.

Prior to oral argument, if a judge of an oral argument panel to which an appeal has been assigned determines that he or she cannot sit because recused or disqualified, the two remaining judges, whether or not they are both judges of this court, may:

(1) proceed by quorum to hear oral argument and decide the appeal;

(2) return the appeal to the clerk for placement on another calendar; or

(3) request the chief judge or a delegate of the chief judge to designate another judge to sit in place of the recused or disqualified judge.

For purposes of this rule, an appeal is considered assigned to an oral argument panel when the clerk notifies counsel of the specific day of the week on which oral argument in the appeal is scheduled to be heard. Prior to that time, a recusal or disqualification will ordinarily result in the appeal being transferred to another calendar.

Following the issuance of an opinion by a panel of three judges, if a judge of the panel recuses or is disqualified, the two remaining judges, whether or not they are both judges of this court, may proceed by quorum to take such further actions as are deemed appropriate.

RULE 34-3 | NON-ARGUMENT CALENDAR

(a) The court maintains a two-calendar system for consideration and decision of appeals in the interest of efficient and appropriate use of judicial resources, control of the docket by the court, minimizing unnecessary expenditure of government funds, and lessening delay in decisions.

(b) When a panel of judges of the court unanimously determines, after an examination of the briefs and records, that an appeal of a party falls within one of the three categories of FRAP 34(a)(2):

(l) the appeal is frivolous; or

(2) the dispositive issue or set of issues has been authoritatively determined; or

(3) the facts and legal arguments are adequately presented in the briefs and record and the decisional process will not be significantly aided by oral argument;

that appeal will be placed on the non-argument calendar for submission and decision without oral argument. If at any time before decision a judge on the non-argument panel concludes that oral argument is desired, that appeal will be transferred to the oral argument calendar. Except as provided in subparagraphs (d) and (f) of this rule, decision without oral argument must be unanimous, and no dissenting or special concurring opinion may be filed.

(c) Any party may request in his or her brief that oral argument be heard, as provided in 11th Cir. R. 28-1(c).

(d) Pursuant to FRAP 34(f), if parties state that they do not desire oral argument or otherwise agree that an appeal shall be submitted on briefs, that appeal may be placed on the non-argument calendar even though it does not fall within one of the requirements of FRAP 34(a). The decision in that appeal need not be unanimous and a dissent or special concurrence may be filed.

(e) Panels of three judges are drawn to serve as non-argument panels to determine whether appeals should be placed on the non-argument calendar and to receive submission of and decide non-argument appeals. In appeals involving multiple parties, a non-argument panel judge may determine that the appeals of fewer than all parties shall be scheduled for oral argument, and that the appeals of the remaining parties shall be submitted to the assigned oral argument panel for decision on the briefs. Or, a non-argument panel may decide the appeals of fewer than all parties without oral argument and may schedule the appeals of the remaining parties for oral argument.

(f) When an appeal is assigned to an oral argument panel, the oral argument panel, whether or not composed of only active judges, may by unanimous vote determine that the appeal will be decided by the panel without oral argument, or transfer the appeal to the non-argument calendar. In appeals involving multiple parties, an oral argument panel may by unanimous vote determine that the appeals of fewer than all parties will be decided by the panel without oral argument, and that the appeals of the remaining parties will be scheduled for oral argument.

RULE 34-4 | ORAL ARGUMENT CALENDAR

(a) General. All appeals not assigned to the non-argument calendar shall be assigned to the oral argument calendar. Appeals to be orally argued will be calendared by the clerk based upon the court’s calendaring priorities. Counsel for each party scheduled to present oral argument to the court must appear for oral argument unless excused by the court for good cause shown. The oral argument calendar will show the time the court has allotted for each argument.

(b) Waiver or Submission Without Argument. After an appeal has been scheduled for oral argument, argument may only be waived by the court upon motion filed in advance of the date set for hearing. If counsel for parties agree to submit the appeal on briefs, that appeal will be governed by FRAP 34(f).

(c) Failure to Appear for Oral Argument. If counsel for appellant fails to appear in an appeal from criminal conviction, the court will not hear argument from the United States; in all other appeals, the court may hear argument from counsel present.

(d) Number of Counsel to Be Heard. Only two counsel will be heard for each party whose appeal is scheduled to be argued, and the time allowed may be apportioned between counsel at their discretion.

(e) Change in or Addition to Counsel. After an appeal has been assigned to an oral argument panel, any change in or addition to counsel in the appeal requires leave of court. An appeal is considered assigned to an oral argument panel when the clerk notifies counsel of the specific day of the week on which oral argument in the appeal is scheduled to be heard.

(f) Expediting Appeals. The court may, on its own motion or for good cause shown on motion of a party, advance an appeal for hearing and prescribe an abbreviated briefing schedule.

(g) Continuance of Hearing. After an appeal has been set for hearing it may not be continued by stipulation of the parties or their counsel but only by an order of the court on good cause shown. Usually the engagement of counsel in other courts will not be considered good cause.

(h) Sealing Oral Arguments. Any motion to seal argument must be filed at least five days before oral argument, unless the court extends that period upon a showing of good cause. Recordings of sealed oral arguments will not be released absent an order of the court.

(i) Recording Oral Arguments. With advance approval of the court, counsel may arrange and pay for a qualified court reporter to be present to record and transcribe the oral argument for counsel’s personal use. When counsel has received such approval, counsel must provide the court with a copy of the transcript without delay and at no expense to the court. Except as otherwise provided in this rule, recording of court proceedings by anyone other than the court is prohibited. Also see I.O.P. 16, CD Recordings of Oral Arguments and I.O.P. 17, Posting of Oral Argument Recordings on the Website, following this rule.

(j) Citation of Supplemental Authorities During Oral Argument. If counsel intend to cite supplemental authorities during oral argument that were not provided to the court and opposing counsel prior to the day of oral argument, counsel must bring to oral argument a sufficient number of paper copies of the opinion(s) or other authorities being cited to permit distribution to panel members and opposing counsel.

RULE 35-1 | NUMBER OF COPIES AND LENGTH

Four copies of a petition for en banc consideration pursuant to FRAP 35 shall be filed whether for initial hearing or rehearing. A petition for en banc consideration shall not exceed the length limitations set out in FRAP 35(b)(2), exclusive of items required by 11th Cir. R. 35-5(a), (b), (c), (d), (j), and (k). If a petition for en banc consideration is made with a petition for rehearing (whether or not they are combined in a single document) the combined documents shall not exceed the length limitations set out in FRAP 35(b)(2), exclusive of items required by 11th Cir. R. 35-5(a), (b), (c), (d), (j), and (k).

Use of the ECF system does not modify the requirement that filers must provide to the court four paper copies of a petition for en banc consideration, whether for initial hearing or rehearing. Filers will be considered to have complied with this requirement if, on the day the electronic petition is filed, the filer sends four paper copies to the clerk using one of the methods outlined in FRAP 25(a)(2)(A)(ii).

RULE 35-2 | TIME - EXTENSIONS

A petition for en banc rehearing must be filed within 21 days of entry of judgment, except that a petition for en banc rehearing in a civil appeal in which the United States or an agency or officer thereof is a party must be filed within 45 days of entry of judgment. Judgment is entered on the opinion filing date. No additional time is allowed for mailing. Counsel should not request extensions of time except for the most compelling reasons. For purposes of this rule, a “civil appeal” is one that falls within the scope of 11th Cir. R. 42-2(a).

RULE 35-3 | EXTRAORDINARY NATURE OF PETITIONS FOR EN BANC CONSIDERATION

A petition for en banc consideration, whether upon initial hearing or rehearing, is an extraordinary procedure intended to bring to the attention of the entire court a precedent-setting error of exceptional importance in an appeal or other proceeding, and, with specific reference to a petition for en banc consideration upon rehearing, is intended to bring to the attention of the entire court a panel opinion that is allegedly in direct conflict with precedent of the Supreme Court or of this circuit. Alleged errors in a panel’s determination of state law, or in the facts of the case (including sufficiency of the evidence), or error asserted in the panel’s misapplication of correct precedent to the facts of the case, are matters for rehearing before the panel but not for en banc consideration.

Counsel are reminded that the duty of counsel is fully discharged without filing a petition for rehearing en banc if the rigid standards of FRAP 35(a) are not met, and that the filing of a petition for rehearing or rehearing en banc is not a prerequisite to filing a petition for writ of certiorari.

RULE 35-4 | MATTERS NOT CONSIDERED EN BANC

A petition for rehearing en banc tendered with respect to any of the following orders will not be considered by the court en banc, but will be referred as a motion for reconsideration to the judge or panel that entered the order sought to be reheard:

(a) Administrative or interim orders, including but not limited to orders ruling on requests for the following relief: stay or injunction pending appeal; appointment of counsel; leave to appeal in forma pauperis; and, permission to appeal when an appeal is within the court’s discretion.

(b) Any order dismissing an appeal that is not published including, but not limited to, dismissal for failure to prosecute or because an appeal is frivolous.

RULE 35-5 | FORM OF PETITION

A petition for en banc consideration shall be bound in a white cover which is clearly labeled with the title “Petition for Rehearing (or Hearing) En Banc.” A petition for en banc consideration shall contain the following items in this sequence:

(a) a cover page as described in 11th Cir. R. 28-1(a);

(b) a Certificate of Interested Persons and Corporate Disclosure Statement as described in FRAP 26.1 and the accompanying circuit rules;

(c) where the party petitioning for en banc consideration is represented by counsel, one or both of the following statements of counsel as applicable:

I express a belief, based on a reasoned and studied professional judgment, that the panel decision is contrary to the following decision(s) of the Supreme Court of the United States or the precedents of this circuit and that consideration by the full court is necessary to secure and maintain uniformity of decisions in this court: [cite specifically the case or cases]

I express a belief, based on a reasoned and studied professional judgment, that this appeal involves one or more questions of exceptional importance: [set forth each question in one sentence]

	/s/
	ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR

(d) table of contents and citations;

(e) statement of the issue(s) asserted to merit en banc consideration;

(f) statement of the course of proceedings and disposition of the case;

(g) statement of any facts necessary to argument of the issues;

(h) argument and authorities. These shall concern only the issues and shall address specifically not only their merit but why they are contended to be worthy of en banc consideration;

(i) conclusion;

(j) certificate of service, if required by FRAP 25(d);

(k) a copy of the opinion sought to be reheard.

RULE 35-6 | RESPONSE TO PETITION

A response to a petition for en banc consideration may not be filed unless requested by the court.

RULE 35-7 | EN BANC BRIEFS

An en banc briefing schedule shall be set by the clerk for all appeals in which rehearing en banc is granted by the court. Ten copies of en banc briefs must be filed and served. En banc briefs should be prepared in the same manner and form as opening briefs and conform to the requirements of FRAP 28 and 32. The covers of all en banc briefs shall be of the color required by FRAP 32 and shall contain the title “En Banc Brief.” Unless otherwise directed by the court, the page and type-volume limitations described in FRAP 32(a)(7) apply to en banc briefs.

Use of the ECF system does not modify the requirement that filers must provide to the court ten paper copies of en banc briefs. Filers will be considered to have complied with this requirement if, on the day the electronic brief is filed, the filer sends ten paper copies to the clerk using one of the methods outlined in FRAP 25(a)(2)(A)(ii).

RULE 35-8 | EN BANC AMICUS BRIEFS

The United States or its officer or agency or a state may file an en banc amicus brief without the consent of the parties or leave of court. Any other amicus curiae must request leave of court by filing a motion accompanied by the proposed brief in conformance with FRAP 29(a)(3) through (a)(5) and the corresponding circuit rules. An amicus curiae must file its en banc brief, accompanied by a motion for filing when necessary, no later than the due date of the principal en banc brief of the party being supported. An amicus curiae that does not support either party must file its en banc brief, accompanied by a motion for filing when necessary, no later than the due date of the appellant’s or petitioner’s principal en banc brief. An amicus curiae must also comply with 11th Cir. R. 35-7.

RULE 35-9 | SENIOR CIRCUIT JUDGES’ PARTICIPATION

Senior circuit judges of the Eleventh Circuit assigned to duty pursuant to statute and court rules may sit en banc reviewing decisions of panels of which they were members and may continue to participate in the decision of a case that was heard or reheard by the court en banc at a time when such judge was in regular active service.

RULE 35-10 | EFFECT OF GRANTING REHEARING EN BANC

Unless otherwise expressly provided, the effect of granting a rehearing en banc is to vacate the panel opinion and the corresponding judgment.

RULE 36-1 | [RESCINDED]

[RESCINDED]

RULE 36-2 | UNPUBLISHED OPINIONS

An opinion shall be unpublished unless a majority of the panel decides to publish it. Unpublished opinions are not considered binding precedent, but they may be cited as persuasive authority. If the text of an unpublished opinion is not available on the internet, a copy of the unpublished opinion must be attached to or incorporated within the brief, petition, motion or response in which such citation is made. But see I.O.P. 7, Citation to Unpublished Opinions by the Court, following this rule.

RULE 36-3 | PUBLISHING UNPUBLISHED OPINIONS

At any time before the mandate has issued, the panel, on its own motion or upon the motion of a party, may by unanimous vote order a previously unpublished opinion to be published. The timely filing of a motion to publish shall stay issuance of the mandate until disposition thereof unless otherwise ordered by the court. The time for issuance of the mandate and for filing a petition for rehearing or petition for rehearing en banc shall begin running anew from the date of any order directing publication.

RULE 38-1 | TIME FOR FILING MOTIONS

Motions for damages and costs pursuant to FRAP 38 must be filed no later than the filing of appellee’s brief.

RULE 39-1 | COSTS

In taxing costs for printing or reproduction and binding pursuant to FRAP 39(c) the clerk shall tax such costs at rates not higher than those determined by the clerk from time to time by reference to the rates generally charged for the most economical methods of printing or reproduction and binding in the principal cities of the circuit, or at actual cost, whichever is less.

Unless advance approval for additional copies is secured from the clerk, costs will be taxed only for the number of copies of the brief and appendix required by the rules to be filed and served, plus two copies for each party signing the brief.

All costs shall be paid and mailed directly to the party to whom costs have been awarded. Costs should not be mailed to the clerk of the court.

RULE 39-2 | ATTORNEY’S FEES

(a) Time for Filing. Except as otherwise provided herein or by statute or court order, an application for attorney’s fees must be filed with the clerk within 14 days after the time to file a petition for rehearing or rehearing en banc expires, or within 14 days after entry of an order disposing of a timely petition for rehearing or denying a timely petition for rehearing en banc, whichever is later. For purposes of this rule, the term “attorney’s fees” includes fees and expenses authorized by statute, but excludes damages and costs sought pursuant to FRAP 38, costs taxed pursuant to FRAP 39, and sanctions sought pursuant to 11th Cir. R. 27-4.

(b) Required Documentation. An application for attorney’s fees must be supported by a memorandum showing that the party seeking attorney’s fees is legally entitled to them. The application must also include a summary of work performed, on a form available from the clerk, supported by contemporaneous time records recording all work for which a fee is claimed. An affidavit attesting to the truthfulness of the information contained in the application and demonstrating the basis for the hourly rate requested must also accompany the application. Exceptions may be made only to avoid an unconscionable result. If contemporaneous time records are not available, the court may approve only the minimum amount of fees necessary, in the court’s judgment, to adequately compensate the attorney.

(c) Objection to Application. Any party from whom attorney’s fees are sought may file an objection to the application. An objection must be filed with the clerk within 14 days after service of the application. The party seeking attorney’s fees may file a reply to the objection within 10 days after service of the objection.

(d) Motion to Transfer. Any party who is or may be eligible for attorney’s fees on appeal may, within the time for filing an application provided by this rule, file a motion to transfer consideration of attorney’s fees on appeal to the district court or administrative agency from which the appeal was taken.

(e) Remand for Further Proceedings. When a reversal on appeal, in whole or in part, results in a remand to the district court for trial or other further proceedings (e.g., reversal of order granting summary judgment, or denying a new trial), a party who may be eligible for attorney’s fees on appeal after prevailing on the merits upon remand may, in lieu of filing an application for attorney’s fees in this court, request attorney’s fees for the appeal in a timely application filed with the district court upon disposition of the matter on remand.

RULE 39-3 | FEE AWARDS TO PREVAILING PARTIES UNDER THE EQUAL ACCESS TO JUSTICE ACT

(a) An application to this court for an award of fees and expenses pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §2412(d)(1)(B) must be filed within the time specified in the statute. The application must identify the applicant, show the nature and extent of services rendered, that the applicant has prevailed, and shall identify the position of the United States Government or an agency thereof which the applicant alleges was not substantially justified.

(b) An application to the court pursuant to 5 U.S.C. §504(c)(2) shall be upon the factual record made before the agency, which shall be filed with this court under the procedures established in FRAP 11 and associated circuit rules. Unless the court establishes a schedule for filing formal briefs upon motion of a party, such proceedings shall be upon the application papers, together with such supporting papers, including memorandum briefs, as the appellant shall submit within 14 days of filing of the record of agency proceedings and upon any response filed by the United States in opposition thereto within the succeeding 14 days.

RULE 40-1 | CONTENTS

A copy of the opinion sought to be reheard shall be included as an addendum to each petition for rehearing. This addendum does not count towards length limitations.

RULE 40-2 | NUMBER OF COPIES

Four copies of a petition for rehearing pursuant to FRAP 40 shall be filed. Use of the ECF system does not modify the requirement that filers must provide to the court four paper copies of a petition for rehearing. Filers will be considered to have complied with this requirement if, on the day the electronic petition is filed, the filer sends four paper copies to the clerk using one of the methods outlined in FRAP 25(a)(2)(A)(ii).

RULE 40-3 | TIME - EXTENSIONS

A petition for rehearing must be filed within 21 days of entry of judgment, except that a petition for rehearing in a civil appeal in which the United States or an officer or agency thereof is a party must be filed within 45 days of entry of judgment. Judgment is entered on the opinion filing date. No additional time shall be allowed for mailing. Counsel should not request extensions of time except for the most compelling reasons. For purposes of this rule, a “civil appeal” is one that falls within the scope of 11th Cir. R. 42-2(a).

RULE 40-4 | [RESCINDED]

[RESCINDED]

RULE 40-5 | SUPPLEMENTAL AUTHORITIES

If pertinent and significant authorities come to a party’s attention while a party’s petition for rehearing or petition for rehearing en banc is pending, a party may promptly advise the clerk by letter, with a copy to all other parties. The body of the letter must not exceed 350 words, including footnotes. If a new case is not reported, copies should be appended. When such a letter is filed in paper, four copies must be filed.

RULE 41-1 | STAY OR RECALL OF MANDATE

(a) A motion filed under FRAP 41 for a stay of the issuance of a mandate in a direct criminal appeal shall not be granted simply upon request. Ordinarily the motion will be denied unless it shows that it is not frivolous, not filed merely for delay, and shows that a substantial question is to be presented to the Supreme Court or otherwise sets forth good cause for a stay.

(b) A mandate once issued shall not be recalled except to prevent injustice.

(c) When a motion to recall a mandate is tendered for filing more than one year after issuance of the mandate, the clerk shall not accept the motion for filing unless the motion states with specificity why it was not filed sooner. The court will not grant the motion unless the movant has established good cause for the delay in filing the motion.

(d) Unless otherwise expressly provided, the effect of granting a petition for rehearing en banc is to vacate the panel opinion and the corresponding judgment.

RULE 41-2 | EXPEDITING ISSUANCE OF MANDATE

In any appeal in which a published opinion has issued, the time for issuance of the mandate may be shortened only after all circuit judges in regular active service who are not recused or disqualified have been provided with reasonable notice and an opportunity to notify the clerk to withhold issuance of the mandate.

RULE 41-3 | PUBLISHED ORDER DISMISSING APPEAL OR DISPOSING OF A PETITION FOR A WRIT OF MANDAMUS OR PROHIBITION OR OTHER EXTRAORDINARY WRIT

When any of the following orders is published, the time for issuance of the mandate is governed by FRAP 41(b):

(a) An order dismissing an appeal.

(b) An order disposing of a petition for a writ of mandamus or prohibition or other extraordinary writ.

RULE 41-4 | NON-PUBLISHED ORDER DISMISSING APPEAL OR DISPOSING OF A PETITION FOR A WRIT OF MANDAMUS OR PROHIBITION OR OTHER EXTRAORDINARY WRIT

When any of the following orders is not published, the clerk shall issue a copy to the district court clerk or agency as the mandate:

(a) An order dismissing an appeal, including an order dismissing an appeal for want of prosecution.

(b) An order disposing of a petition for a writ of mandamus or prohibition or other extraordinary writ.

RULE 42-1 | DISMISSAL OF APPEALS

(a) Stipulated Dismissal Agreements and Motions to Dismiss by Appellants or Petitioners. If an appeal has been assigned to a panel on the merits, any stipulated dismissal agreement or motion to dismiss the appeal will be submitted to that panel. If an appeal has not been assigned to a panel on the merits, the clerk may clerically dismiss the appeal if the parties file a stipulated dismissal agreement or if the appellant or petitioner files an unopposed motion to dismiss the appeal. In such circumstances, the clerk will issue a copy of the order as and for the mandate. By issuing such a dismissal, the clerk expresses no opinion on the effect of that dismissal. If an appeal has not been assigned to a panel on the merits and an appellant’s or petitioner’s motion to dismiss is opposed, it will be submitted to the court. All motions to dismiss and stipulated dismissal agreements must contain a Certificate of Interested Persons and Corporate Disclosure Statement in compliance with FRAP 26.1 and the accompanying circuit rules. For motions to dismiss criminal appeals, see also 11th Cir. R. 27-1(a)(7) and 27-1(a)(8).

A joint motion to dismiss must be signed by counsel for each party encompassed by the motion, or by the party itself if proceeding pro se. All motions to dismiss must contain a Certificate of Interested Persons and Corporate Disclosure Statement in compliance with FRAP 26.1 and the accompanying circuit rules. If an appellant’s or petitioner’s motion to dismiss is opposed, it will be submitted to the court. For motions to dismiss criminal appeals, see also 11th Cir. R. 27-1(a)(7) and 27-1(a)(8).

(b) Dismissal for Failure to Prosecute. Except as otherwise provided for briefs and appendices in civil appeals in 11th Cir. R. 42-2 and 42-3, when appellant fails to file a brief or other required papers within the time permitted, or otherwise fails to comply with the applicable rules, the clerk shall issue a notice to counsel, or to pro se appellant, that upon expiration of 14 days from the date thereof the appeal will be dismissed for want of prosecution if the default has not been remedied by filing the brief or other required papers and a motion to file documents out of time. Within that 14-day notice period a party in default must seek leave of the court, by appropriate motion, to file documents out of time or otherwise remedy the default. Failure to timely file such motion will result in dismissal for want of prosecution.

The clerk shall not dismiss an appeal during the pendency of a timely filed motion for an extension of time to file appellant’s brief or appendix, but if the court denies such leave after the expiration of the due date for filing the brief or appendix, the clerk shall dismiss the appeal forthwith. The clerk shall not dismiss an appeal during the pendency of a timely filed motion to file documents out of time or otherwise remedy the default which is accompanied by the brief or other required papers, but if the court denies such leave the clerk shall dismiss the appeal forthwith.

If an appellant is represented by appointed counsel, the clerk may refer the matter to the Chief Judge for consideration of possible disciplinary action against counsel in lieu of dismissal.

RULE 42-2 | DISMISSAL IN A CIVIL APPEAL FOR APPELLANT’S FAILURE TO FILE BRIEF OR APPENDIX BY DUE DATE

(a) Applicability of Rule. The provisions of this rule apply to all civil appeals, including Tax Court appeals, bankruptcy appeals, appeals in cases brought pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§2254 and 2255, review of agency orders, and petitions for extraordinary writs when briefing has been ordered, but not including appeals of orders revoking supervised release or of orders entered pursuant to Rule 35 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure or 18 U.S.C. §3582.

(b) Notice of Due Date for Filing Brief and Appendix. Eleventh Circuit Rules 30-1(c) and 31-1 establish the due dates for filing the brief and appendix. To facilitate compliance, the clerk will send counsel and pro se parties a notice confirming the due date for filing appellant’s brief and appendix consistent with 11th Cir. R. 30-1(c) and 31-1. However, delay in or failure to receive such notice does not affect the obligation of counsel and pro se parties to file the brief and appendix within the time permitted by the rules.

(c) Dismissal Without Further Notice. When an appellant has failed to file the brief or appendix by the due date as established by 11th Cir. R. 30-1(c) and 31-1 and set forth in the clerk’s notice, or, if the due date has been extended by the court, within the time so extended, an appeal shall be treated as dismissed for failure to prosecute on the first business day following the due date. The clerk thereafter will enter an order dismissing the appeal. If an appellant is represented by appointed counsel, the clerk may refer the matter to the Chief Judge for consideration of possible disciplinary action against counsel in lieu of dismissal.

(d) Effect of Pending Motion to Extend Time. The clerk shall not dismiss an appeal during the pendency of a timely filed motion for an extension of time to file appellant’s brief or appendix, but if the court denies such leave after the expiration of the due date for filing the brief or appendix, the clerk shall dismiss the appeal.

(e) Motion to Set Aside Dismissal and Remedy Default. An appeal dismissed pursuant to this rule may be reinstated only upon the timely filing of a motion to set aside the dismissal and remedy the default showing extraordinary circumstances, accompanied by the required brief or appendix. Such a motion showing extraordinary circumstances, accompanied by the required brief or appendix, must be filed within 14 days of the date the clerk enters the order dismissing the appeal. The timely filing of such a motion, accompanied by the required brief or appendix, and a showing of extraordinary circumstances, is the exclusive method of seeking to set aside a dismissal entered pursuant to this rule. An untimely filed motion to set aside dismissal and remedy default must be denied unless the motion demonstrates extraordinary circumstances justifying the delay in filing the motion, and no further filings shall be accepted by the clerk in that dismissed appeal. The time to file a responsive brief runs from the date the court’s order granting a motion to set aside dismissal and remedy default is entered on the docket.

(f) Failure of Appellee to File Brief by Due Date. When an appellee fails to file a brief by the due date as established by 11th Cir. R. 31-1, or, if the due date has been extended by the court, within the time so extended, the appeal will be submitted to the court for decision without further delay, and the appellee will not be heard at oral argument (if oral argument is scheduled to be heard) unless otherwise ordered by the court.

RULE 42-3 | DISMISSAL IN A CIVIL APPEAL FOR APPELLANT’S FAILURE TO CORRECT A DEFICIENCY IN BRIEFS OR APPENDICES WITHIN 14 DAYS OF NOTICE

(a) Applicability of Rule. The provisions of this rule apply to all civil appeals, including Tax Court appeals, bankruptcy appeals, appeals in cases brought pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§2254 and 2255, review of agency orders, and petitions for extraordinary writs when briefing has been ordered, but not including appeals of orders revoking supervised release or of orders entered pursuant to Rule 35 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure or 18 U.S.C. §3582.

(b) Notice to Correct a Deficiency in Briefs or Appendices. If briefs or appendices do not comply with the rules governing the form of briefs and appendices, the clerk will send counsel and pro se parties a notice specifying the matters requiring correction. A complete corrected set of replacement briefs or appendices must be filed in the office of the clerk within 14 days of the date of the clerk’s notice.

(c) Dismissal Without Further Notice. When an appellant has failed to correct the brief or appendix within 14 days of the clerk’s notice, or, if the due date has been extended by the court, within the time so extended, an appeal shall be treated as dismissed for failure to prosecute on the first business day following the due date. The clerk thereafter will enter an order dismissing the appeal. If an appellant is represented by appointed counsel, the clerk may refer the matter to the Chief Judge for consideration of possible disciplinary action against counsel in lieu of dismissal.

(d) Effect of Pending Motion to Extend Time. The clerk shall not dismiss an appeal during the pendency of a timely filed motion for an extension of time to correct a deficiency in appellant’s brief or appendix, but if the court denies such leave after the expiration of the due date for correcting a deficiency in the brief or appendix, the clerk shall dismiss the appeal.

(e) Motion to Set Aside Dismissal and Remedy Default. An appeal dismissed pursuant to this rule may be reinstated only upon the filing of a motion to set aside the dismissal and remedy the default showing extraordinary circumstances, accompanied by the required corrected brief or appendix. Such a motion showing extraordinary circumstances, accompanied by the required corrected brief or appendix, must be filed within 14 days of the date the clerk enters the order dismissing the appeal. The timely filing of such a motion, accompanied by the required corrected brief or appendix, and a showing of extraordinary circumstances, is the exclusive method of seeking to set aside a dismissal entered pursuant to this rule. An untimely filed motion to set aside dismissal and remedy default must be denied unless the motion demonstrates extraordinary circumstances justifying the delay in filing the motion, and no further filings shall be accepted by the clerk in that dismissed appeal. The time to file a responsive brief runs from the date the court’s order granting a motion to set aside dismissal and remedy default is entered on the docket.

(f) Failure of Appellee to File Corrected Brief Within 14 Days of Notice. When an appellee fails to file a corrected brief within 14 days of the clerk’s notice, or, if that date has been extended by the court, within the time so extended, the appeal will be submitted to the court for decision without further delay, and the appellee will not be heard at oral argument (if oral argument is scheduled to be heard) unless otherwise ordered by the court.

RULE 42-4 | FRIVOLOUS APPEALS

If it shall appear to the court at any time that an appeal is frivolous and entirely without merit, the appeal may be dismissed.

RULE 45-1 | CLERK

(a) Location. The clerk’s principal office shall be in the city of Atlanta, Georgia.

(b) Office to Be Open. The office of the clerk, with the clerk or a deputy in attendance, shall be open for business from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on all days except Saturdays, Sundays, New Year’s Day, Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

RULE 46-1 | BAR ADMISSION AND FEES

Only attorneys admitted to the bar of this court may practice before the court, except as otherwise provided in these rules. Admission is governed by FRAP 46 and this Eleventh Circuit Rule, and attorneys must also meet the requirements of 11th Cir. R. 46-7. To request admission to the bar, an attorney must complete an application form, available on the court's website. The application form must be accompanied by a certificate of good standing issued within the previous six months establishing that the attorney is admitted to practice before a court described in FRAP 46(a)(1). Upon admission, the attorney must pay the non-refundable attorney admission fee, which is composed of:

(1) the national admission fee prescribed by the Judicial Conference of the United States in the Court of Appeals Miscellaneous Fee Schedule issued pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §1913; and

(2) the local admission fee prescribed pursuant to FRAP 46(a)(3) and posted on the court's website. Failure to pay the fee within 14 days of admission will require that the attorney submit a new application form. All attorneys must apply for admission and submit attorney admission fees through PACER.

Each member of the bar has a continuing obligation to keep this court informed of any changes to addresses, phone numbers, fax numbers, and e-mail addresses.

The clerk is authorized to admit attorneys to the bar of this court in such circumstances as determined by the court when the attorney has applied for admission, paid the required fee, and otherwise meets the requirements for admission in FRAP 46 and the accompanying circuit rules.

RULE 46-2 | RENEWAL OF BAR MEMBERSHIP; INACTIVE STATUS

Each attorney admitted to the bar of this court shall pay the bar membership renewal fee prescribed by the court and posted on the court's website every five years from the date of admission. A new certificate of admission will not issue upon payment of this fee. During the first week of the month in which an attorney’s renewal fee is due, the clerk shall send by mail, e-mail, or other means a notice to the attorney using the contact information on the roll of attorneys admitted to practice before this court (attorney roll), and advise the attorney that payment of the renewal fee is due by the last day of that month. If the notice is returned undelivered due to incorrect or invalid contact information, no further notice will be sent. If the renewal fee is not paid by the last day of the month in which the notice is sent, the attorney’s membership in the bar of this court will be placed in inactive status for a period of 12 months, beginning on the first day of the next month. An attorney whose bar membership is in inactive status may not practice before the court. To renew a bar membership, including one in inactive status, an attorney must complete a bar membership renewal form, available at www.ca11.uscourts.gov. The renewal form must be accompanied by the non-refundable bar membership renewal fee. All attorneys must use the court’s Electronic Case Files (ECF) system to submit their renewal forms and payments.

After 12 months in inactive status, if an attorney has not paid the bar membership renewal fee, the clerk shall strike the attorney’s name from the attorney roll. An attorney whose name is stricken from the attorney roll due to nonpayment of the renewal fee who thereafter wishes to practice before the court must apply for admission to the bar pursuant to 11th Cir. R. 46-1, unless the attorney is eligible to be admitted for a particular proceeding pursuant to 11th Cir. R. 46-3.

RULE 46-3 | ADMISSION FOR PARTICULAR PROCEEDING

The following attorneys shall be admitted for the particular proceeding in which they are appearing without the necessity of formal application or payment of the admission fee: an attorney appearing on behalf of the United States, a federal public defender, an attorney appointed by a federal court under the Criminal Justice Act, and any attorney appointed by this court.

RULE 46-4 | PRO HAC VICE ADMISSION

A non-appointed attorney who is representing a client on a pro bono basis, otherwise eligible for admission to the bar pursuant to FRAP 46 and these rules, and also meets the requirements of 11th Cir. R. 46-7, may apply to appear pro hac vice in a particular proceeding. The following items must be provided:

• a completed Application to Appear Pro Hac Vice form, available at www.ca11.uscourts.gov, with proof of service;

• a certificate of good standing issued within the previous six months establishing that the attorney is admitted to practice before a court described in FRAP 46(a)(1); and

• a non-refundable pro hac vice application fee prescribed by the court and posted on the court's website.

An attorney may apply to appear before this court pro hac vice only two times.

To practice before the court, an attorney who is not representing a client on a pro bono basis or who has two times previously applied to appear before this court pro hac vice, must apply for admission to the bar pursuant to 11th Cir. R. 46-1, unless the attorney is eligible to be admitted for a particular proceeding pursuant to 11th Cir. R. 46-3.

The clerk is authorized to grant an application to appear pro hac vice in an appeal not yet assigned or under submission, in such circumstances as determined by the court, when an attorney meets the requirements of the rules.

RULE 46-5 | ENTRY OF APPEARANCE

Every attorney, except one appointed by the court for a specific case, must file an Appearance of Counsel Form in order to participate in a case before the court. The form must be filed within 14 days after the date on the notice from the clerk that the Appearance of Counsel Form must be filed. With a court-appointed attorney, the order of appointment will be treated as the appearance form.

Except for those who are court-appointed, an attorney who has not previously filed an Appearance of Counsel Form in a case will not be permitted to participate in oral argument of the case until the appearance form is filed.

RULE 46-6 | CLERK’S AUTHORITY TO ACCEPT FILINGS

(a) Filings from an Attorney Who Is Not Authorized to Practice Before this Court.

(1) Subject to the provisions of this rule, the clerk may conditionally file the following papers received from an attorney who is not authorized to practice before this court, unless the attorney has been suspended or disbarred from practice before this court or has been denied admission to the bar of this court:

• a petition or application that initiates a proceeding in this court;

• an emergency motion as described in 11th Cir. R. 27-1(b);

• a motion or petition that is treated by the clerk as “time sensitive” as that term is used in 11th Cir. R. 27-1(b).

(2) Upon filing the petition, application, or motion, the clerk will notify the attorney that in order to participate in the appeal the attorney must submit an appropriate application for admission, renewal form, or application to appear pro hac vice within 21 days from the date of such notice.

(3) Within the 21-day notice period, the clerk may conditionally file motions and other papers received from the attorney, subject to receipt of an appropriate application or renewal form within that period. At the expiration of the 21-day notice period, if an appropriate application or renewal form has not been received, the motions and other papers may be clerically stricken and treated as though they were never filed. The clerk may stay further proceedings in the appeal for 60 days, if necessary, to allow the attorney’s client to seek new counsel.

(4) When an appropriate application is received within the 21-day notice period, the clerk may continue to conditionally file motions and other papers received from the attorney, subject to the court’s approval of the attorney’s application or renewal form. If the attorney’s application or renewal is denied, the motions and other papers may be clerically stricken and treated as though they were never filed. The clerk may stay further proceedings in the appeal for 60 days, if necessary, to allow the attorney’s client to seek new counsel.

(b) Filings from an Attorney Who Has Not Filed an Appearance of Counsel Form Within 14 Days After Notice is Mailed by the Clerk. When an attorney fails to file a required Appearance of Counsel Form within 14 days after notice of that requirement is mailed by the clerk, the clerk may not accept any further filings (except for a brief) from the attorney until the attorney files an Appearance of Counsel Form. When an attorney who has not filed an Appearance of Counsel Form tenders a brief for filing, the clerk will treat the failure to file an Appearance of Counsel Form as a deficiency in the form of the brief. An Appearance of Counsel Form need not be accompanied by a motion to file out of time.

RULE 46-7 | ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP IN GOOD STANDING WITH STATE BAR REQUIRED TO PRACTICE; CHANGES IN STATUS OF BAR MEMBERSHIP MUST BE REPORTED

In addition to the requirements of FRAP 46 and the corresponding circuit rules, and Addendum Eight, an attorney may not practice before this court if the attorney is not an active member in good standing with a state bar or the bar of the highest court of a state, or the District of Columbia (hereinafter, “state bar”). When an attorney’s active membership in good standing with a state bar lapses for any reason, including but not limited to retirement, placement in inactive status, failure to pay bar membership fees, or failure to complete continuing education requirements, the attorney must notify the clerk of this court within 14 days. That notification must also list every other state bar and federal bar of which the attorney is a member, including state bar numbers and the attorney’s status with that bar (e.g., active, inactive, retired, etc.). Members of the Eleventh Circuit bar have a continuing obligation to provide such notification, and attorneys appearing pro hac vice in a particular case or appeal must provide such notification while that case or appeal is pending. Upon receipt of that notification, the court may take any action it deems appropriate, including placing the attorney’s bar membership in inactive status until the attorney provides documentation of active membership in good standing with a state bar.

RULE 46-8 | CERTIFICATE OF ADMISSION

Upon admission to the bar of this court, the clerk will send the attorney a certificate of admission. A duplicate certificate of admission is available for purchase upon payment of the fee prescribed by the Judicial Conference of the United States in the Court of Appeals Miscellaneous Fee Schedule issued pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §1913, payable to Clerk, U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit.

RULE 46-9 | ATTORNEY DISCIPLINE

This court has adopted rules governing attorney conduct and discipline. See Addendum Eight.

RULE 46-10 | APPOINTMENT OR WITHDRAWAL OF COUNSEL

(a) Appellate Obligations of Retained Counsel. Retained counsel for a criminal defendant has an obligation to continue to represent that defendant until successor counsel either enters an appearance or is appointed under the Criminal Justice Act, and may not abandon or cease representation of a defendant except upon order of the court.

(b) Habeas Corpus or 28 U.S.C. §2255 Pauper Appeals. When any pro se appeal for either habeas corpus or 2255 relief is classified for oral argument, counsel will normally be appointed under the Criminal Justice Act before the appeal is calendared. The non-argument panel that classifies the appeal for oral argument will advise the clerk who will then obtain counsel under the regular procedure.

(c) Relieving Court Appointed Counsel on Appeal. Counsel appointed by the trial court shall not be relieved on appeal except in the event of incompatibility between attorney and client or other serious circumstances.

(d) Criminal Justice Act Appointments. The Judicial Council of this circuit has adopted the Eleventh Circuit Plan under the Criminal Justice Act and Guidelines for Counsel Supplementing the Eleventh Circuit Plan under the Criminal Justice Act. See Addendum Four.

(e) Non-Criminal Justice Act Appointments. This court has adopted rules governing Non-Criminal Justice Act Appointments. See Addendum Five.

RULE 46-11 | APPEARANCE AND ARGUMENT BY ELIGIBLE LAW STUDENTS

(a) Scope of Legal Assistance.

(1) Notice of Appearance. An eligible law student, as described below, acting under a supervising attorney of record, may enter an appearance in this court on behalf of any indigent person, the United States, or a governmental agency in any civil or criminal case, provided that the party on whose behalf the student appears and the supervising attorney of record has consented thereto in writing. The written consent of the party (or the party’s representative) and the supervising attorney of record must be filed with this court.

(2) Briefs. An eligible law student may assist in the preparation of briefs and other documents to be filed in this court, but such briefs or documents must be reviewed, approved entirely, and signed by the supervising attorney of record. Names of students participating in the preparation of briefs may, however, be added to the briefs.

(3) Oral Argument. Except, on behalf of the accused, in a direct appeal from a criminal prosecution, an eligible law student may also participate in oral argument, but only in the presence of the supervising attorney of record.

(b) Law Student Eligibility Requirements.

In order to appear before this court, the law student must:

(1) Be enrolled in a law school approved by the American Bar Association;

(2) Have completed legal studies for which the student has received at least 48 semester hours or 72 quarter hours of academic credit or the equivalent if the school is on some other basis;

(3) Be certified by the dean of the law student’s law school as qualified to provide the legal representation permitted by this rule. This certification, which shall be filed with the clerk, may be withdrawn by the dean at any time by mailing a notice to the clerk or by termination by this court without notice or hearing and without any showing of cause;

(4) Neither ask for nor receive any compensation or remuneration of any kind for the student’s services from the person on whose behalf the student renders services, but this shall not prevent an attorney, legal aid bureau, law school, public defender agency, a State, or the United States from paying compensation to the eligible law student, nor shall it prevent these entities from making proper charges for its services;

(5) Certify in writing that the student has read and is familiar with the Code of Professional Responsibility of the American Bar Association, the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure, and the rules of this court; and

(6) File all of the certifications and consents necessary under this rule with the clerk of this court prior to the submission of any briefs or documents containing the law student’s name and the law student’s appearance at oral argument.

(1) The supervising attorney of record must be a member in good standing of the bar of this court.

(2) With respect to the law student’s appearance, the supervising attorney of record shall certify in writing to this court that he or she:

(A) consents to the participation of the law student and agrees to supervise the law student;

(B) assumes full, personal professional responsibility for the case and for the quality of the law student’s work;

(C) will assist the student to the extent necessary; and

(D) will appear with the student in all written and oral proceedings before this court and be prepared to supplement any written or oral statement made by the student to this court or opposing counsel.

RULE 47-1 | NAME, SEAL, AND PROCESS

(a) Name. The name of this court is “United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.”

(d) Seal. Centered upon a blue disc a representation of the American eagle in its proper colors with wings displayed and inverted standing upon a closed book with gold page ends and maroon cover; also standing upon the book and in front of the eagle’s right wing a gold balance embellished with three white stars, one above each of the pans and one atop the centerpost and below the book on a gold semi-circular scroll in blue letters the inscription EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER LAW; all enclosed by a gold-edged white border inscribed in blue with the words UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS above two gold rosettes of blue and gold and the words ELEVENTH CIRCUIT also in blue.

(c) Writs and Process. Writs and process of this court shall be under the seal of the court and signed by the clerk.

RULE 47-2 | CIRCUIT EXECUTIVE

The judicial council has appointed a circuit executive pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §332 as secretary of the judicial council and of the judicial conference.

The circuit executive is designated as the court’s manager for all matters pertaining to administrative planning, organizing and budgeting. The clerk, the director of the staff attorney’s office, and the circuit librarian shall coordinate fully with the circuit executive on those administrative matters pertaining to their areas of responsibility that appropriately warrant judicial attention or administrative action.

The circuit executive shall maintain an office in Atlanta, Georgia.

RULE 47-3 | CIRCUIT LIBRARIAN

Under the direction of a circuit librarian the court will maintain a library in Atlanta, Georgia, and approve regulations for its use. All persons admitted to practice before the court shall be authorized to use the library. Libraries may be maintained at other places in the circuit designated by the judicial council.

RULE 47-4 | STAFF ATTORNEYS

Under the supervision of a senior staff attorney, a central staff of attorneys shall be maintained at Atlanta, Georgia, to assist the court in legal research, analysis of appellate records and study of particular legal problems, and such other duties as the court directs.

RULE 47-5 | JUDICIAL CONFERENCE

The rules of this court for having and conducting the conference and for representation and active participation at the conference by judges and members of the bar appear as Addendum One.

RULE 47-6 | RESTRICTIONS ON PRACTICE BY CURRENT AND FORMER EMPLOYEES

Consistent with the Consolidated Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees adopted by the Judicial Conference of the United States, no employee of the court shall engage in the practice of law. A former employee of the court may not participate by way of representation, consultation, or assistance, in any matter which was pending in the court during the employee’s term of employment.

Congratulations! You're now booked up on Title 7 11th Cir. R.!

You'll probably need to reference it during your pursuit of justice (within the federal system).

As always, please get the justice you deserve.

Sincerely,

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