Home < Electronic Case Files < Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER)

The U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire currently provides Internet access to federal court case information through PACER. As you probably already know, on November 3, 2003, the District Court in New Hampshire began using a new case management and docketing system, known as CM/ECF, which includes technology that will allow attorneys to file documents electronically in cases pending in this district. That new system replaced WebPacer, which was discontinued. Nonetheless, logins and passwords from the previous PACER system work with the new system. Note that the appearance of the login screen, however, has changed.

The new PACER system will continue to offer access to the docket sheets for cases in this district. The query and search functionality of the new system, however, is greatly improved. For a short summary of the improved functionality, click here.

On June 1, 2004, attorneys began filing documents in electronic format using the court's CM/ECF system in civil cases only. They began electronic filing in criminal cases filed after January 1, 2005. What this means for PACER users is that not only will case docket sheets be available for viewing or printing through the Internet, but so will the actual pleadings. The addition of electronic documents will occur gradually as attorneys begin to file their pleadings electronically.

Please take note that the PACER login screen is shared with those who have been granted permission to file documents electronically on CM/ECF. In order to file documents electronically, a person must obtain both a CM/ECF login and password and a PACER login and password (although if you already have a PACER login/password you need not obtain a new one). In short, a person would use their CM/ECF login and password when attempting to electronically file a document with the court, which will give the user access to different areas of the system where they will e-file their pleadings. Conversely, a person would use their PACER login and password when attempting to access case docket sheets or perform a search or query of the court's docket. While most law firms already have a PACER account for use by their staff, attorneys will need to access their firm's PACER login and password, or obtain a PACER login and password of their own, to participate in electronic case filing.

PACER logins and passwords are issued by the PACER Service Center in Texas. If you do not already have a PACER account, you can register online or call (800) 676-6856 to obtain a registration form. It takes about a week to receive a login and password from the PACER Service Center.

Charges: $.08 per page charge for viewing, printing, or downloading case information. Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Panel Members who use PACER in connection with their CJA appointments can obtain an exempt login and password from the PACER Service Center. When such login is used, fees are waived. PACER is also available in the lobby of the Clerk's Office at no viewing cost to users, although there is a printing charge of .10 cents per page.

The PACER Service Center page offers links to other PACER web sites and additional information on the judiciary's public access systems.

The U.S. Party/Case Index is a national locator index for PACER systems in the United States appellate, district, and bankruptcy courts. Subsets of data are collected from each court and transferred to the PACER Service Center nightly. The U.S. Party/Case Index allows searches nationally, by region, or by state. The information provided by the search includes the party name, the court where the case is filed, the case number, the filing date, the nature of suit code, and whether the case is closed or open.