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Starting a Federal Civil Lawsuit: Resources

Resources

We understand that filing a federal civil lawsuit can be overwhelming. Here at the San Diego Law Library, we are here to help you locate the appropriate resources to start your federal civil lawsuit. We would also like to provide you with a few resources below that you may find useful. Additionally, the Southern District of California has a very helpful page, Important Tips for Pro Se Filers. 

Federal Pleading Paper Template

If you do not wish to use the complaint provided by the Southern District of California and you want to create your own complaint, you will need to use Federal Pleading Paper. Here is link to our Library Guide with Federal Pleading Paper Template for you to use.

PACER

PACER stands for the “Public Access to Court Electronic Records" which is how you will view the documents and the docket for your case. If you have a case with the Federal Court your can access the documents for your own case for free. If you would like view documents for a case that you are not a part of, then there is a cost of .10 cents per page, with a maximum of $3 per document. Audio files are $2.40 each. For more information about PACER and the associated fees, please click here. 

You can also go to the Fedeal Courthouse as 333 W. Broadway, San Diego 92101 and view the documents on the 4th floor in the business office for free. You will have to pay for documents to be printed. The Southern District Federal Court also has a handout that has additional information about PACER that you can find here. 

If you are having trouble accessing PACER please contact: The PACER Service Center - (800) 676-6856 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or by email at pacer@psc.uscourts.gov.

RECAP - The Court Listener

There is also a free website called RECAP - The Court Listener that provides some of the cases that are on PACER to the public for free. This is a great resource if you are looking for a template of a federal complaint, however, they do not have access to all of the information that is in PACER.