The Judicial Council now offers electronic filing for certain matters submitted to the Secretary of the Judicial Council, as an optional alternative to traditional filing. The answers below are provided for the convenience of filers and do not amend the Rules of Practice and Procedure or The Book of Discipline. For questions not addressed here, contact the Secretary of the Judicial Council at [email protected].
Does electronic filing change the Rules of Practice and Procedure?
No. Electronic filing is a method of submission only. It does not amend or supersede the Rules of Practice and Procedure or The Book of Discipline. Every filer remains responsible for full compliance with the applicable Rules, including filing deadlines, the required number of copies, and certification of service on all interested parties.
Am I required to file electronically?
No. Electronic filing is optional and is offered in parallel with traditional filing. Filers may continue to submit materials to the Secretary of the Judicial Council by mail or other delivery as provided in the Rules, and no filer is required to use the electronic system.
Which matters may be submitted electronically?
Four forms are currently available: the Petition for a Declaratory Decision (¶ 2610 of The Book of Discipline), the Brief Submission Form, the Bishop’s Report on a Decision of Law (¶ 2609), and the Notice of Appeal (¶ 2715). Each is linked on the Judicial Council Forms page, together with a print version for traditional filing.
The forms are labeled “beta.” Does this affect my filing?
No. “Beta” indicates only that the electronic system is newly introduced and is being refined through use. It does not alter a filer’s obligations under the Rules. If you experience any difficulty, you may file by traditional means and report the issue to [email protected].
Who is an “interested party”?
For purposes of the Judicial Council, an interested party is an individual, or a representative of an institution, named in a proceeding over which the Judicial Council has jurisdiction (Rule IV.F).
How do I certify service on interested parties?
Under Rule V, a copy of each brief must be supplied to every other interested party, and the mailing or delivery of those copies must be certified to the Secretary of the Judicial Council. Consistent with Rule IV.J, each electronic form includes a certification that you have served all interested parties named in your filing. Electronic submission does not relieve a filer of the duty to serve interested parties and to certify that service.
Does electronic filing change any deadlines?
No. The deadlines in the Rules are unchanged. Briefs must be filed with the Secretary not less than seventy (70) days before the session at which the matter will be considered (Rule IV.G), and the materials relating to a matter being appealed must be received by the Secretary not later than sixty (60) days before that session (Rule IV.C).
If I submit a brief electronically, must I still provide printed copies?
Yes. The Rules require eight (8) printed copies of each brief, signed by the submitting party and delivered to the Secretary of the Judicial Council, in addition to an electronic copy in both Word and PDF format (with security features disabled), and an electronic copy to each interested party (Rule IV.G). Submission through the electronic system does not waive the printed-copy requirement unless and until the Rules are amended.
What are the page limits for briefs?
For interested parties, an opening brief may not exceed thirty (30) pages and a reply brief twenty (20) pages, not including attachments and exhibits. Persons who are not interested parties (amici curiae) are limited to twenty (20) pages, including attachments and exhibits (Rule IV.H). All briefs must conform to the Format for Briefs (Appendix C).
May a person who is not an interested party file a brief?
Yes. The Judicial Council invites any person to file a brief in any case on its docket; it is not necessary to be an interested party, and no invitation is required. Such persons are referred to as amici curiae and are subject to the applicable page limits.
May I upload supporting documentation with my filing?
Yes. Supporting materials may be uploaded within the form, including, where applicable, the exact statement of a question of law and the bishop’s ruling as entered in the conference journal (¶ 2609), transcripts, minutes, and relevant decisions.
What devices may I use, and may I sign electronically?
The forms function on phones, tablets, and computers, and permit a typed or drawn signature using a mouse, finger, or stylus. No special software is required.
May I save a form and complete it later?
Yes. Your progress is saved automatically, and a link to resume may be sent to your email so you can continue on the same or a different device or browser.
Will I receive confirmation that my submission was received?
Yes. An automatic acknowledgment of electronic receipt is sent to the address you provide; please retain it for your records. An acknowledgment of receipt is not a determination by the Judicial Council as to jurisdiction, timeliness, or sufficiency of the filing.
Is the electronic system secure and accessible?
Yes. Each submission is protected by encryption and by automated safeguards against spam and fraudulent filings, and the forms are designed to meet accessibility standards, including compatibility with screen readers and color-blind-friendly display.
Whom do I contact for assistance?
For questions concerning filing or procedure, contact the Secretary of the Judicial Council at [email protected]. For technical assistance with a form, contact [email protected].