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FILING A COMPLAINT ON YOUR OWN BEHALF
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEVADA
Lloyd D. George United States Courthouse
333 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 464-5400
Bruce R. Thompson United States Courthouse
400 S. Virginia St.
Reno, NV 89501
(775) 686-5800
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
II. TERMINOLOGY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
III. FILING YOUR CASE: INITIAL PLEADINGS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
IV. OTHER INFORMATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Change of Address.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Format of Documents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Copies of Documents.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
V. FEES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Statutory Regulations.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Advance Payment Required.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
VI. OPERATION OF THE CLERK'S OFFICE.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
General Information.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Court's Address. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Geographic Jurisdiction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Where to Obtain our Local Rules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Where to Find the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
ATTACHMENTS
1. What We Can and Cannot Do
2. Civil Cover Sheet
3. Sample Format for Complaint
4. Application to Proceed Without Prepaying Fees
5. Summons Form
6. Notice of A Lawsuit and Request to Waive Service of a Summons
7. Waiver of the Service of Summons
8. Fed.R.Civ.P. 4 (with notation)
9. Fed.R.Civ.P 5.2
10. Fed.R.Civ.P. 8(a)
11. How to Calculate Time for Filing Documents
I. INTRODUCTION
These procedural guidelines were written and compiled to assist an individual who wishes to file a
civil action on his/her own behalf (Pro Se) before the United States District Court for the District of
Nevada. These procedural guidelines may also be used by an individual who wishes to file a civil
action on his/her own behalf who is found indigent by the court and may proceed without
prepayment of costs or fees for filing a complaint in this court. Samples of most documents
necessary to initiate an action in federal district court are included in this packet, as well as copies
of any federal or local rules referenced in these guidelines.
These guidelines CANNOT take the place of an attorney's legal advice. They are by no means
comprehensive and are only intended to assist you in understanding the basic terms and procedures
required by the court.
This summary is intended only as a general guide. Any documents you file must comply with
the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (Fed.R.Civ.P.) and the District of Nevada Local Rules of
Practice. The fact that you are not represented by an attorney does not relieve you of this
overriding responsibility. Compliance with these rules is required.
Please be aware that the Clerk's Office staff are prohibited from giving legal advice pursuant
to 28 U.S.C. §955. This includes:
● offering interpretations of rules;
● recommending a course of action;
● predicting a decision a judicial officer might make on any given matter;
● interpreting the meaning or effect of any court order or judgment.
II. TERMINOLOGY
To familiarize you with words you will hear frequently, the following is a list of some legal terms
and their definitions:
ANSWER
A document filed by the defendant in response to the complaint.
COMPLAINT
The document that a plaintiff files with the Clerk of Court to initiate a lawsuit. It contains a clear
statement of the important information about the claim(s) of the plaintiff and identifies each
defendant. (See Fed.R.Civ.P. 8(a))
COUNSEL
One who has been admitted as an attorney at law to assist his/her client with advice and pleads for
him/her in open court.
DEFENDANT
The party that is being sued.
DISTRICT COURT
The United States District Court is a general trial court in the federal judicial system. There is at
least one district court in each state. Nevada is a single district state.
DOCKET NUMBER
The number assigned to a case by the court when a new complaint is filed. The first number
represents the courthouse where the case was filed, represented by a 2 for Las Vegas or 3 for Reno,
followed by the last two digits of the calendar year. The number also includes "CV" distinguishing
1
a civil case, followed by the number assigned to the case. Lastly, the number includes the initials of
the district judge to whom the case is assigned followed by the initials of the magistrate judge.
(Example 2:09-CV-01234-LDG-RJJ)
EVIDENCE
A broadly inclusive term that encompasses anything that tends to prove or disprove a fact in
controversy. Examples of evidence include testimony, pictures, and documents. Evidence may be
capable of being sensed by one of the five senses, as long as it logically tends to prove or disprove
a disputed issue of fact and is not otherwise inadmissable under the rules of evidence.
EXHIBIT
Any physical evidence presented to the court other than testimony by a witness. Exhibits include but
are not necessarily limited to: documents; records; physical objects; photographs; audio and video
recordings; charts; maps; and depositions.
IN FORMA PAUPERIS
To proceed without prepayment of costs or fees for filing a complaint.
JUDGMENT
The official and authentic decision of a court adjudicating with finality the respective rights and
claims of the parties to a suit.
JURISDICTION
The power or legal authority of the court to hear and decide a case.
JURY
A panel of individuals drawn from the general public for the purpose of determining disputed issues
of fact.
LITIGANT
A party to a lawsuit.
MAGISTRATE JUDGE
A judicial office created by act of Congress. Magistrate judges are appointed to an eight-year term
by the District Court Judges. Magistrate judges perform many judicial functions, particularly
pretrial matters in both civil and criminal cases, under the supervision of the District Court Judges.
MOTION
A request made to the court for the purpose of obtaining a ruling or order directing an act to be
performed in favor of the applicant or movant. The court may either hold a hearing on the motion
requiring the parties to appear OR the judge may decide the motion without a hearing. (See LR 7.2
and LCR 12.1)
ORDER
An order is issued by a judge or a magistrate judge and usually directs the plaintiff or the defendant
to do something. An order may also be issued to grant or deny a motion.
PLAINTIFF
The person who is filing the complaint against an individual, a corporation or company, or a
government agency.
PRO SE
If you are filing a lawsuit on your own and will represent yourself, you are proceeding pro se.
SERVICE OF PROCESS
The service of writs, summonses, or rules to the party to whom they ought to be delivered. Please
2
note that you cannot serve the summons and complaint of your own lawsuit. Service must comply
with the Rules of Civil Procedure.
SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION
The power of the court to decide the matter that is brought before it. Examples of subject matter
jurisdiction are matters of admiralty or family law (such as divorce or adoption). For instance, the
United District Court may exercise subject matter jurisdiction over admiralty cases but not matters
involving divorce or adoption. While a party may voluntarily submit to thye court having jurisdiction
over the party in the court, there must still be a basis in the law for the court to exercise jurisdiction
over the claims that are made in the complaint; that is, a divorce case could not be heard in the U.S.
District Court even if both parties consented.
SUMMONS
This is a formal command of the court, directed to the defendant, which informs the defendant that
an action has been brought against him/her and an answer is required. (See Fed.R.Civ.P. 4(a))
SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES
The highest federal court. Although it has limited original jurisdiction, it generally exercises
appellate jurisdiction over all lower federal courts and over state courts concerning issues of federal
statutory law or the U.S. Constitution. Appeals from the Court of Appeals are taken to the Supreme
Court. The Supreme Court hears a limited number of cases each year, based upon a “rule of four”:
except in those rare instances where an appeal of right exists, four justices must vote to hear a case.
TRIAL COURTS
Trial courts are where actions begin in the judicial system. A legal action (“lawsuit”) is filed in the
trial court, which determines the facts and applies the law to those facts to either grant or deny a
party relief, in a civil action, or to find a party guilty or not-guilty, in a criminal action.
TRIER OF FACT
A trier of fact decides what the facts are from the evidence presented. That is, the trier of fact
determines, from all the evidence presented, whether it is more likely than not that a particular fact
is true. The trier of fact can be a jury or a judge, sitting without a jury. Certain aspects of legal
disputes are generally considered to be exclusively within the power of the trier of fact to decide,
such as the credibility of witnesses.
WAIVER OF SERVICE OF SUMMONS
Pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P. 4(d)(1), service of summons can be waived by the defendant. The "Waiver
of Service" with its companion form "Notice of Lawsuit and Request for Waiver of Service of
Summons" can be mailed by the Pro Se plaintiff by 1
st
class mail to each defendant to request the
defendant to save costs by not requiring service of process.
III. FILING YOUR CASE: INITIAL PLEADINGS
The complaint must not include any personal identifiers, such as social security numbers (see
Fed.R.Civ.P. 5.2(a)). When filing a complaint you must submit the following documents; examples
of which are included in this packet as attachments (also refer to Section IV, page 4 of this packet
for format information):
1. A civil cover sheet
2. An original plus any additional copies you wish returned of the complaint.
3. An original and one copy of the summons for each named defendant
4. Filing fee made payable to Clerk, U.S. District Court.
OR
An original and at least one copy of a motion (request) to proceed in forma pauperis (IFP)
3
with supporting information regarding your financial status. A copy of this form is included
in this packet.
NOTE: The term "in forma pauperis" refers to one's inability to pay the fees for filing
and serving a complaint.
If filing in forma pauperis (IFP), the original complaint will be filed and assigned the next
consecutive civil case number. You have the right to request that the judge order the U. S. Marshal
to serve the summons and complaint, although you must describe the extraordinary circumstances
that would prohibit you from arranging for service yourself. An original and one copy of each of the
documents, including the complaint, are to be provided by the filer. These documents will be
forwarded to the judge who is randomly assigned to the case. After reviewing the documents
submitted to the court, the judge will determine whether or not you will be granted leave to proceed
in forma pauperis. Once a decision has been made, you will receive a copy of the judge's order by
mail.
If leave to proceed IFP is denied, your case will be dismissed unless you pay the filing fee.
If IFP is granted, YOU MUST SUBMIT AN ORIGINAL AND ONE COPY OF A SUMMONS
PREPARED FOR EACH DEFENDANT AND the clerk will issue the summons(es) AND RETURN
THEM TO YOU FOR SERVICE. You will be responsible for initiating service of a summons and
the complaint upon each of the other parties in accordance with Rule 4(c) of the Fed.R.Civ.P, a copy
of which is included in this packet. You may be able to serve the defendant(s) by mail with your
summons and complaint, but only if the defendant(s) agree to service by mail pursuant to the process
for requesting a waiver of service as described in Rule 4 of the Fed.R.Civ.P. If you wish to make
service by mail, complete Form 398 (Notice of Lawsuit and Request for Waiver of Service), and
Form 399 (Waiver of Service of Summons), both of which are included in this packet. If you had
requested that the U. S. Marshal make service on your behalf and the judge granted your request, the
court will send you various forms to complete and return to the Clerk's Office. The clerk will then
issue the summons(es) and forward the documents to the U.S. Marshal's Office for service pursuant
to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
If you are paying the filing fee, the complaint and all other documents submitted
to the court will be filed and assigned the next consecutive civil case number. An original and one
copy of each of the documents, including the complaint, are to be provided by the filer. Keep in
mind, however, that an original and one copy of the summons form should be prepared for each
named defendant. The complaint and supporting documents will be forwarded to the judge who is
randomly assigned to the case. If you have submitted summonses, we will issue them and return
them to you at the time you file your complaint. You will be responsible for serving the summons
and complaint upon the defendant(s) in accordance with Rule 4(c) of the Fed.R.Civ.P. You may be
able to serve the defendant(s) by waiver of service, but only if the defendant(s) agree to waiver of
service as described in Rule 4(d)(1) of the Fed.R.Civ.P. A copy of Fed.R.Civ.P. 4 is in this packet.
If you wish to make service by mail, you may request that defendant(s) waive service by using Form
398 (Notice of Lawsuit and Request for Waiver of Service), and Form 399 (Waiver of Service of
Summons), both of which are included in this packet.
IV. OTHER INFORMATION
All documents filed with the court should bear the correct civil docket number and the initials of the
district judge and magistrate judge to whom the case is assigned. The case number format will be
provided to you by the court at the time a case number and judges are assigned.
Change of Address
If you should change your address, LSR 2-2 requires that you file and serve a written notice of a
4
change of address. If you do not file a written notice of change of address, service at your old
address will still be valid even if you never actually receive the papers.
Format of Documents
All documents shall be submitted for filing on 8 ½ by 11 inch white paper. Pursuant to
Fed.R.Civ.P. 11(a), each pleading must be signed by at least one attorney of record or the pro se
litigant, if self-represented.
A name, address and telephone number are required on all pleadings. All pleadings and papers
must be presented according to the requirements set forth in LR 10-2 and LCR 47-6.
Copies of Documents
If you desire to receive a file stamped copy of any document you submit to the court, you must
provide an additional copies of the document. A self-addressed stamped envelope is required if
done by mail.
V. FEES
Statutory Regulations
The Judicial Conference of the United States, pursuant to Title 28 U.S.C. §1914(b) and 1930,
adopted a schedule of fees for filings in the United States Courts. All checks and/or money
orders shall be made payable to the Clerk, U.S. District Court.
Advance Payment Required
Fees are due at the time of filing. If no filing fee or application for in forma pauperis status is
received with the filing of a summons and complaint, and a filing fee is required, summons will
not be issued until the fee requirement is met or in forma pauperis status is granted.
Payment of copy fees or search fees is required at the time the request is made.
VI. OPERATION OF THE CLERK'S OFFICE
General Information
The District Court Clerk's Office in Las Vegas and Reno are open for business between the hours
of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday - Friday (Except Federal Holidays).
Court's Address
The United States District Court for the District of Nevada has two separate staffed locations:
LAS VEGAS
Lloyd D. George U.S. Courthouse
333 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 464-5400
RENO
Bruce R. Thompson U.S. Courthouse
400 S. Virginia Street
Reno, NV 89501
(775) 686-5800
Geographic Jurisdiction
The District covers the state of Nevada. However, the District is divided into two unofficial
divisions, each named and comprising counties as follows:
Southern Division: Clark, Esmeralda, Lincoln, and Nye Counties.
5
Northern Division: Carson City, Churchill, Douglas, Elko, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander,
Lyon, Mineral, Pershing, Storey, Washoe, and White Pine Counties.
All files and records of the Southern division are kept at Las Vegas and all files and records of
the Northern division are kept at Reno. Documents should either be mailed or hand delivered to
the appropriate office.
6
Where to Obtain our Local Rules
The Local Rules of Practice of the United States District Court for the District of Nevada may be
obtained from our website, www.nvd.uscourts.gov, (Opinions / Orders / Rules, Local Rules) or
upon request from the Clerk's Office Customer Service staff.
Where to Find the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure
The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (Fed.R.Civ.P.) are available for viewing at the following
law libraries:
Clark County Law Library UNLV Law Library
309 South Third St., Suite 400 4505 Maryland Pkwy.
Las Vegas, NV 89155 Las Vegas, NV 89154
(702) 455-4696 (702) 895-2400
Washoe County Law Library Nevada Supreme Court Law Library
75 Court St. 201 S. Carson St., #100
Reno, NV 89520 Carson City, NV 89701
(775) 328-3250 (775) 684-1640
7
WE ARE HAPPY TO HELP YOU IF WE CAN. HOWEVER, WE ARE ALLOWED TO HELP
YOU ONLY IN CERTAIN WAYS, SINCE WE MUST BE FAIR TO EVERYONE.
This is a list of some things the court staff can and cannot do for you.
We can explain and answer questions
about how the court works
We can provide you with the number of
the local lawyer referral
service, legal services
programs and other services
where you can get legal
information
We can give you general information
about court rules, procedures,
and practices
We can provide court schedules
We can provide you information from
your case file
We can provide you with court forms
and instructions that are
available
We can usually answer questions
about court deadlines
We cannot tell you whether or not you
should file a case
We cannot give you an opinion about
what will happen if you bring
your case to court
We cannot tell you what words to use in
your court papers
We cannot talk to the judge for you or let
you talk to the judge outside
of court
We cannot tell you what to say in court
We cannot tell you what you should do
next in your case
We cannot provide you a copy of an
order until it is filed in by the
Clerk’s Office
We cannot compute deadlines in your
particular case
Since court staff may not know the answers to all questions about court rules, procedures,
and practices, and because we don’t want to give you wrong information, we have been
instructed not to answer questions if we do not know the correct answers. For additional
information, please contact a lawyer or your local law library, or visit our web site at
www.nvd.uscourts.gov.
ATTACHMENT 1
JS 44 (Rev. 12/12)
CIVIL COVER SHEET
The JS 44 civil cover sheet and the information contained herein neither replace nor supplement the filing and service of pleadings or other papers as required by law, except as
provided by local rules of court. This form, approved by the Judicial Conference of the United States in September 1974, is required for the use of the Clerk of Court for the
purpose of initiating the civil docket sheet.
(SEE INSTRUCTIONS ON NEXT PAGE OF THIS FORM.)
I. (a) PLAINTIFFS DEFENDANTS
(b) County of Residence of First Listed Plaintiff County of Residence of First Listed Defendant
(EXCEPT IN U.S. PLAINTIFF CASES) (IN U.S. PLAINTIFF CASES ONLY)
NOTE: IN LAND CONDEMNATION CASES, USE THE LOCATION OF
THE TRACT OF LAND INVOLVED.
(c) Attorneys (Firm Name, Address, and Telephone Number)
Attorneys (If Known)
II. BASIS OF JURISDICTION (Place an “X” in One Box Only) III. CITIZENSHIP OF PRINCIPAL PARTIES (Place an “X” in One Box for Plaintiff
(For Diversity Cases Only) and One Box for Defendant)
’ 1 U.S. Government ’ 3 Federal Question
PTF DEF PTF DEF
Plaintiff (U.S. Government Not a Party) Citizen of This State ’ 1 ’ 1 Incorporated or Principal Place ’ 4 ’ 4
of Business In This State
’ 2 U.S. Government ’ 4 Diversity Citizen of Another State ’ 2 ’ 2 Incorporated and Principal Place ’ 5 ’ 5
Defendant (Indicate Citizenship of Parties in Item III) of Business In Another State
Citizen or Subject of a ’ 3 ’ 3 Foreign Nation ’ 6 ’ 6
Foreign Country
IV. NATURE OF SUIT (Place an “X” in One Box Only)
CONTRACT TORTS FORFEITURE/PENALTY BANKRUPTCY OTHER STATUTES
’ 110 Insurance
PERSONAL INJURY PERSONAL INJURY
’ 625 Drug Related Seizure ’ 422 Appeal 28 USC 158 ’ 375 False Claims Act
’ 120 Marine ’ 310 Airplane ’ 365 Personal Injury - of Property 21 USC 881 ’ 423 Withdrawal ’ 400 State Reapportionment
’ 130 Miller Act ’ 315 Airplane Product Product Liability ’ 690 Other 28 USC 157 ’ 410 Antitrust
’ 140 Negotiable Instrument Liability ’ 367 Health Care/ ’ 430 Banks and Banking
’ 150 Recovery of Overpayment ’ 320 Assault, Libel & Pharmaceutical
PROPERTY RIGHTS
’ 450 Commerce
& Enforcement of Judgment Slander Personal Injury ’ 820 Copyrights ’ 460 Deportation
’ 151 Medicare Act ’ 330 Federal Employers’ Product Liability ’ 830 Patent ’ 470 Racketeer Influenced and
’ 152 Recovery of Defaulted Liability ’ 368 Asbestos Personal ’ 840 Trademark Corrupt Organizations
Student Loans ’ 340 Marine Injury Product ’ 480 Consumer Credit
(Excludes Veterans) ’ 345 Marine Product Liability
LABOR SOCIAL SECURITY
’ 490 Cable/Sat TV
’ 153 Recovery of Overpayment Liability
PERSONAL PROPERTY
’ 710 Fair Labor Standards ’ 861 HIA (1395ff) ’ 850 Securities/Commodities/
of Veteran’s Benefits ’ 350 Motor Vehicle ’ 370 Other Fraud Act ’ 862 Black Lung (923) Exchange
’ 160 Stockholders’ Suits ’ 355 Motor Vehicle ’ 371 Truth in Lending ’ 720 Labor/Management
’ 863 DIWC/DIWW (405(g)) ’ 890 Other Statutory
Actions
’ 190 Other Contract Product
Liability ’ 380 Other Personal Relations ’ 864 SSID Title XVI ’ 891 Agricultural Acts
’ 195 Contract Product Liability ’ 360 Other Personal Property Damage ’ 740 Railway Labor Act ’ 865 RSI (405(g)) ’ 893 Environmental Matters
’ 196 Franchise Injury ’ 385 Property Damage ’ 751 Family and Medical ’ 895 Freedom of Information
’ 362 Personal Injury - Product Liability Leave Act Act
Medical Malpractice ’ 790 Other Labor Litigation ’ 896 Arbitration
REAL PROPERTY CIVIL RIGHTS PRISONER PETITIONS
’ 791 Employee Retirement
FEDERAL TAX SUITS
’ 899 Administrative Procedure
’ 210 Land Condemnation ’ 440 Other Civil Rights
Habeas Corpus:
Income Security Act ’ 870 Taxes (U.S. Plaintiff Act/Review or Appeal of
’ 220 Foreclosure ’ 441 Voting ’ 463 Alien Detainee or Defendant) Agency Decision
’ 230 Rent Lease & Ejectment ’ 442 Employment ’ 510 Motions to Vacate ’ 871 IRS—Third Party ’ 950 Constitutionality of
’ 240 Torts to Land ’ 443 Housing/ Sentence 26 USC 7609 State Statutes
’ 245 Tort Product Liability Accommodations ’ 530 General
’ 290 All Other Real Property ’ 445 Amer. w/Disabilities - ’ 535 Death Penalty
IMMIGRATION
Employment
Other:
’ 462 Naturalization Application
’ 446 Amer. w/Disabilities - ’ 540 Mandamus & Other ’ 465 Other Immigration
Other ’ 550 Civil Rights Actions
’ 448 Education ’ 555 P
rison Condition
’ 560
Civil Detainee -
Conditions of
Confinement
V. ORIGIN (Place an “X” in One Box Only)
’ 1 Original
Proceeding
’ 2 Removed from
State Court
’ 3 Remanded from
Appellate Court
’ 4 Reinstated or
Reopened
’ 5 Transferred from
Another District
(specify)
’ 6 Multidistrict
Litigation
VI. CAUSE OF ACTION
Cite the U.S. Civil Statute under which you are filing (Do not cite jurisdictional statutes unless diversity):
Brief description of cause:
VII. REQUESTED IN
COMPLAINT:
’
CHECK IF THIS IS A CLASS ACTION
UNDER RULE 23, F.R.Cv.P.
DEMAND $
CHECK YES only if demanded in complaint:
JURY DEMAND:
’ Yes ’ No
VIII. RELATED CASE(S)
IF ANY
(See instructions):
JUDGE DOCKET NUMBER
DATE SIGNATURE OF ATTORNEY OF RECORD
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
RECEIPT # AMOUNT APPLYING IFP JUDGE MAG. JUDGE
Print
JS 44 Reverse (Rev. 12/12)
INSTRUCTIONS FOR ATTORNEYS COMPLETING CIVIL COVER SHEET FORM JS 44
Authority For Civil Cover Sheet
The JS 44 civil cover sheet and the information contained herein neither replaces nor supplements the filings and service of pleading or other papers as
required by law, except as provided by local rules of court. This form, approved by the Judicial Conference of the United States in September 1974, is
required for the use of the Clerk of Court for the purpose of initiating the civil docket sheet. Consequently, a civil cover sheet is submitted to the Clerk of
Court for each civil complaint filed. The attorney filing a case should complete the form as follows:
I.(a) Plaintiffs-Defendants. Enter names (last, first, middle initial) of plaintiff and defendant. If the plaintiff or defendant is a government agency, use
only the full name or standard abbreviations. If the plaintiff or defendant is an official within a government agency, identify first the agency and
then the official, giving both name and title.
(b) County of Residence. For each civil case filed, except U.S. plaintiff cases, enter the name of the county where the first listed plaintiff resides at the
time of filing. In U.S. plaintiff cases, enter the name of the county in which the first listed defendant resides at the time of filing. (NOTE: In land
condemnation cases, the county of residence of the "defendant" is the location of the tract of land involved.)
(c) Attorneys. Enter the firm name, address, telephone number, and attorney of record. If there are several attorneys, list them on an attachment, noting
in this section "(see attachment)".
II. Jurisdiction. The basis of jurisdiction is set forth under Rule 8(a), F.R.Cv.P., which requires that jurisdictions be shown in pleadings. Place an "X"
in one of the boxes. If there is more than one basis of jurisdiction, precedence is given in the order shown below.
United States plaintiff. (1) Jurisdiction based on 28 U.S.C. 1345 and 1348. Suits by agencies and officers of the United States are included here.
United States defendant. (2) When the plaintiff is suing the United States, its officers or agencies, place an "X" in this box.
Federal question. (3) This refers to suits under 28 U.S.C. 1331, where jurisdiction arises under the Constitution of the United States, an amendment
to the Constitution, an act of Congress or a treaty of the United States. In cases where the U.S. is a party, the U.S. plaintiff or defendant code takes
precedence, and box 1 or 2 should be marked.
Diversity of citizenship. (4) This refers to suits under 28 U.S.C. 1332, where parties are citizens of different states. When Box 4 is checked, the
citizenship of the different parties must be checked. (See Section III below; NOTE: federal question actions take precedence over diversity
cases.)
III. Residence (citizenship) of Principal Parties. This section of the JS 44 is to be completed if diversity of citizenship was indicated above. Mark this
section for each principal party.
IV. Nature of Suit. Place an "X" in the appropriate box. If the nature of suit cannot be determined, be sure the cause of action, in Section VI below, is
sufficient to enable the deputy clerk or the statistical clerk(s) in the Administrative Office to determine the nature of suit. If the cause fits more than
one nature of suit, select the most definitive.
V. Origin. Place an "X" in one of the six boxes.
Original Proceedings. (1) Cases which originate in the United States district courts.
Removed from State Court. (2) Proceedings initiated in state courts may be removed to the district courts under Title 28 U.S.C., Section 1441.
When the petition for removal is granted, check this box.
Remanded from Appellate Court. (3) Check this box for cases remanded to the district court for further action. Use the date of remand as the filing
date.
Reinstated or Reopened. (4) Check this box for cases reinstated or reopened in the district court. Use the reopening date as the filing date.
Transferred from Another District. (5) For cases transferred under Title 28 U.S.C. Section 1404(a). Do not use this for within district transfers or
multidistrict litigation transfers.
Multidistrict Litigation. (6) Check this box when a multidistrict case is transferred into the district under authority of Tit
le 28 U.S.C. Section 1407.
When this box is checked, do not check (5) above.
VI.
Cause of Action.
Report the civil statute directly related to the cause of action and give a brief description of the cause. Do not cite jurisdictional
statutes unless diversity. Example: U.S. Civil Statute: 47 USC 553 Brief Description: Unauthorized reception of cable service
VII. Requested in Complaint. Class Action. Place an "X" in this box if you are filing a class action under Rule 23, F.R.Cv.P.
Demand. In this space enter the actual dollar amount being demanded or indicate other demand, such as a preliminary injunction.
Jury Demand. Check the appropriate box to indicate whether or not a jury is being demanded.
VIII. Related Cases. This section of the JS 44 is used to reference related pending cases, if any. If there are related pending cases, insert the docket
numbers and the corresponding judge names for such cases.
Date and Attorney Signature. Date and sign the civil cover sheet.
SAMPLE
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Your Name
Address
City, State, Zip
Telephone Number
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEVADA
Your Name, ) CASE NUMBER WILL BE ASSIGNED
) AT TIME OF FILING
Plaintiff, )
)
vs. )
) COMPLAINT
)
Defendant. )
)
)
Jurisdiction
(Separate Paragraph)
Complaint
(Separate Paragraph(s))
COMPLAINT MUST COMPLY WITH RULE 8(a)
(A copy of Rule 8(a) is attached)
Demand
(Separate Paragraph)
Dated: (YOUR SIGNATURE IN INK)
Your name typed or printed
Address
Telephone Number
ATTACHMENT 3
AO 240 (Rev. 06/09) Application to Proceed in District Court Without Prepaying Fees or Costs (Short Form)
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
for the
__________ District of __________
)
)
)
)
)
Plaintiff
v.
Civil Action No.
Defendant
APPLICATION TO PROCEED IN DISTRICT COURT WITHOUT PREPAYING FEES OR COSTS
(Short Form)
I am a plaintiff or petitioner in this case and declare that I am unable to pay the costs of these proceedings and
that I am entitled to the relief requested.
In support of this application, I answer the following questions under penalty of perjury:
1. If incarcerated. I am being held at:
.
If employed there, or have an account in the institution, I have attached to this document a statement certified by the
appropriate institutional officer showing all receipts, expenditures, and balances during the last six months for any
institutional account in my name. I am also submitting a similar statement from any other institution where I was
incarcerated during the last six months.
2. If not incarcerated. If I am employed, my employer’s name and address are:
My gross pay or wages are: $ , and my take-home pay or wages are: $ per
(specify pay period) .
3. Other Income. In the past 12 months, I have received income from the following sources (check all that apply):
(a) Business, profession, or other self-employment
’
Yes
’
No
(b) Rent payments, interest, or dividends
’
Yes
’
No
(c) Pension, annuity, or life insurance payments
’
Yes
’
No
(d) Disability, or worker’s compensation payments
’
Yes
’
No
(e) Gifts, or inheritances
’
Yes
’
No
(f) Any other sources
’
Yes
’
No
If you answered “Yes” to any question above, describe below or on separate pages each source of money and
state the amount that you received and what you expect to receive in the future.
AO 240 (Rev. 06/09) Application to Proceed in District Court Without Prepaying Fees or Costs (Short Form)
4. Amount of money that I have in cash or in a checking or savings account: $ .
5. Any automobile, real estate, stock, bond, security, trust, jewelry, art work, or other financial instrument or
thing of value that I own, including any item of value held in someone else’s name
(describe the property and its approximate
value)
:
6. Any housing, transportation, utilities, or loan payments, or other regular monthly expenses
(describe and provide
the amount of the monthly expense)
:
7. Names (or, if under 18, initials only) of all persons who are dependent on me for support, my relationship
with each person, and how much I contribute to their support:
8. Any debts or financial obligations
(describe the amounts owed and to whom they are payable):
Declaration: I declare under penalty of perjury that the above information is true and understand that a false
statement may result in a dismissal of my claims.
Date:
Applicant’s signature
Printed name
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AO 440 (Rev. 12/09) Summons in a Civil Action
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
for the
__________ District of __________
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
Plaintiff
v. Civil Action No.
Defendant
SUMMONS IN A CIVIL ACTION
To:
(Defendant’s name and address)
A lawsuit has been filed against you.
Within 21 days after service of this summons on you (not counting the day you received it) — or 60 days if you
are the United States or a United States agency, or an officer or employee of the United States described in Fed. R. Civ.
P. 12 (a)(2) or (3) — you must serve on the plaintiff an answer to the attached complaint or a motion under Rule 12 of
the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The answer or motion must be served on the plaintiff or plaintiff’s attorney,
whose name and address are:
If you fail to respond, judgment by default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint.
You also must file your answer or motion with the court.
CLERK OF COURT
Date:
Signature of Clerk or Deputy Clerk
AO 440 (Rev. 12/09) Summons in a Civil Action (Page 2)
Civil Action No.
PROOF OF SERVICE
(This section should not be filed with the court unless required by Fed. R. Civ. P. 4 (l))
This summons for
(name of individual and title, if any)
was received by me on (date) .
’ I personally served the summons on the individual at
(place)
on (date) ; or
’ I left the summons at the individual’s residence or usual place of abode with
(name)
, a person of suitable age and discretion who resides there,
on
(date) , and mailed a copy to the individual’s last known address; or
’ I served the summons on
(name of individual) , who is
designated by law to accept service of process on behalf of
(name of organization)
on (date) ; or
’ I returned the summons unexecuted because ; or
’ Other
(specify):
.
My fees are $ for travel and $ for services, for a total of $ .
I declare under penalty of perjury that this information is true.
Date:
Server’s signature
Printed name and title
Server’s address
Additional information regarding attempted service, etc:
0.00
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AO 398 (Rev. 01/09) Notice of a Lawsuit and Request to Waive Service of a Summons
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
for the
__________ District of __________
)
)
)
)
)
Plaintiff
v.
Civil Action No.
Defendant
NOTICE OF A LAWSUIT AND REQUEST TO WAIVE SERVICE OF A SUMMONS
To:
(Name of the defendant or - if the defendant is a corporation, partnership, or association - an officer or agent authorized to receive service)
Why are you getting this?
A lawsuit has been filed against you, or the entity you represent, in this court under the number shown above.
A copy of the complaint is attached.
This is not a summons, or an official notice from the court. It is a request that, to avoid expenses, you waive formal
service of a summons by signing and returning the enclosed waiver. To avoid these expenses, you must return the signed
waiver within days
(give at least 30 days, or at least 60 days if the defendant is outside any judicial district of the United States)
from the date shown below, which is the date this notice was sent. Two copies of the waiver form are enclosed, along with
a stamped, self-addressed envelope or other prepaid means for returning one copy. You may keep the other copy.
What happens next?
If you return the signed waiver, I will file it with the court. The action will then proceed as if you had been served
on the date the waiver is filed, but no summons will be served on you and you will have 60 days from the date this notice
is sent (see the date below) to answer the complaint (or 90 days if this notice is sent to you outside any judicial district of
the United States).
If you do not return the signed waiver within the time indicated, I will arrange to have the summons and complaint
served on you. And I will ask the court to require you, or the entity you represent, to pay the expenses of making service.
Please read the enclosed statement about the duty to avoid unnecessary expenses.
I certify that this request is being sent to you on the date below.
Date:
Signature of the attorney or unrepresented party
Printed name
Address
E-mail address
Telephone number
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AO 399 (01/09) Waiver of the Service of Summons
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
for the
__________ District of __________
)
)
)
)
)
Plaintiff
v. Civil Action No.
Defendant
WAIVER OF THE SERVICE OF SUMMONS
To:
(Name of the plaintiff’s attorney or unrepresented plaintiff)
I have received your request to waive service of a summons in this action along with a copy of the complaint,
two copies of this waiver form, and a prepaid means of returning one signed copy of the form to you.
I, or the entity I represent, agree to save the expense of serving a summons and complaint in this case.
I understand that I, or the entity I represent, will keep all defenses or objectio ns to the lawsuit, the court’ s
jurisdiction, and the venue of the action, but that I waive any objections to the absence of a summons or of service.
I also understand that I, or the entity I represent, must file and serve an answer or a motion under Rule 12 within
60 days from , the date when this request was sent (or 90 days if it was sent outside the
United States). If I fail to do so, a default judgment will be entered against me or the entity I represent.
Date:
Signature of the attorney or unrepresented party
Printed name of party waiving service of summons Printed name
Address
E-mail address
Telephone number
Duty to Avoid Unnecessary Expenses of Serving a Summons
Rule 4 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure requires certain defendants to cooperate in saving unnecessary expenses of serving a summons
and complaint. A defendant who is located in the United States and who fails to return a signed waiver of service requested by a plaintiff located in
the United States will be required to pay the expenses of service, unless the defendant shows good cause for the failure.
“Good cause” does not include a belief that the lawsuit is groundless, or that it has been brought in an improper venue, or that the court has
no jurisdiction over this matter or over the defendant or the defendant’s property.
If the waiver is signed and returned, you can still make these and all other defenses and objections, but you cannot object to the absence of
a summons or of service.
If you waive service, then you must, within the time specified on the waiver form, serve an answer or a motion under Rule 12 on the plaintiff
and file a copy with the court. By signing and returning the waiver form, you are allowed more time to respond than if a summons had been served.
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Rule 4. Summons
(a) Contents; Amendments.
(1) Contents. A summons must:
(A) name the court and the parties;
(B) be directed to the defendant;
(C) state the name and address of the plaintiff’s attorney or — if unrepresented — of the
plaintiff;
(D) state the time within which the defendant must appear and defend;
(E) notify the defendant that a failure to appear and defend will result in a default judgment
against the defendant for the relief demanded in the complaint;
(F) be signed by the clerk; and
(G) bear the court’s seal.
(2) Amendments. The court may permit a summons to be amended.
(b) Issuance. On or after filing the complaint, the plaintiff may present a summons to the clerk for
signature and seal. If the summons is properly completed, the clerk must sign, seal, and issue it to
the plaintiff for service on the defendant. A summons — or a copy of a summons that is addressed
to multiple defendants — must be issued for each defendant to be served.
(c) Service.
(1) In General. A summons must be served with a copy of the complaint. The plaintiff is
responsible for having the summons and complaint served within the time allowed by Rule 4(m)
and must furnish the necessary copies to the person who makes service.
1
(2) By Whom. Any person who is at least 18 years old and not a party may serve a summons and
complaint.
(3) By a Marshal or Someone Specially Appointed. At the plaintiff’s request, the court may
order that service be made by a United States marshal or deputy marshal or by a person specially
appointed by the court. The court must so order if the plaintiff is authorized to proceed in forma
pauperis under 28 U.S.C. § 1915 or as a seaman under 28 U.S.C. § 1916.
(d) Waiving Service.
(1) Requesting a Waiver. An individual, corporation, or association that is subject to service
under Rule 4(e), (f), or (h) has a duty to avoid unnecessary expenses of serving the summons.
The plaintiff may notify such a defendant that an action has been commenced and request that
the defendant waive service of a summons. The notice and request must:
(A) be in writing and be addressed:
(i) to the individual defendant; or
1
Please note that pursuant to Rule 4(m) (see below), service must be made within 120 days
after filing the complaint.
(ii) for a defendant subject to service under Rule 4(h), to an officer, a managing or
general agent, or any other agent authorized by appointment or by law to receive service
of process;
(B) name the court where the complaint was filed;
(C) be accompanied by a copy of the complaint, two copies of a waiver form, and a prepaid
means for returning the form;
(D) inform the defendant, using text prescribed in Form 5, of the consequences of waiving
and not waiving service;
(E) state the date when the request is sent;
(F) give the defendant a reasonable time of at least 30 days after the request was sent — or
at least 60 days if sent to the defendant outside any judicial district of the United States —
to return the waiver; and
(G) be sent by first-class mail or other reliable means.
(2) Failure to Waive. If a defendant located within the United States fails, without good cause,
to sign and return a waiver requested by a plaintiff located within the United States, the court
must impose on the defendant:
(A) the expenses later incurred in making service; and
(B) the reasonable expenses, including attorney’s fees, of any motion required to collect
those service expenses.
(3) Time to Answer After a Waiver. A defendant who, before being served with process, timely
returns a waiver need not serve an answer to the complaint until 60 days after the request was
sent — or until 90 days after it was sent to the defendant outside any judicial district of the
United States.
(4) Results of Filing a Waiver. When the plaintiff files a waiver, proof of service is not required
and these rules apply as if a summons and complaint had been served at the time of filing the
waiver.
(5) Jurisdiction and Venue Not Waived. Waiving service of a summons does not waive any
objection to personal jurisdiction or to venue.
(e) Serving an Individual Within a Judicial District of the United States. Unless federal law
provides otherwise, an individual — other than a minor, an incompetent person, or a person whose
waiver has been filed — may be served in a judicial district of the United States by:
(1) following state law for serving a summons in an action brought in courts of general
jurisdiction in the state where the district court is located or where service is made; or
(2) doing any of the following:
(A) delivering a copy of the summons and of the complaint to the individual personally;
(B) leaving a copy of each at the individual’s dwelling or usual place of abode with someone
of suitable age and discretion who resides there; or
(C) delivering a copy of each to an agent authorized by appointment or by law to receive
service of process.
(f) Serving an Individual in a Foreign Country. Unless federal law provides otherwise, an
individual - other than a minor, an incompetent person, or a person whose waiver has been filed -
may be served at a place not within any judicial district of the United States:
(1) by any internationally agreed means of service that is reasonably calculated to give notice,
such as those authorized by the Hague Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and
Extrajudicial Documents;
(2) if there is no internationally agreed means, or if an international agreement allows but does
not specify other means, by a method that is reasonably calculated to give notice:
(A) as prescribed by the foreign country's law for service in that country in an action in its
courts of general jurisdiction;
(B) as the foreign authority directs in response to a letter rogatory or letter of request; or
(C) unless prohibited by the foreign country's law, by:
(i) delivering a copy of the summons and of the complaint to the individual personally;
or
(ii) using any form of mail that the clerk addresses and sends to the individual and that
requires a signed receipt; or
(3) by other means not prohibited by international agreement, as the court orders.
(g) Serving a Minor or an Incompetent Person. A minor or an incompetent person in a judicial
district of the United States must be served by following state law for serving a summons or like
process on such a defendant in an action brought in the courts of general jurisdiction of the state
where service is made. A minor or an incompetent person who is not within any judicial district of
the United States must be served in the manner prescribed by Rule 4(f)(2)(A), (f)(2)(B), or (f)(3).
(h) Serving a Corporation, Partnership, or Association. Unless federal law provides otherwise
or the defendant’s waiver has been filed, a domestic or foreign corporation, or a partnership or other
unincorporated association that is subject to suit under a common name, must be served:
(1) in a judicial district of the United States:
(A) in the manner prescribed by Rule 4(e)(1) for serving an individual; or
(B) by delivering a copy of the summons and of the complaint to an officer, a managing or
general agent, or any other agent authorized by appointment or by law to receive service of
process and — if the agent is one authorized by statute and the statute so requires — by also
mailing a copy of each to the defendant; or
(2) at a place not within any judicial district of the United States, in any manner prescribed by
Rule 4(f) for serving an individual, except personal delivery under (f)(2)(C)(i).
(i) Serving the United States and Its Agencies, Corporations, Officers, or Employees.
(1) United States. To serve the United States, a party must:
(A)(i) deliver a copy of the summons and of the complaint to the United States attorney for
the district where the action is brought — or to an assistant United States attorney or clerical
employee whom the United States attorney designates in a writing filed with the court clerk
— or
(ii) send a copy of each by registered or certified mail to the civil-process clerk at the
United States attorney’s office;
(B) send a copy of each by registered or certified mail to the Attorney General of the United
States at Washington, D.C.; and
(C) if the action challenges an order of a nonparty agency or officer of the United States,
send a copy of each by registered or certified mail to the agency or officer.
(2) Agency; Corporation; Officer or Employee Sued in an Official Capacity. To serve a United
States agency or corporation, or a United States officer or employee sued only in an official
capacity, a party must serve the United States and also send a copy of the summons and of the
complaint by registered or certified mail to the agency, corporation, officer, or employee.
(3) Officer or Employee Sued Individually. To serve a United States officer or employee sued
in an individual capacity for an act or omission occurring in connection with duties performed
on the United States’ behalf (whether or not the officer or employee is also sued in an official
capacity), a party must serve the United States and also serve the officer or employee under Rule
4(e), (f), or (g).
(4) Extending Time. The court must allow a party a reasonable time to cure its failure to:
(A) serve a person required to be served under Rule 4(i)(2), if the party has served either the
United States attorney or the Attorney General of the United States; or
(B) serve the United States under Rule 4(i)(3), if the party has served the United States
officer or employee.
(j) Serving a Foreign, State, or Local Government.
(1) Foreign State. A foreign state or its political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality must be
served in accordance with 28 U.S.C. § 1608.
(2) State or Local Government. A state, a municipal corporation, or any other state-created
governmental organization that is subject to suit must be served by:
(A) delivering a copy of the summons and of the complaint to its chief executive officer; or
(B) serving a copy of each in the manner prescribed by that state’s law for serving a
summons or like process on such a defendant.
(k) Territorial Limits of Effective Service.
(1) In General. Serving a summons or filing a waiver of service establishes personal jurisdiction
over a defendant:
(A) who is subject to the jurisdiction of a court of general jurisdiction in the state where the
district court is located;
(B) who is a party joined under Rule 14 or 19 and is served within a judicial district of the
United States and not more than 100 miles from where the summons was issued; or
(C) when authorized by a federal statute.
(2) Federal Claim Outside State-Court Jurisdiction. For a claim that arises under federal law,
serving a summons or filing a waiver of service establishes personal jurisdiction over a defendant
if:
(A) the defendant is not subject to jurisdiction in any state’s courts of general jurisdiction;
and
(B) exercising jurisdiction is consistent with the United States Constitution and laws.
(l) Proving Service.
(1) Affidavit Required. Unless service is waived, proof of service must be made to the court.
Except for service by a United States marshal or deputy marshal, proof must be by the server’s
affidavit.
(2) Service Outside the United States. Service not within any judicial district of the United
States must be proved as follows:
(A) if made under Rule 4(f)(1), as provided in the applicable treaty or convention; or
(B) if made under Rule 4(f)(2) or (f)(3), by a receipt signed by the addressee, or by other
evidence satisfying the court that the summons and complaint were delivered to the
addressee.
(3) Validity of Service; Amending Proof. Failure to prove service does not affect the validity of
service. The court may permit proof of service to be amended.
(m) Time Limit for Service. If a defendant is not served within 120 days after the complaint is
filed, the court — on motion or on its own after notice to the plaintiff — must dismiss the action
without prejudice against that defendant or order that service be made within a specified time. But
if the plaintiff shows good cause for the failure, the court must extend the time for service for an
appropriate period. This subdivision (m) does not apply to service in a foreign country under Rule
4(f) or 4(j)(1).
(n) Asserting Jurisdiction over Property or Assets.
(1) Federal Law. The court may assert jurisdiction over property if authorized by a federal
statute. Notice to claimants of the property must be given as provided in the statute or by serving
a summons under this rule.
(2) State Law. On a showing that personal jurisdiction over a defendant cannot be obtained in
the district where the action is brought by reasonable efforts to serve a summons under this rule,
the court may assert jurisdiction over the defendant’s assets found in the district. Jurisdiction is
acquired by seizing the assets under the circumstances and in the manner provided by state law
in that district.
Rule 5.2. Privacy Protection For Filings Made with the Court
(a) Redacted Filings. Unless the court orders otherwise, in an electronic or paper filing with the
court that contains an individual’s social-security number, taxpayer-identification number, or birth
date, the name of an individual known to be a minor, or a financial-account number, a party or
nonparty making the filing may include only:
(1) the last four digits of the social-security number and taxpayer-identification number;
(2) the year of the individual’s birth;
(3) the minor’s initials; and
(4) the last four digits of the financial-account number.
(b) Exemptions from the Redaction Requirement. The redaction requirement does not apply to
the following:
(1) a financial-account number that identifies the property allegedly subject to forfeiture in a
forfeiture proceeding;
(2) the record of an administrative or agency proceeding;
(3) the official record of a state-court proceeding;
(4) the record of a court or tribunal, if that record was not subject to the redaction requirement
when originally filed;
(5) a filing covered by Rule 5.2(c) or (d); and
(6) a pro se filing in an action brought under 28 U.S.C. §§ 2241, 2254, or 2255.
(c) Limitations on Remote Access to Electronic Files; Social-Security Appeals and Immigration
Cases. Unless the court orders otherwise, in an action for benefits under the Social Security Act,
and in an action or proceeding relating to an order of removal, to relief from removal, or to
immigration benefits or detention, access to an electronic file is authorized as follows:
(1) the parties and their attorneys may have remote electronic access to any part of the case file,
including the administrative record;
(2) any other person may have electronic access to the full record at the courthouse, but may have
remote electronic access only to:
(A) the docket maintained by the court; and
(B) an opinion, order, judgment, or other disposition of the court, but not any other part of
the case file or the administrative record.
(d) Filings Made Under Seal. The court may order that a filing be made under seal without
redaction. The court may later unseal the filing or order the person who made the filing to file a
redacted version for the public record.
(e) Protective Orders. For good cause, the court may by order in a case:
(1) require redaction of additional information; or
(2) limit or prohibit a nonparty’s remote electronic access to a document filed with the court.
(f) Option for Additional Unredacted Filing Under Seal. A person making a redacted filing may
also file an unredacted copy under seal. The court must retain the unredacted copy as part of the
record.
(g) Option for Filing a Reference List. A filing that contains redacted information may be filed
together with a reference list that identifies each item of redacted information and specifies an
appropriate identifier that uniquely corresponds to each item listed. The list must be filed under seal
and may be amended as of right. Any reference in the case to a listed identifier will be construed to
refer to the corresponding item of information.
(h) Waiver of Protection of Identifiers. A person waives the protection of Rule 5.2(a) as to the
person’s own information by filing it without redaction and not under seal.
-2-
Rule 8. General Rules of Pleading
(a) Claim for Relief. A pleading that states a claim for relief must contain:
(1) a short and plain statement of the grounds for the court’s jurisdiction, unless the court already
has jurisdiction and the claim needs no new jurisdictional support;
(2) a short and plain statement of the claim showing that the pleader is entitled to relief; and
(3) a demand for the relief sought, which may include relief in the alternative or different types
of relief.
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF NEVADA
HOW TO CALCULATE TIME FOR FILING DOCUMENTS*
Authority: Rule 6 and 5(b) of Federal Rules of Civil Procedure
Under Rule 6(a), the first day from which the time period begins to run is never counted
in the calculation, but the last day is counted, unless the last day falls on a Saturday,
Sunday, or legal holiday, in which case the period runs until the next business day.
Under Rule 5(b)(2)(C), when a document (other than an original complaint) is served by
mail, the time period begins to run from the date the document is sent, not the date it is
received. The date the document was sent will appear on the certificate of service which
is required to be sent with the document as provided in Rule 5(d)(1). Under Rule 6(d),
three additional days are added to the period if the document is served by mail. Refer to
Rule 4 for more information on when service by mail is allowed.
Example 1: Plaintiff has 14 days to respond to Defendant’s Motion which was hand
delivered on Friday, August 6, 2010. Calculations begin on August 7
th
, the day
after service. The Response would be due no later than Monday, August 20, 2010.
Example 2: Plaintiff has 14 days to respond to Defendant’s Motion which was mailed to
Plaintiff. Three additional days are added to the Example 1 calculations because
the motion was mailed (see Rule 5(b)(2)(C)). The Response by Plaintiff would
be due on Thursday, August 23, 2010.
Example 3: Defendant has 21 days to answer or otherwise respond to Plaintiff’s complaint
which was served on Friday, August 6, 2010. The calculation starts on Saturday,
August 7
th
. The Answer would be due no later than Friday, August 27, 2010.
We hope that you find the above information helpful.
U.S. District Court Customer Services Staff.
*Court Personnel are not permitted to evaluate your case or to offer any sort of advice on
how to proceed with your case. We can, however, provide you general information about
court rules and procedures. The information above is intended to assist you in calculating
the time for filing certain types of documents as required by court order, or by federal or
local rules. We cannot perform the calculation for you, nor are we able to make a
determination as to whether or not you are calculating the time correctly.
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Representing Yourself Guide (US Courts)

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Completed 30 June 2022

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