Mississippi top courts implement e-filing
Allows easier access to records
A technological change is coming to Mississippi courts July 1 that will expedite matters, not only for lawyers and workers in the court system, but for members of the public with business before the courts as well, say advocates of the upgrade.
The state Supreme Court and Court of Appeals will begin accepting electronic filing of briefs and motions as part of an order signed June 6 implementing efiling.
“This is a milestone for the judiciary,” said Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Bill Waller Jr. in a statement. “It will save time and money for lawyers, litigants and the courts. The public will benefit from easier access to court records.”
With an average of 1,650 to 1,700 cases pending before the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals at any given time, the minutes saved will add up quickly, backers say.
“I believe that it’s going to be helpful,” said Supreme Court Clerk Kathy Gillis.
E-filing will be implemented in stages. It will be voluntary for lawyers filing briefs and motions before the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals beginning July 1. After Jan. 1, 2014, it will become mandatory.
Some documentation will continue to be submitted in paper, such as the notice of appeal that initiates a case before the Supreme Court. Notices sent by the clerk’s office to attorneys also will continue to be by paper for now. Electronic filing of those documents will be implemented in a second phase.
Some courts in Mississippi already file documents electronically. Fifteen trial courts in nine counties use e-filing through Mississippi Electronic Courts. Chancery courts in DeSoto County are an e-filing jurisdiction.
Public access to e-filed documents at the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals is free and available through the Mississippi Judiciary website, courts. ms.gov. Documents will be attached to the court docket.
Attorneys wishing to file documents electronically during the voluntary period must register with Mississippi Electronic Courts and pay a $10 annual fee.