Sealing
S.D. Tex. — SDTX addresses sealed filings under LR 83.6.
SDTX addresses sealed filings under LR 83.6. To file a sealed civil action, present application to clerk with complaint in sealed envelope. Galveston Division requires Binh Hoa Le v. Exeter (5th Cir. 2021) analysis — no wholesale sealing absent extraordinary showing. LR 83.6; Gal. Div. R. Prac. 6(e).
District-Wide (LR 83.6)
Filing a sealed civil action: present application to clerk, attach complaint and materials in sealed envelope marked "sealed exhibit." Miscellaneous case number assigned, presented to miscellaneous judge. After ruling, clerk draws civil action number and randomly assigns judge.
Sealing in pending cases: not separately addressed district-wide. Judge-specific.
Galveston Division
Motion to seal must undertake the analysis in Binh Hoa Le v. Exeter Fin. Corp., 990 F.3d 410, 417-21 (5th Cir. 2021). No wholesale sealing absent extraordinary showing.
Requirements:
- Include version with proposed redactions highlighted
- Motion and all exhibits filed as single combined document
- Standing protective order on Judge Brown's and Judge Edison's webpages