Digital Audio Recording Project

Digital audio recordings are now available to the public via internet access to the PACER system. In March 2010, the Judicial Conference approved the plan to make digital audio recordings available on PACER after a two-year pilot project showed significant public interest in accessing these files. Prior to the pilot, access was only possible by obtaining a CD recording from a court clerks office for $26. The new digital files cost $2.40.

The presiding judge determines if the audio recording will be posted on PACER. Digital audio recording is used in most bankruptcy and many district courts (where magistrate judges account for most of the usage).

The following courts provide access to audio files through the PACER system: the U.S. District Courts in Nebraska and the Eastern District of Pennsylvania; the U.S. Bankruptcy Courts in the District of Alaska, Northern District of California, Middle District of Florida, District of Hawaii, Southern District of Indiana, District of Maine, Eastern District of Michigan, District of Minnesota, Eastern District of Missouri, Eastern District of North Carolina, Middle District of North Carolina, District of Nebraska, District of New Mexico, District of Nevada, Southern District of New York, District of Puerto Rico, District of Rhode Island, District of Vermont, Eastern District of Washington, Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of West Virginia, Eastern District of Wisconsin, and the District of Wyoming. For more information on this project, use the Contact Us button above.

Links to past articles:
August 6,2007 Press Release
Project Expanded: More Courts Offering Digital Audio Recordings Online
Third Branch Article
Judiciary Approves PACER Innovations to Enhance Public Access