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U.S. 5th Circuit Adopts Amendments and Local Rule Change


The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has adopted amendments to its local rules, effective December 1, 2025, to align with recent changes to the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure.

The full text of the amended rules and related guidance is available on the Fifth Circuit’s website at www.ca5.uscourts.gov.  

One amendment revises Fifth Circuit Rule 25.2.1 to clarify electronic filing requirements. After implementation dates set by the clerk, all cases will be assigned to the court’s electronic filing system. Counsel must file briefs, motions, and petitions for rehearing in searchable PDF text format, not scanned documents, unless paper filing is specifically directed. Any paper filings must be identical to the electronically filed versions. Non-incarcerated pro se litigants may request permission to participate in electronic filing in civil cases.

The court also amended Rule 39 regarding taxable costs. The revised rule updates reproduction cost rates for briefs and appendices, confirms that required binding costs are taxable, and clarifies that mailing and commercial delivery fees are not recoverable as taxable costs. The amendment also restates the timing requirements for filing bills of costs and objections.

Review the Rules and Internal Operating Procedures of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals by clicking here or visiting their website. 


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