If easy access to government information is among the hallmarks of a vibrant democracy, the federal judiciary is not helping with the 10-cents-a-page charge for electronic access to court filings. The National Veterans Legal Services Program and two other nonprofit groups are pursuing a class action lawsuit hoping to recover what they argue are egregious overcharges.
The judicial system says current law allows it to demand payments for online access, even though the cost to the government is negligible, and that people wanting totally free access can come to the courthouse.
The case is now before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and the challengers have attracted an impressive array of supporting briefs from retired judges, news organizations, civil rights groups and a sponsor of the 2002 law. "There should be full public access to court records," retired federal Judge Shira Scheindlin told The New York Times. "It's an infinitesimal amount of money when you look at the total budget for the court system."
U.S. President Donald walks toward reporters while departing the White House on September 11, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) 
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox speaks at a press conference flanked by FBI director Kash Patel following the fatal shooting of political activist Charlie Kirk during an event at Utah Valley University on September 12, 2025 in Orem, Utah. (Photo by Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images) 