United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

9th Circuit San Francisco, California

About This Court

Hears appeals from the district courts of the 9th Circuit, listed below. Proceedings are governed by the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure, along with the court's own rules.

Active Judges 29

Name	Appointed By	Confirmed	Law School
Bridget Bade	Donald J. Trump	2019	Arizona State University College of Law (now Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law)
Mark Bennett	Donald J. Trump	2018	Cornell Law School
Daniel Bress	Donald J. Trump	2019	University of Virginia School of Law
Patrick Bumatay	Donald J. Trump	2019	Harvard Law School
Consuelo Callahan	George W. Bush	2003	University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Morgan Christen	Barack Obama	2011	Golden Gate University School of Law
Daniel Collins	Donald J. Trump	2019	Stanford Law School
Ana de Alba	Joseph R. Biden	2023	University of California, Berkeley, School of Law
Roopali Desai	Joseph R. Biden	2022	University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law
Danielle Forrest	Donald J. Trump	2019	University of Idaho College of Law
Michelle Friedland	Barack Obama	2014	Stanford Law School
Ronald Gould	William J. Clinton	1999	University of Michigan Law School
Anthony Johnstone	Joseph R. Biden	2023	University of Chicago Law School
Lucy Koh	Joseph R. Biden	2021	Harvard Law School
Kenneth Lee	Donald J. Trump	2019	Harvard Law School
Salvador Mendoza	Joseph R. Biden	2022	University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law
Eric Miller	Donald J. Trump	2019	University of Chicago Law School
Mary Murguia	Barack Obama	2010	University of Kansas School of Law
Ryan Nelson	Donald J. Trump	2018	Brigham Young University, J. Reuben Clark Law School
Jacqueline Nguyen	Barack Obama	2012	University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law
John Owens	Barack Obama	2014	Stanford Law School
Johnnie Rawlinson	William J. Clinton	2000	University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Gabriel Sanchez	Joseph R. Biden	2022	Yale Law School
Milan Smith	George W. Bush	2006	University of Chicago Law School
Jennifer Sung	Joseph R. Biden	2021	Yale Law School
Holly Thomas	Joseph R. Biden	2022	Yale University
Eric Tung	Donald J. Trump	2025	University of Chicago Law School
Lawrence VanDyke	Donald J. Trump	2019	Harvard Law School
Kim Wardlaw	William J. Clinton	1998	University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law

Senior Judges 22

Name	Appointed By	Confirmed	Law School
Carlos Bea	George W. Bush	2003	Stanford Law School
Marsha Berzon	William J. Clinton	2000	University of California, Berkeley, School of Law
Jay Bybee	George W. Bush	2003	Brigham Young University, J. Reuben Clark Law School
William Canby	Jimmy Carter	1980	University of Minnesota Law School
Richard Clifton	George W. Bush	2002	Yale Law School
Ferdinand Fernandez	George H.W. Bush	1989	University of Southern California Law School (now Gould School of Law)
William Fletcher	William J. Clinton	1998	Yale Law School
Susan Graber	William J. Clinton	1998	Yale Law School
Michael Hawkins	William J. Clinton	1994	Arizona State University College of Law (now Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law)
Andrew Hurwitz	Barack Obama	2012	Yale Law School
M. McKeown	William J. Clinton	1998	Georgetown University Law Center
Dorothy Nelson	Jimmy Carter	1979	University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law
Diarmuid O'Scannlain	Ronald Reagan	1986	Harvard Law School
Richard Paez	William J. Clinton	2000	University of California, Berkeley, School of Law
Mary Schroeder	Jimmy Carter	1979	University of Chicago Law School
Barry Silverman	William J. Clinton	1998	Arizona State University College of Law (now Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law)
N[orman] Smith	George W. Bush	2007	Brigham Young University, J. Reuben Clark Law School
Richard Tallman	William J. Clinton	2000	Northwestern University School of Law (now Pritzker School of Law)
Atsushi Tashima	William J. Clinton	1996	Harvard Law School
Sidney Thomas	William J. Clinton	1996	University of Montana School of Law
Stephen Trott	Ronald Reagan	1988	Harvard Law School
John Wallace	Richard M. Nixon	1972	University of California, Berkeley, School of Law

Local Rules

The Circuit Rules and General Orders of the Ninth Circuit, which supplement the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. See the court's official website for the authoritative text.

Title I. Applicability of Rules 2

Rule	Title
Circuit Rule 1-1	Title
Circuit Rule 1-2	Scope of Circuit Rules

Title II. Appeal from a Judgment or Order of a District Court 23

Rule	Title
Circuit Rule 3-1	Filing the Appeal
Circuit Rule 3-2	Representation Statement
Circuit Rule 3-3	Preliminary Injunction Appeals
Circuit Rule 3-4	Mediation Questionnaire
Circuit Rule 3-5	Procedure for Recalcitrant Witness Appeals
Circuit Rule 3-6	Summary Disposition of Civil Appeals
Circuit Rule 4-1	Counsel in Criminal AND Habeas Appeals
Circuit Rule 5-1	Civil Appeals Docketing Statement in Appeals by Permission Under FRAP 5
Circuit Rule 5-2	Number of Copies and Length
Circuit Rule 6-1	Appeals from Final Decisions of the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
Circuit Rule 6-2	Petition for Writ of Certiorari to Review Final Decisions of the Supreme Court of Guam
Circuit Rule 9-1	Release in Criminal Cases
Circuit Rule 10-1	Notice of Filing Appeal
Circuit Rule 10-2	Contents of the Record on Appeal
Circuit Rule 10-3	Ordering the Reporter’s Transcript
Circuit Rule 11-1	Filing the Reporter’s Transcript
Circuit Rule 11-2	The Certificate of Record
Circuit Rule 11-3	Retention of the Transcript and Clerk’s Record in the District Court During Preparation of the Briefs
Circuit Rule 11-4	Retention of Physical Exhibits in the District Court, Transmittal of Clerk’s Record on Request
Circuit Rule 11-5	Transmittal of the Clerk’s Record and Reporter’s Transcript and Exhibits in all Other Cases
Circuit Rule 11-6	Preparation of the Clerk’s Record for Transmittal
Circuit Rule 12-1	Notice of Emergency Motions in Capital Cases
Circuit Rule 12-2	Representation Statement

Title III. Appeals from the United States Tax Court 4

Rule	Title
Circuit Rule 13-1	Filing Notice of Appeal in Tax Court Cases
Circuit Rule 13-2	Excerpts of Record in Tax Court Cases
Circuit Rule 13-3	Transmission of the Record in Tax Court Cases
Circuit Rule 14-1	Applicability of Other Rules to Review Decisions of the Tax Court

Title IV. Review or Enforcement of an Order of an Administrative Agency, Board, Commission, or Officer 7

Rule	Title
Circuit Rule 15-1	Review or Enforcement of Agency Orders
Circuit Rule 15-2	Mediation Questionnaire in Agency Cases
Circuit Rule 15-3	Procedures for Review Under the Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act
Circuit Rule 15-4	Petitions for Review of Board of Immigration Appeals Decisions
Circuit Rule 17-1	Excerpts of Record on Review or Enforcement of Agency Orders
Circuit Rule 17-2	Sanctions for Failure to Comply with Circuit Rule 17-1
Circuit Rule 20-1	Applicability of Other Rules to Review of Agency Decisions

Title V. Extraordinary Writs 5

Rule	Title
Circuit Rule 21-1	Extraordinary Writs
Circuit Rule 21-2	Format of Extraordinary Writs and Answers; Number of Copies; Length
Circuit Rule 21-3	Disclosure Statement
Circuit Rule 21-4	Answers to Petitions
Circuit Rule 21-5	Petition for Writ of Mandamus Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3771(d)(3)

Title VI. Habeas Corpus; Proceedings in Forma Pauperis 8

Rule	Title
Circuit Rule 22-1	Certificate of Appealability (COA)
Circuit Rule 22-2	Direct Criminal Appeals, First Petitions, and Stays of Execution: Capital Cases
Circuit Rule 22-3	Applications for Authorization to File Second or Successive 28 U.S.C. § 2254 Petition or § 2255 Motion - All Cases; Stay of Execution - Capital Cases
Circuit Rule 22-4	Appeals from Authorized Second or Successive 2254 Petitions or 2255 Motions in Capital Cases
Circuit Rule 22-5	Subsequent Petitions or Motions; Related Civil Proceedings
Circuit Rule 22-6	Rules Applicable to all Death Penalty Cases
Circuit Rule 23-1	Custody of Federal Prisoners Pending Appeals in Proceedings to Vacate Sentence
Circuit Rule 24-1	Excerpts of Record Waiver

Title VII. General Provisions 69

Rule	Title
Circuit Rule 25-1	Principal Office of Clerk
Circuit Rule 25-2	Communications to the Court
Circuit Rule 25-3	Facsimile and E-Mail Filing
Circuit Rule 25-4	Calendared Cases
Circuit Rule 25-5	Electronic Filing
Circuit Rule 26-1	Filing Deadlines for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands
Circuit Rule 26-2	Three Day Service Allowance
Circuit Rule 27-1	Filing of Motions
Circuit Rule 27-2	Motions for Stays Pending Appeal
Circuit Rule 27-3	Emergency Motions
Circuit Rule 27-4	Emergency Criminal Interlocutory Appeals
Circuit Rule 27-5	Emergency Motions for Stay of Execution of Sentence of Death
Circuit Rule 27-6	No Oral Argument Unless Otherwise Ordered
Circuit Rule 27-7	Delegation of Authority to Act on Motions
Circuit Rule 27-8	Required Recitals in Criminal and Immigration Cases
Circuit Rule 27-9	Motions to Dismiss Criminal Appeals
Circuit Rule 27-10	Motions for Reconsideration
Circuit Rule 27-11	Motions; Effect on Schedule
Circuit Rule 27-12	Motions to Expedite
Circuit Rule 27-13	Sealed Documents
Circuit Rule 27-14	Motions to Transmit Physical and Documentary Exhibits
Circuit Rule 28-1	Briefs, Applicable Rules
Circuit Rule 28-2	Contents of Briefs
Circuit Rule 28-3	Length of Briefs; Motions to Exceed Page Limits
Circuit Rule 28-4	Extensions of Time and Enlargements of Size for Consolidated and Joint Briefing
Circuit Rule 28-5	Multiple Briefs
Circuit Rule 28-6	Citation of Supplemental Authorities
Circuit Rule 29-1	Amicus Briefs in Connection with Principal Briefing
Circuit Rule 29-2	Amicus Briefs in Connection with the Rehearing Process
Circuit Rule 29-3	Reply Brief of Amicus Curiae
Circuit Rule 30-1	The Excerpts of Record
Circuit Rule 30-2	Sanctions for Failure to Comply with Circuit Rule 30-1
Circuit Rule 30-3	Prisoner Appeals Without Representation by Counsel
Circuit Rule 31-1	Number of Briefs
Circuit Rule 31-2	Time for Service and Filing
Circuit Rule 32-1	Length and Form of Briefs, Certificate of Compliance
Circuit Rule 32-2	Requests to Exceed the Page or Type-Volume Limits
Circuit Rule 32-3	Page/Word Count Conversion Formula for Briefs and Other Documents
Circuit Rule 32-4	Briefs and Excerpts of Record in Capital Cases
Circuit Rule 32-5	Unrepresented Litigants
Circuit Rule 33-1	Circuit Mediation Office
Circuit Rule 34-1	Place of Hearing
Circuit Rule 34-2	Change of Time or Place of Hearing
Circuit Rule 34-3	Priority Cases
Circuit Rule 34-4	Classes of Cases to be Submitted Without Oral Argument
Circuit Rule 35-1 to 35-4
Circuit Rule 36-1	Opinions, Memoranda, Orders; Publication
Circuit Rule 36-2	Criteria for Publication
Circuit Rule 36-3	Citation of Unpublished Dispositions or Orders
Circuit Rule 36-4	Request for Publication
Circuit Rule 36-5	Orders for Publication
Circuit Rule 36-6	Periodic Notice to Publishing Companies
Circuit Rule 39-1	Costs and Attorneys Fees on Appeal
Circuit Rule 39-2	Attorneys Fees and Expenses Under the Equal Access to Justice Act
Circuit Rule 40-1	Format; Number of Copies
Circuit Rule 40-2	Opportunity to Respond Before En Banc Review
Circuit Rule 40-3	Limited En Banc Court
Circuit Rule 40-4	Publication of Previously Unpublished Disposition
Circuit Rule 41-1	Stay of Mandate
Circuit Rule 41-2	Timing of Mandate
Circuit Rule 42-1	Dismissal for Failure to Prosecute
Circuit Rule 42-2	Termination of Bail Following Dismissal
Circuit Rule 46-1	Attorneys
Circuit Rule 46-2	Attorney Suspension, Disbarment or Other Discipline
Circuit Rule 46-3	Change of Address
Circuit Rule 46-4	Participation of Law Students
Circuit Rule 46-5	Restrictions on Former Court Employees Participating in Cases
Circuit Rule 47-1	Effective Date of Rules
Circuit Rule 47-2	Advisory Committee on Rules

General Orders — Chapter I: General Definitions 14

Rule	Title
General Orders Chapter I	General Definitions
General Order 1.1	Active Judge
General Order 1.2	Senior Judge
General Order 1.3	Member of the Court
General Order 1.4	Visiting Judge
General Order 1.5	Judge
General Order 1.6	Panel
General Order 1.7	Disposition
General Order 1.8	Appellate Commissioner
General Order 1.9	Staff Attorney
General Order 1.10	Circuit Mediator
General Order 1.11	Administrative Unit
General Order 1.12	Comeback Cases
General Order 1.13	Terms used for Cases, Case Participants, and Dispositive Reliefs

General Orders — Chapter II: Filing & Docketing Appeals 4

Rule	Title
General Order 2.1	Inquiry Regarding Related Matters (Abrogated 9/17/14)
General Order 2.2	Proceedings In Forma Pauperis
General Order 2.3	Procedures for Failure to Comply with Deadlines Established by the Court
General Order 2.4	Motions for Reinstatement

General Orders — Chapter III: Calendaring 7

Rule	Title
General Order 3.1	Time and Place of Court Calendars
General Order 3.2	Assignment of Judges to Calendars
General Order 3.3	Assignment of Cases to Calendars
General Order 3.4	Notification of Calendaring of Cases
General Order 3.5	Publication of Calendars
General Order 3.6	Comeback Cases
General Order 3.7	Oral Argument in Pro Bono Project Appeals

General Orders — Chapter IV: Dispositions 6

Rule	Title
General Order 4.1	Prevention of Conflicts
General Order 4.2	Deciding Cases on Points Not Raised and Argued
General Order 4.3	Writing of Dispositions
General Order 4.4	Suggesting Changes to Draft Dispositions
General Order 4.5	Filing of Dispositions
General Order 4.6	Mandate

General Orders — Chapter V: En Banc Procedures 10

Rule	Title
General Order 5.1	Definitions and General Provisions
General Order 5.2	Initial Hearing En Banc
General Order 5.3	Amendment of Disposition; Proposal by Judge
General Order 5.4	Rehearing En Banc
General Order 5.5	Procedure After Supplemental Briefing
General Order 5.6	Reserved Time
General Order 5.7	Assignment of Opinion Writing, Circulation, and Filing of Disposition
General Order 5.8	Rehearing by Full Court
General Order 5.9	Stay of Mandate
General Order 5.10	Recall of Mandate

General Orders — Chapter VI: Motions & Screening Cases 11

Rule	Title
General Order 6.1	Definitions
General Order 6.2	Assignment of Judges
General Order 6.3	Delegation of Authority to Dispose of Motions
General Order 6.4	Emergency Motions
General Order 6.5	Screening Calendars
General Order 6.6	Recalcitrant Witness Appeals
General Order 6.7	Criminal Justice Act Vouchers
General Order 6.8	Applications for Extraordinary Writs (Exclusive of Habeas Corpus)
General Order 6.9	Certification of Orders and Memoranda Dispositions
General Order 6.10	Motions for Clarification and Petitions for Reconsideration or Rehearing (Abrogated 7/1/03)
General Order 6.11	Motions for Reconsideration En Banc

General Orders — Chapter VII: Mediation Office 6

Rule	Title
General Order 7.1	Purpose and Staffing
General Order 7.2	Authority to Enter Orders
General Order 7.3	Cases Subject to Mediation
General Order 7.4	Confidentiality
General Order 7.5	Imposition of Sanctions
General Order 7.6	Processing of Selected Cases

General Orders — Chapter VIII: Death Penalty Procedures 3

Rule	Title
General Order 8.1	Capital Case Coordinator
General Order 8.2	Duties of En Banc Coordinator
General Order 8.3	Duties of Chief Judge

General Orders — Chapter IX: Judicial Procedures 6

Rule	Title
General Order 9.1	Reports by Judges on Cases Under Submission
General Order 9.2	Priorities for Circulation and Consideration of Proposed Dispositions
General Order 9.3	Delay by Visiting Judges
General Order 9.4	Seniority of Visiting Judges
General Order 9.5	Individual Public Expression of Views
General Order 9.6	Three-Judge District Court Assignments (Abrogated)

General Orders — Chapter X: Meeting of Court & Executive Committee 3

Rule	Title
General Order 10.1	Executive Committee of the Court
General Order 10.2	Court Meetings
General Order 10.3	Mail Votes

General Orders — Chapter XI: Duties of Administrative Unit Judges 1

Rule	Title
General Order 11.1	Duties of the Administrative Unit Judge

General Orders — Chapter XII: Miscellaneous Provisions 14

Rule	Title
General Order 12.1	Seal and Process (Abrogated 9/17/14)
General Order 12.2	Use of Court, Conference, and Robing Rooms (Abrogated 9/17/14)
General Order 12.3	Information Concerning Presentation of Oral Argument (Abrogated 9/17/14)
General Order 12.4	Bar Admission Fees
General Order 12.5	Discipline of Attorneys Admitted to Practice in This Court
General Order 12.6	Use of General Orders
General Order 12.7	Distribution of Briefs, Records, and Exhibits After Use
General Order 12.8	Prisoner Mail
General Order 12.9	Sua Sponte Imposition of Sanctions
General Order 12.10	Communication From Other Courts Regarding Cases
General Order 12.11	Suspension of General Orders
General Order 12.12	Confidentiality
General Order 12.13	Confidentiality and Disposition of Judges’ Personal Papers and Property upon Death
General Order 12.14	Purpose and Effect of General Orders

General Orders — Appendix A 1

Rule	Title
General Orders Appendix A	Disposition of Motions by the Clerk

District Courts in the 9th Circuit 15

District of Alaska Anchorage, Alaska District of Arizona Phoenix, Arizona Central District of California Los Angeles, California Eastern District of California Sacramento, California Northern District of California San Francisco, California Southern District of California San Diego, California District of Guam Hagatna, Guam District of Hawaii Honolulu, Hawaii District of Idaho Boise, Idaho District of Montana Missoula, Montana District of Nevada Las Vegas, Nevada District of the Northern Mariana Islands Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands District of Oregon Portland, Oregon Eastern District of Washington Spokane, Washington Western District of Washington Seattle, Washington