Multnomah County Circuit Court Sealing & Redaction Procedures

Protected records cannot be subpoenaed without court permission; the requesting attorney must show the information is unavailable by other means, and the request must be supported by an affidavit.

Protected records cannot be subpoenaed without court permission. The requesting attorney will have to demonstrate that the protected information is unavailable by other means. If contested, this motion must be heard by the case's motions judge. If not contested, a request for protected records can be heard at ex parte and must be supported by an affidavit explaining why the records are necessary.

After a sealing order is signed, the unredacted original must be submitted in a 9x12 envelope with the order affixed, a redacted version must be filed in place, and all documents must be filed together with the Civil Department.

Once the motions judge has signed an order allowing a document to be filed under seal, the parties must complete the following steps: 1) The original, unredacted and unaltered version of the document must be submitted in a 9'' x 12'' envelope, which will be securely stored in the courthouse file room. 2) A copy of the signed order allowing the document to be filed under seal must be affixed to the front of the envelope. The order must specify which document is contained in the envelope. 3) A redacted or otherwise altered version of the document must be filed to stand 'in place' of the document under seal. A slip sheet is not sufficient unless specifically allowed by the motions judge. 4) All documents, including the motion, signed order to file under seal, redacted copies, unredacted originals in envelopes, and any other ancillary document part of the underlying pleading must be filed together conventionally with the Civil Department.

Health information records are available for inspection in Room 3315, but a court order is required to inspect them.

Individually identifiable health information records delivered to the court under subpoena in a civil action are available for inspection in Room 3315 of the courthouse. If you wish to inspect these records, please obtain an order from a judge allowing release of documents.