The "Drop Box Rule" - history and application

The Court's local rule 5005-1(a) addresses the "drop box rule."  The "drop box rule" originated when documents were filed as paper documents, and the Clerk's Office had an actual mailbox located outside the courthouse on the sidewalk.  Filers could place paper documents into the drop box for filing after hours or whenever the Clerk's Office was not open for business.  For physical security reasons, the drop box was removed.  The intent of the rule has been carried over for documents filed electronically.