Starting on September 27, 2011, the Bankruptcy Court for the Northern Distict of West Virginia will begin posting digital audio files of court hearings on the internet through the PACER system.  

Initially, only hearings held in the courtroom will be uploaded to a digital audio file.  On a case by case basis, the judge may, in the judge's discretion, elect to upload the digital audio file for a telephonic hearing to PACER, or the judge may approve an advance request by a party in interest to upload an audio file from a telephonic hearings.

Attached are three documents.  The first is a notice of PACER users to digital audio files.  The second is a list of the potential benefits of making the digital audio files available tothe bench, bar, and public.  The third answers some frequently asked questions.

Parties are entitled to the "free look" of the digital audio files, and the audio files, regardless of size, may be obtained through PACER for a flat fee -- currently $2.40.  By comparison, the current fee for requesting an audio CD from the clerk is $30.

I am delighted to be able to offer these digital audio recordings to you, as I believe their availability will improve local practice, and provide greater transparency to the judicial process

Notice of PACER Access to Audio Recordings of Court Hearings

Benefits to PACER Access to Digital Audio Recordings

FAQ About Digital Audio Recordings