(a) Precedential Effect of Summary Orders. Rulings by summary order do not have precedential effect.

(b) Citation of Summary Orders.

(1) Summary Orders Issued On or After January 1, 2007. In a document filed with this court, a party may cite a summary order issued on or after January 1, 2007.

(2) Summary Orders Issued Prior to January 1, 2007. In a document filed with this court, a party may not cite a summary order of this court issued prior to January 1, 2007, except:

(A) in a subsequent stage of a case in which the summary order has been entered, in a related case, or in any case for purposes of estoppel or res judicata; or

(B) when a party cites the summary order as subsequent history for another opinion that it appropriately cites.

(c) Citation Form. When citing a summary order in a document filed with this court, a party must cite either the Federal Appendix or an electronic database (with the notation "summary order").

(d) Service of Summary Orders on Pro Se Parties. A party citing a summary order must serve a copy of it on any party not represented by counsel.

Last modified at 12/15/2009