Side by side
CM/ECF vs DAWSON
Both stand on court management. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan MacWebWindows
CM/ECF supports electronic filing and related docket updates across the listed federal courts. Filing access depends on the individual court, and viewing records through PACER can incur fees.
Visit CM/ECF Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb
Visit DAWSON The facts
| CM/ECF | DAWSON | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Mac, Web, Windows | Android, iPhone, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | uscourts.gov | dawson.ustaxcourt.gov |
| On court management | #1 of 16 | #3 of 16 |
CM/ECF: what it does well
- Covers federal appellate, district, and bankruptcy courts.
- Creates docket entries and updates docket sheets after filings.
- Emails filing notices with document and docket links.
- Online filing may be available 24 hours a day.
- No added fee for filing documents over the internet.
What to know first
- Filing access must be issued by an individual court.
- Existing court filing fees still apply.
- PACER charges for viewing additional case records.
- Filers must redact personal identifier information.
DAWSON: what it does well
Alternatives to CM/ECF Alternatives to DAWSON The whole list