U.S. District Court Eastern District of New York

admin_ShockTrail September 12, 2025

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U.S. District Court Eastern District of New York

For residents and visitors in Brooklyn and Queens New York, the U.S. District Court Eastern District of New York (EDNY) serves as a crucial federal trial court, handling significant civil and criminal cases under federal law. Understanding its structure, jurisdiction, and how to navigate it is essential for anyone involved in federal legal proceedings in Long Island and NYC’s eastern boroughs.

This comprehensive guide by ShockTrail.com provides clear, reliable information about the U.S. District Court Eastern District of New York, including its divisions, services for citizens, and practical tips for accessing justice. Explore the details below to confidently navigate this vital federal legal institution.

About the Eastern District & Its Federal Jurisdiction

The Eastern District of New York is a major federal district court covering the easternmost counties of New York State. It encompasses Brooklyn (Kings County), Queens (Queens County), Staten Island (Richmond County), Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk Counties), and several counties north of New York City.

Judicial Administration: The court operates under the United States Federal Judiciary and is part of the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.

Population Served: Over 8 million residents across its jurisdiction.

Economy & Significance: Covers major population centers, significant ports (including the Port of New York and New Jersey), diverse industries, and is a hub for federal litigation and prosecutions.

Other Courts: Alongside the EDNY, the state court system includes the NY State Supreme Court, Kings County, NY State Supreme Court, Queens County, NY State Supreme Court, Richmond County, and various NYC Civil and Criminal Courts. Federal bankruptcy cases are handled by the separate U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of New York.

Federal Law Enforcement: Cases originate from various federal agencies including the FBI, DEA, IRS Criminal Investigation, SEC, ICE, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the EDNY.

U.S. District Court Eastern District of New York – What It Is and Its Function

The U.S. District Court Eastern District of New York, with courthouses in Brooklyn, Central Islip (Long Island), and Hauppauge (Long Island), is a federal trial court with jurisdiction over:

Federal Civil Cases: Lawsuits arising under the U.S. Constitution, federal laws, or treaties (e.g., civil rights violations, employment discrimination, securities fraud, admiralty cases).
Federal Criminal Cases: Prosecutions for violations of federal law (e.g., drug trafficking, immigration crimes, public corruption, terrorism, organized crime, healthcare fraud).
Diversity Jurisdiction: Civil cases between citizens of different states where the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000 (if federal question jurisdiction doesn’t apply).

You can file federal lawsuits, attend trials, access public defenders or court-appointed attorneys in criminal cases, and obtain federal judicial records here. The court also handles bankruptcy appeals (though bankruptcy cases are in a separate system) and certain specialized federal matters.

Divisions & Court Types at U.S. District Court Eastern District of New York

The EDNY is divided into multiple divisions and specialized courts, each typically assigned specific types of cases by the Chief Judge, though assignments can vary. Generally, these include:

General Civil Division: Handles a wide range of federal civil litigation.
General Criminal Division: Adjudicates most federal criminal prosecutions.
Bankruptcy Appeals Division: Hears appeals from bankruptcy court decisions (Bankruptcy Court for EDNY is a separate entity).
Specialized Courts/Parts: May include parts dedicated to specific issues like:
- Intellectual Property: Patent, trademark, and copyright cases.
- Securities Litigation: Cases involving stock fraud, insider trading, etc.
- Antitrust (Competition Law): Cases involving monopolies, price-fixing, etc.
- International Commercial Disputes: Complex cases with international elements.
- Habeas Corpus: Proceedings challenging the legality of imprisonment.

Note: Unlike some systems, there isn’t a fixed numbering like “1st Civil Court”. Cases are assigned to judges based on the court’s administrative system. The list of current Judges and their assignments can often be found on the EDNY website.

What Types of Cases Are Handled Here?

Type of Case	Court/Division	Examples
Federal Civil Litigation	General Civil Division / Specialized Parts	Civil rights lawsuits (Section 1983), employment discrimination (Title VII), securities fraud, product liability (federal claims), intellectual property disputes.
Federal Criminal Cases	General Criminal Division / Specialized Parts	Drug trafficking conspiracies, immigration offenses, public corruption, organized crime (RICO), healthcare fraud, terrorism-related charges.
Intellectual Property	IP Litigation Part	Patent infringement, trademark counterfeiting, copyright piracy.
Securities Cases	Securities Litigation Part	SEC enforcement actions, shareholder derivative suits, IPO misrepresentation.
Antitrust/Competition	Antitrust Part	Monopoly maintenance, price-fixing conspiracies, merger challenges.

Free Legal Assistance & Public Services

The federal court system and related agencies provide several avenues for legal help:

Lawyer Referral Services: The American Bar Association and local/state bars offer referrals.
Federal Public Defender’s Office (EDNY): Provides free legal representation to defendants in federal criminal cases who qualify financially.
Legal Aid Society & Similar Organizations: May offer assistance in some federal civil rights cases or have partnerships.
Pro Se Resources: The EDNY and federal judiciary offer resources for individuals representing themselves, especially in civil cases. Check the EDNY website for forms and guides.
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit: Handles appeals from EDNY decisions.

How to Look Up Cases at U.S. District Court Eastern District of New York

To check the status of a federal case:

Access PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records): Most federal court records are available electronically through the PACER system. There is a small fee per document/view, but fees are waived for those who qualify for IFP (In Forma Pauperis) status.
Search Options: You can search by case number, party name, or attorney name.
In-Person Access: Case information is also available at the court clerk’s office in the courthouse. Check the EDNY website for specific instructions, hours, and locations (Brooklyn, Central Islip, Hauppauge).
Note: Confidential or sealed cases will not appear in public searches.

Address, Contact, and Hours of Operation

Brooklyn Courthouse:

United States Courthouse: 225 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Central Islip Courthouse (Long Island):

United States Courthouse: 100 Federal Plaza, Central Islip, NY 11722

Hauppauge Courthouse (Long Island):

United States Courthouse: 600 Federal Plaza, Hauppauge, NY 11788

Main Phone: (718) 613-2600 (General Information – Brooklyn) or (631) 712-6000 (General Information – Central Islip/Hauppauge)

Website: U.S. District Court Eastern District of New York

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Clerk’s Office Hours may vary slightly; check the website)

Jurisdiction: Eastern District of New York (Kings, Queens, Richmond, Nassau, Suffolk, and several northern counties)

Associated Courts & Services:

NY State Supreme Court, Kings County (Handles major state civil and criminal cases in Brooklyn)
NY State Supreme Court, Queens County (Handles major state civil and criminal cases in Queens)
NY State Supreme Court, Richmond County (Handles major state civil and criminal cases in Staten Island)
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (Hears appeals from EDNY)

Nearby Courts & Legal Resources

Nearby Court/Resource	Location	Approx. Distance	Link
NY State Supreme Court Kings County	Brooklyn NY	Within Borough	NY State Supreme Court Kings County
NY State Supreme Court Queens County	Queens NY	Within Borough	NY State Supreme Court Queens County
NY State Supreme Court New York County	Manhattan NY	10 miles	NY State Supreme Court New York County
NY State Supreme Court Bronx County	Bronx NY	15 miles	NY State Supreme Court Bronx County
NYC Civil Court Kings County	Brooklyn NY	Within Borough	NYC Civil Court Kings County
NYC Criminal Court Kings County	Brooklyn NY	Within Borough	NYC Criminal Court Kings County
Nassau County District Court	Central Nassau NY	25 miles	Nassau County District Court
Hudson County Superior Court	Jersey City NJ	15 miles	Hudson County Superior Court

Services Available to the Public

Filing Legal Papers (Clerk’s Office): Submitting initial pleadings and subsequent documents for federal cases (often via electronic filing through CM/ECF for attorneys or PACER for pro se litigants).
Case Information Lookup: Accessing public case files and dockets online (PACER) or in-person.
In-Person Hearings & Trials: Conducting legal proceedings according to scheduled calendars.
Jury Service: Information and management for citizens summoned for federal jury duty.
Public Access to Court Records: Reviewing non-confidential federal case files (via PACER or in-person).
Self-Help Resources: Informational materials and guidance for individuals without attorneys (Pro Se litigants).

Practical Tips Before Visiting

Check Case Status Online First: Use PACER to avoid unnecessary trips.
Bring Identification: A valid photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport) is often required for entry and accessing certain services.
Arrive Early: For hearings, arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled time.
Dress Appropriately: Business casual or better is recommended when entering a courtroom.
Use Official Channels: Rely on the EDNY website and official court contacts for information. Avoid third-party services that charge fees for public information.
Security Screening: Be prepared to go through metal detectors and have belongings scanned. Prohibited items include weapons, large amounts of cash, and food/drinks (unless medically necessary).
PACER Fees: Be aware of potential fees for accessing documents online. IFP applications can waive these fees for eligible individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What’s the difference between EDNY and state courts in Brooklyn/Queens?

EDNY handles cases under federal law (U.S. Constitution, federal statutes, treaties) or diversity jurisdiction. State courts like NY Supreme Court handle state law cases (contracts, personal injury, most crimes) and family law.

2. Do I need a lawyer for a case in EDNY?

While not legally required, especially for simple matters, it is highly recommended for complex federal cases. Criminal defendants have the right to an attorney, provided by the Federal Public Defender if they cannot afford one.

3. How much does it cost to file a case?

Filing fees vary depending on the type of case. Check the EDNY website for current fee schedules. Fee waivers (IFP) are available for those who qualify.

4. How do I start a federal case?

You typically need to file a complaint (civil) or are charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office (criminal). Federal cases have specific procedural rules (Federal Rules of Civil/Criminal Procedure) that must be followed.

5. How do I find a federal lawyer?

You can use lawyer referral services like those provided by the NYS Bar Association, the New York City Bar Association, or search online directories specializing in federal law.

6. What are the court’s hours and when is the clerk’s office open?

The courthouses are generally open Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. However, specific court sessions or the clerk’s office may have slightly different hours. Always check the official website for the most current information.

7. Is there parking available near the courthouses?

Limited public parking is available in nearby garages and on the street, but it can be expensive and hard to find. Public transportation is highly recommended. The courthouses are accessible by subway, bus, and Long Island Rail Road (LIRR).

8. How do I get a copy of my federal court records?

You can request copies through the clerk’s office in person, by mail, or online via PACER. There is usually a fee for copies and PACER access.

9. What should I do if I have a question about my case that’s not answered here?

Contact the clerk’s office for general procedural questions. For legal advice specific to your case, you must consult with an attorney. If you are a criminal defendant with a public defender, contact them directly.

10. What is the role of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for EDNY?

It is the federal prosecutor for the Eastern District, responsible for bringing criminal charges and representing the U.S. Government in civil cases within the district.

About ShockTrail’s Court Guides

The information presented in this guide is compiled from official sources and public information to provide a helpful overview of the U.S. District Court Eastern District of New York. ShockTrail.com does not operate or manage this court and is not responsible for changes in procedures, hours, or specific case outcomes. We recommend verifying critical details directly with the court through official channels.

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