An umbrella order establishes a framework allowing self-designation of material meeting defined categories, deferring individualized justification unless a designation is challenged.
It contrasts with orders requiring document-specific good cause findings before protection attaches.
Alternative Names:
Blanket Protective Order, Global Protective Order
Why it Matters?
Umbrella orders make large productions practical, since individualized good cause showings for thousands of documents would be prohibitive. The tradeoff is over-designation, which the challenge mechanism is supposed to correct but often does not because challenges are burdensome. Courts have grown more skeptical of umbrella orders in cases involving public health and safety, and several jurisdictions restrict them by rule or statute.
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Why are umbrella orders used?
What is the criticism?
