Government Shutdown Affects Federal Courts
The U.S. government shutdown is now in its fourth week, and the funding standoff is now impacting federal courts. The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts has confirmed that, as of October 20, the courts no longer have access to their usual level of funding . Until government funding is restored, courts will operate in a limited capacity that are only necessary to fulfill essential constitutional duties. Federal judges will continue to serve under Article III of the Constitution. However, court staff may only carry out “excepted” duties permitted under the Anti-Deficiency Act. These include: Functions required by the Constitution; Activities necessary to protect human life or property; and Tasks authorized by federal law. Staff performing these duties will work without pay during the shutdown. Others will be furloughed. Each appellate, district, and bankruptcy court will decide how to manage cases, probation, and pretrial supervision during this period. For exampl...