News & Announcements


Judiciary Operating During Shutdown

December 24, 2018

Despite a partial shutdown of the federal government that began December 22, 2018, the Judiciary remains open and can continue operations for approximately three weeks, through January 11, 2019. All proceedings and deadlines remain in effect as scheduled, unless otherwise advised.

Government attorneys unable to comply with a filing deadline due to the shutdown should file a motion to suspend the deadline.

Case Management/Electronic Case Files (CM/ECF) will remain in operation for the electronic filing of documents.

If the shutdown were to continue past three weeks and exhaust the federal Judiciary’s resources, the courts would then operate under the terms of the Anti-Deficiency Act, which allows work to continue during a lapse in appropriations if it is necessary to support the exercise of Article III judicial powers.