Federal courts are scaling back operations as the government shutdown drags on.

Washington

The ongoing federal government shutdown, now among the longest in U.S. history, has begun to significantly affect the judiciary. The Supreme Court and federal courts nationwide have started implementing shutdown procedures after exhausting their reserve funds. While federal judges will continue their constitutional duties, court staff are limited to essential activities. The Supreme Court will proceed with oral arguments and decisions, but its building is closed to tourists. Jury programs remain operational, and individual courts will decide which cases proceed or are delayed. Meanwhile, the political stalemate in Washington continues, with federal workers facing missed paychecks as the shutdown persists.

Supreme and federal courts impacted by government shutdown

It is day 20 of the federal government shutdown, and this shutdown is now the third longest in American history, with each week brings new impacts, including new challenges for America's judiciary. On Monday, the Supreme Court begins shutdown procedures, as do federal courts across the country. Up until this point, the federal judiciary was relying on existing funds to avoid impacts. Those funds ran out over the weekend. A memo from the U.S. courts outlines what happens next. Until the ongoing lapse in government funding is resolved, federal courts will maintain limited operations necessary to perform the judiciary's constitutional functions. Federal judges will continue to serve in accordance with the Constitution, but court staff may only perform certain accepted activities. At the U.S. Supreme Court, oral arguments and decisions will still happen, but the building will be closed to tourists for the time being. As far as how this shutdown will impact the courts where you live, the memo goes on to say, quote, individual courts will determine which cases will continue on schedule and which may be delayed. The jury program is funded by money not affected by the appropriations lapse and will continue to operate. Jurors should follow instructions from courts and report to courthouses as directed. In Washington over the weekend, no resolution of the shutdown appeared to be imminent, with both sides repeating familiar positions. Democrats want health care policy changes to prevent premium increases. Republicans want the government opened first. Federal workers will miss another paycheck on Friday if the government shutdown continues. For many federal workers, this will be their first full paycheck missed. Joe St. George, Scripps News Group, Washington.

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