On Oct. 20, U.S. courts began limited, constitutionally required functions under the Anti-Deficiency Act until Congress restores appropriations.
- Federal judges will continue to serve under Article III, but most court staff will be furloughed, except for those performing “excepted” activities, such as work essential to constitutional functions, safety of human life, and protection of property.
- Excepted employees will work without pay during the funding lapse.
- Each federal court (appellate, district, and bankruptcy) and federal defender’s office will determine its own operational capacity, prioritizing urgent criminal proceedings, pretrial supervision, and other constitutionally mandated tasks.
- The CM/ECF system and PACER will remain operational for electronic filing and case access.
- The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AO) will have no staff available to answer its public phone line during the lapse.
- The jury program remains funded separately and will continue uninterrupted. Jurors should follow local court instructions.
The Judiciary had maintained paid operations through Oct. 17 using fee balances and non-appropriated funds, but those reserves have been exhausted. The courts are expected to continue limited operations until congressional appropriations are restored.
For updates, litigants and attorneys should check individual court websites or contact the clerk’s office for local procedures during the shutdown.