Despite a federal government shutdown that began Wednesday, federal courts throughout Southern California remain open.
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The federal judiciary will continue paid operations through Oct. 17, if the shutdown lasts that long, by using court fee balances and other funds not dependent on a new appropriation, according to a memo from the U.S. Courts administrative office.
Most proceedings and deadlines will occur as scheduled. In cases where an attorney from an executive branch agency is not working because of the shutdown, hearing and filing dates may be rescheduled.
The case management/electronic filing system also will remain in operation for electronic filing of documents.
The administrative office initially confirmed that it could continue paid operations through Friday, adding that officials were assessing whether there were sufficient funds to support operations beyond that date. The assessment identified available fees and balances to pay for an additional two weeks.
If the shutdown continues after funds are exhausted, the courts will 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.
Under this scenario, each court and federal defender's office would determine the staffing resources necessary to support such work, a U.S. Courts spokesperson said
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