The shutdown’s effect on federal court proceedings is in flux. For now, most litigants should expect business as usual in the nation’s courthouses, at least in private civil matters.

By Nicholas J. Boyle, Roberto J. Borgert, and Katherine Griffitts

Updated on October 23, 2025

On October 17, 2025, the Administrative Office of the US Courts confirmed that the federal judiciary has exhausted its funding to sustain full, paid operations. Under the Anti-Deficiency Act, court staff may only perform…