Courts Run Out of Cash Next Friday. Here’s What Happens Then
- If U.S. government shutdown drags on, judges have to do triage
- Businesses in system face uncertainty; Qualcomm goes to trial
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Companies that turn to the federal courts to resolve fights with rivals and customers may find themselves in limbo if the government shutdown continues beyond next week.
The system has enough money left over from fees and other sources to run through Jan. 11, according to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, which supports the judiciary. After that, nonessential workers at the 94 federal district courts, and at higher courts across the country, may have to stay home even as skeleton crews show up -- without pay -- to handle matters deemed essential under U.S. law, including many criminal cases.