US Judge Says Government Shutdown Will Not Pause Urgent DOJ Civil Proceedings
U.S. District Chief Judge James E. Boasberg ordered the Trump administration to file timely responses to any motions seeking extraordinary relief in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia but otherwise paused the government's filing deadlines in other civil proceedings until after Congress reopens the government following a lapse of appropriations.
'Prosecutorial Machinations?' US Judge Blasts Federal Prosecutors in DC
"Most troubling, prosecutors have rushed to charge cases before properly investigating them, resulting in individuals being detained for days only to have the government voluntarily dismiss the charges against them at early hearings," U.S. District Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan of the District of Columbia wrote in a scathing opinion dismissing a criminal case with prejudice.
'Exigent Circumstances': DOJ Requests Stays in Antitrust Cases Amid Government Shutdown
"Absent an appropriation, Department of Justice attorneys and employees are generally prohibited from working, even on a voluntary basis, except in very limited circumstances such as 'emergencies involving the safety of human life or the protection of property,'" DOJ attorneys wrote in letters requesting a stay of proceedings in at least two antitrust cases in Manhattan federal court amid a lapse of appropriations and ensuing partial government shutdown.