US Supreme Court Postpones Oral Arguments
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday postponed oral arguments scheduled for the rest of March, “in keeping with public health precautions recommended in response to COVID-19.”
In a written statement the court said it “will examine the options for rescheduling those cases in due course in light of the developing circumstances.”
The court’s postponement of argument sessions in light of public health concerns is not unprecedented.
It postponed scheduled arguments for October 1918 in response to the Spanish flu epidemic, and it also shortened its argument calendars in August 1793 and August 1798 in response to yellow fever outbreaks.
The justices will hold their regularly scheduled conference on Friday, March 20, though some may participate remotely by telephone.
They will issue their regularly scheduled Order List on Monday, March 23 at 9:30 a.m., posting it on the court’s website at that time.
The Supreme Court building will continue to be open for official business, and filing deadlines are not extended under Rule 30.1.
The court also announced it is expanding remote working capabilities to reduce the number of employees in the building, consistent with public health guidance.
The Supreme Court building will remain closed to the public until further notice.
