Criminal cases should continue as normal  - but a memo from the Department says that cases should be postponed 'to the extent that this can be done without compromising . . . the safety of human life or the protection of property'. But the situation could vary across the country. The US Attorney for the Southern District of New York said, according to United States Courts, 'only a small number of Assistants and staff have been excepted from the furlough', although these do include the trial team of the US v Countrywide Financial Corporation case.

Judge reluctant

But, for instance, Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly is reluctant to slow down the hearing on the American Airlines/US Airways proposed merger, saying: 'because of the need for the prompt resolution of this matter, the Court has set an expedited discovery and trial schedule. A stay at this point would undermine this schedule and delay the necessary speedy disposition of this matter.'