Delaware Federal Jury Duty Unaffected by Government Shutdown (October 2025)
Despite the federal government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025, individuals in Delaware summoned for federal jury duty are still required to report. The U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware is continuing its normal operations.
Current Status of the Federal Shutdown
The government shutdown occurred due to a congressional impasse between Democrats and Republicans regarding the extension of federal health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. Funding for government services has not yet been approved, leading to the shutdown.
Delaware Federal Court Operations
While the shutdown is impacting various federal services, the federal court in Delaware remains largely operational. The court, located in the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building in Wilmington, handles both criminal cases brought by federal prosecutors and civil cases based on federal law.
Jury Duty and Court Proceedings
Court officials have confirmed that the court will continue processing new and existing civil and criminal cases, conducting hearings, and rendering judgments. If you have been summoned for jury duty, your summons remains valid, and you are required to report. The clerk's office at the Wilmington federal courthouse will remain open.
Funding and Potential Future Impacts
Currently, the court is funded through mid-October. Court officials have indicated that if a budget deal is not reached by then, the pay for court staff could be affected. Stay tuned for further updates as the shutdown progresses.
