Comment on How a U.S. Government Shutdown Impacts Courts & Access to Justice by SCOTUStoday for Wednesday, October 15 – tiny reporter

Polarization in the U.S. Congress and heated debate over legislation that funds government operations has increasingly led to threats of a “government shutdown.” A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to approve funding for the federal government before the start of the new fiscal year, which occurs every year on October 1. As a lawyer from New Zealand studying law in the United States, I believe the economic, political, and social ramifications from a government shutdown should be weighed against Congress’ unfettered power to approve appropriations.