The First time since Spanish Influenza of 1918.
For the first time in more than a century, the Supreme Court announced it is postponing oral arguments set for the remainder of March. They say they will “examine the options for rescheduling those cases in due course in light of the developing circumstances,” i.e., the COVID-19 virus pandemic.
The Court’s statement released Monday said, “The Court will hold its regularly scheduled conference on Friday, March 20. Some Justices may participate remotely by telephone. The Court will issue its regularly scheduled Order List on Monday, March 23 at 9:30 a.m.” The next set of oral arguments is scheduled to begin on April 20.
Six of the justices are 65 or older, putting them at a higher risk of having a more severe reaction to the virus, according to the CDC. Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer are both in their 80s.
The Supreme Court building is closed to the public until further notice.
The Supreme Court previously postponed scheduled arguments in response to the Spanish Influenza epidemic of 1918 and shortened its argument calendar in 1793 and 1798 in response to yellow fever outbreaks.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the men and women who serve in the nation’s government, including the Supreme Court justices, to remain free of viral attacks.
- For the coronavirus task force and all the work that they are doing.
- For the more than 3,770 individuals with confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the U.S., and the families of the 69 or more who have lost their lives in the pandemic.
Sources: AP, NPR
