Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-azd-2_12-cv-02246/USCOURTS-azd-2_12-cv-02246-4/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 890
Nature of Suit: Other Statutory Actions
Cause of Action: 15:0045 Federal Trade Commission Act

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WO 

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 

FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA 

Federal Trade Commission,

Plaintiff, 

v. 

ELH Consulting LLC, et al., 

Defendants.

No. CV-12-02246-PHX-FJM

ORDER 

 The court has before it "Plaintiff's Motion for Continuance due to United States 

Government Cessation" (doc. 120). The FTC asserts that its appropriations have lapsed 

and its lawyers cannot act. It seeks a postponement of the deadline to file a motion for 

summary judgment. 

 We acknowledge that some parts of the government have "shut down" due to the 

failure of the House of Representatives to pass an unconditional appropriations bill. But 

many Executive agencies have maintained their "essential" functions. As has the 

judiciary. Only "non-essential" employees have been furloughed. 

 Because deciding cases and controversies under Article III of the Constitution is 

an "essential" function of the judicial branch, this court is operating. The lawyers 

appearing in its cases have a professional obligation to their clients to participate. 

 Thus, we need more information from Plaintiff before we can rule on the motion. 

Has the entire FTC been declared "non-essential”? Are any lawyers in the FTC 

Case 2:12-cv-02246-FJM Document 121 Filed 10/03/13 Page 1 of 2
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categorized as "essential"? If the latter, why can't an "essential" lawyer prepare and file 

the motion for summary judgment? 

 It is ORDERED that the Plaintiff shall file a Supplemental Memorandum in 

support of its motion answering these questions no later than October 8, 2013. 

 Dated this 3rd day of October, 2013. 

Case 2:12-cv-02246-FJM Document 121 Filed 10/03/13 Page 2 of 2