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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

Northern District of Texas

David C. Godbey, Chief Judge
Karen Mitchell, Clerk of Court

Inclement Weather Guidance

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Court Proceedings

Because court proceedings impact many people, including jurors, deputy marshals, litigants, attorneys, and support staff, a judge may cancel or delay proceedings due to inclement weather, even when a courthouse is physically open for business. The determination to hold, delay, or cancel a scheduled court hearing is solely at the discretion of the presiding judicial officer. The information below provides general guidance for each division.

Abilene, Amarillo, Dallas, Lubbock, San Angelo, and Wichita Falls Divisions

If the Abilene Independent School District (AISD), Amarillo Independent School District (AISD), Dallas Independent School District (DISD), Lubbock Independent School District (LISD), San Angelo Independent School District (SAISD), or Wichita Falls Independent School District (WFISD) is closed or delayed due to inclement weather, all court proceedings in the respective division will be similarly cancelled or delayed. If the relevant school district is not in regular session during an inclement-weather event, or if a judge decides to depart from this policy, a court employee will communicate with each affected litigant, attorney, deputy marshal, or juror to provide instructions.   

Fort Worth Division

Judge O’Connor, Judge Pittman, and Judge Means: If the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) is closed or delayed due to inclement weather, all court proceedings in the division will be similarly cancelled or delayed. If FWISD is not in regular session during an inclement-weather event, or if a judge decides to depart from this policy, a court employee will communicate with each affected litigant, attorney, deputy marshal, or juror to provide instructions.

 

District Clerk’s Office

The U.S. District Clerk’s Office is open 24/7 through the Electronic Case Filing system. Physical office hours at each division may be altered due to inclement weather as determined on a case-by-case basis.

The Northern District of Texas covers a large territory, and road conditions vary greatly throughout the district. It is our intent to open each District Clerk’s Office during regular business hours unless road conditions are too hazardous for an emergency crew to reach the office. Any delays or closures of the District Clerk’s Office will be posted on the homepage of this site.