ST. PAUL — A judge has ordered the Minnesota state court system to remain open if state government shuts down Friday.

Retired Judge Bruce Christopherson, who was appointed to hear the case, ruled Tuesday that the judicial branch will continue to perform the functions necessary to fulfill its obligations and ensure citizens’ rights under the state and federal constitutions. His order directs the state to continue issuing checks and processing the necessary funds for the courts to keep operating.

A ruling is still pending from another judge on which other essential government functions should keep running if the GOP-controlled Legislature and Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton fail to agree on a budget before Friday. They have yet to resolve their differences over whether to balance the budget solely through spending cuts, or raising taxes.