Supreme Court Goes Dark Briefly During Oral Arguments

— -- The Supreme Court went dark briefly today during oral arguments.

The lights went out during arguments on the case of Nichols v. United States, which examines whether sex offenders who reside in foreign countries must update their registration in their former residences.

The sudden loss of power elicited amusement from some in the courtroom.

"I knew we should have paid that bill," Chief Justice John Roberts joked.

"My red light on the bench is still working," Justice Elena Kagan remarked before returning to her questioning.

The justices continued to ask their questions in the dark. According to reports, the lights were restored after about five minutes.