WASHINGTON -- ACORN, the controversial and defunct community activist group accused of a variety of criminal activities, will not get a chance to air its grievances about losing federal funding before the Supreme Court, the justices announced Monday.

The group was trying to appeal a unanimous lower court ruling affirming the federal government's right to strip millions of dollars in funds from the group and its associated affiliates. The justices, as often happens, announced their decision without comment.

ACORN's activities received little attention before 2009 when it became the focus of outrage for mostly-Republican lawmakers who objected to the group's politics and shady dealings...