District of Columbia Court of Appeals

The District of Columbia Court of appeals was established by congress in 1970. The court consists of a chief judge and eight associate judges. From time to time retired judges assist the court with its caseload.

The District of Columbia Court of Appeals is authorized to review all final orders, judgments and specified interlocutory orders of the Superior Court. The Court of Appeals also has jurisdiction to review decisions of the administrative agencies, boards, and commissions of the District of Columbia Government, as well as answer questions of law certified by federal and state appellate court. The Court of Appeals also reviews proposed rules of the Superior Court and promulgates its own rules. Either party may appeal a decision rendered in the Superior Court to the Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia. Clients need to understand that appeals are heard on the record and no new testimony is taken. There needs to be a legitimate appealable issue before an appeal should be taken since costs can be assessed against the losing party on appeal. Simply being dissatisfied with the result is not an appealable issue. One must show that the trial judge misapplied the law, made erroneous evidentiary or legal rulings that affected the outcome of the case or there was some other issue that prejudiced the outcome of the case that should not have occurred. Appeals are very difficult to win and are generally not recommended unless it is clear that error was committed at the trial level.

Hours
Mondays-Fridays: 8:30a.m.-5:00p.m.
After 5:00p.m., filings can be made in the after-hours filing box in the lobby of the Moultrie Courthouse.
Location
Moultrie Courthouse
500 Indiana Avenue, N.W., Sixth Floor
Washington, D.C. 20001
Main Contact
Phone: (202) 879-2700