The District of Columbia Courts, the judicial branch of the District of Columbia government, comprise the DC Court of Appeals, the highest court of the District; the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, a trial court with general jurisdiction over virtually all local legal matters; and the Court System, which provides administrative support functions for both Courts. District of Columbia courts were created by Congress under Article I of the Constitution. The judges who serve on the courts are nominated by the President of the United States and confirmed by the US Senate for fixed terms.

This is the District’s trial court of general jurisdiction. It hears civil, criminal, administrative, family, landlord and tenant, and other cases involving DC law. 

 

This is the District’s appellate court.  It hears appeals from the Superior Court and administrative agencies of the District government.  The Court of Appeals also regulates the District of Columbia Bar.

 

US District Court for the District of Columbia

The federal courts, located in Washington, are not part of the District government, but are provided here for reference.