reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 11 - Organization and Jurisdiction of the Courts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 7 - District of Columbia Court of Appeals › Subchapter II - Jurisdiction › § 11–722. Administrative orders and decisions

§ 11–722. Administrative orders and decisions.
The District of Columbia Court of Appeals has jurisdiction (1) except as provided in clause (2), to review orders and decisions of the Commissioner [Mayor] of the District of Columbia, the District of Columbia Council, any agency of the District of Columbia (including the Board of Zoning Adjustment of the District of Columbia and the Zoning Commission of the District of Columbia), and the District of Columbia Redevelopment Land Agency, in accordance with the District of Columbia Administrative Procedure Act (D.C. Official Code, secs. 2-501 — 2-510); and (2) to review orders and decisions of the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia in accordance with section 8 of the Act of March 4, 1913 (D.C. Official Code, Chapters 1 through 11, Title 34).
(July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 481, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 111.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 11-722.
1973 Ed., § 11-722.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 17-303 and § 17-307.
Cross References
District Charter provisions relating to jurisdiction of Court of Appeals, see § 1-204.31.
Change in Government
This section originated at a time when local government powers were delegated to the District of Columbia Council and to a Commissioner of the District of Columbia. The District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act, 87 Stat. 818, § 711 ( D.C. Code, § 1-207.11), abolished the District of Columbia Council and the Office of Commissioner of the District of Columbia. These branches of government were replaced by the Council of the District of Columbia and the Office of Mayor of the District of Columbia, respectively. Accordingly, and also pursuant to § 714(a) of such Act ( D.C. Code, § 1-207.14(a)), appropriate changes in terminology were made, in brackets, in this section.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 11 - Organization and Jurisdiction of the Courts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 7 - District of Columbia Court of Appeals › Subchapter II - Jurisdiction › § 11–723. Certification of questions of law

§ 11–723. Certification of questions of law.
(a) The District of Columbia Court of Appeals may answer questions of law certified to it by the Supreme Court of the United States, a Court of Appeals of the United States, or the highest appellate court of any State, if there are involved in any proceeding before any such certifying court questions of law of the District of Columbia which may be determinative of the cause pending in such certifying court and as to which it appears to the certifying court there is no controlling precedent in the decisions of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.
(b) This section may be invoked by an order of any of the courts referred to in subsection (a) upon the court’s motion or upon motion of any party to the cause.
(c) A certification order shall set forth (1) the question of law to be answered; and (2) a statement of all facts relevant to the questions certified and the nature of the controversy in which the questions arose.
(d) A certification order shall be prepared by the certifying court and forwarded to the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. The District of Columbia Court of Appeals may require the original or copies of all or such portion of the record before the certifying court as are considered necessary to a determination of the questions certified to it.
(e) Fees and costs shall be the same as in appeals docketed before the District of Columbia Court of Appeals and shall be equally divided between the parties unless precluded by statute or by order of the certifying court.
(f) The District of Columbia Court of Appeals may prescribe the rules of procedure concerning the answering and certification of questions of law, under this section.
(g) The written opinion of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals stating the law governing any questions certified under subsection (a) shall be sent by the clerk to the certifying court and to the parties.
(h)(1) The District of Columbia Court of Appeals, on its own motion or the motion of any party, may order certification of questions of law to the highest court of any State under the conditions described in subsection (a).
(2) The procedures for certification from the District of Columbia to a State shall be those provided in the laws of that State.
(Oct. 28, 1986, 100 Stat. 3228, Pub. L. 99-573, § 7.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 11-723.
Editor's Notes
Uniform Law: This section is based upon §§ 1 to 9 of the Uniform Certification of Questions of Law Act (1967).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 11 - Organization and Jurisdiction of the Courts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 7 - District of Columbia Court of Appeals › Subchapter III - Miscellaneous Provisions › § 11–742. Oaths, affirmations, and acknowledgments

§ 11–742. Oaths, affirmations, and acknowledgments.
Each judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals and each employee of the court authorized by the chief judge may administer oaths and affirmations and take acknowledgments.
(July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 481, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 111.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 11-742.
1973 Ed., § 11-742.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 11 - Organization and Jurisdiction of the Courts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 7 - District of Columbia Court of Appeals › Subchapter III - Miscellaneous Provisions › § 11–743. Rules of court

§ 11–743. Rules of court.
The District of Columbia Court of Appeals shall conduct its business according to the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure unless the court prescribes or adopts modifications of those Rules.
(July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 481, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 111.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 11-743.
1973 Ed., § 11-743.
Cross References
Rules concerning admission to bar, see § 11-2501.
Rules of court, see § 11-946.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 11 - Organization and Jurisdiction of the Courts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 7 - District of Columbia Court of Appeals › Subchapter III - Miscellaneous Provisions › § 11–744. Judicial conference

§ 11–744. Judicial conference.
The chief judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals shall summon biennially or annually the active associate judges of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals and the active judges and magistrate judges of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to a conference at a time and place that the chief judge designates, for the purpose of advising as to means of improving the administration of justice within the District of Columbia. The chief judge shall preside at such conference which shall be known as the Judicial Conference of the District of Columbia. Every judge and magistrate judge summoned shall attend, and, unless excused by the chief judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, shall remain throughout the conference. The District of Columbia Court of Appeals shall provide by its rules for representation of and active participation by members of the District of Columbia Bar and other persons active in the legal profession at such conference.
(Dec. 31, 1975, 89 Stat. 1102, Pub. L. 94-193, § 1(a); June 13, 1994, Pub. L. 103-266, § 1(b)(8), 108 Stat. 713; Dec. 12, 2012, 126 Stat. 1611, Pub. L. 112-229, § 2(a).)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 11-744.
1973 Ed., § 11-744.
Effect of Amendments
The 2012 amendment by Pub. L. 112-229, in the first sentence, substituted “biennially or annually” for “annually” and added “and magistrate judges”; and in the third sentence, substituted “Court of Appeals” for “Courts of Appeals” and added “and magistrate judge”.
Cross References
Court administration, chief judges, responsibilities, see § 11-1702.
Superior Court, family division, exclusive jurisdiction, see § 11-1101.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 11 - Organization and Jurisdiction of the Courts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 9 - Superior Court of the District of Columbia › Subchapter I - Continuation and Organization › § 11–901. Continuation of courts; court of record; seal

§ 11–901. Continuation of courts; court of record; seal.
The District of Columbia Court of General Sessions, the Juvenile Court of the District of Columbia, and the District of Columbia Tax Court are consolidated in a single court to be known as the Superior Court of the District of Columbia (hereafter in this title referred to as the “Superior Court”). The Superior Court shall be a court of record in the District of Columbia and shall have a single seal.
(July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 482, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 111.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 11-901.
1973 Ed., § 11-901.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 7-201.
Cross References
Continuation of District of Columbia court system, see § 1-207.18.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 11 - Organization and Jurisdiction of the Courts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 9 - Superior Court of the District of Columbia › Subchapter I - Continuation and Organization › § 11–902. Organization of the court

§ 11–902. Organization of the court.
(a) In general. — The Superior Court shall consist of the following:
(1) The Civil Division.
(2) The Criminal Division.
(3) The Family Court.
(4) The Probate Division.
(5) The Tax Division.
(b) Branches. — The divisions of the Superior Court may be divided into such branches as the Superior Court may by rule prescribe.
(c) Designation of presiding judge of Family Court. — The chief judge of the Superior Court shall designate one of the judges assigned to the Family Court of the Superior Court to serve as the presiding judge of the Family Court of the Superior Court.
(d) Jurisdiction described. — The Family Court shall have original jurisdiction over the actions, applications, determinations, adjudications, and proceedings described in § 11-1101. Actions, applications, determinations, adjudications, and proceedings being assigned to cross-jurisdictional units established by the Superior Court, including the Domestic Violence Unit, on the date of enactment of this section [January 8, 2002], may continue to be so assigned after the date of enactment of this section [Jan. 8, 2002].
(July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 482, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 111; Jan. 8, 2002, 115 Stat. 2100, Pub. L. 107-114, § 2(a).)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 11-902.
1973 Ed., § 11-902.
Effect of Amendments
Pub. L. 107-114 rewrote the section which had read:
“The Superior Court shall consist of the following divisions: Civil Division, Criminal Division, Family Division, Probate Division, and Tax Division. The divisions of the Superior Court may be divided into such branches as the Superior Court may by rule prescribe.”
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 11 - Organization and Jurisdiction of the Courts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 9 - Superior Court of the District of Columbia › Subchapter I - Continuation and Organization › § 11–903. Composition

§ 11–903. Composition.
The Superior Court of the District of Columbia shall consist of a chief judge and 61 associate judges.
(July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 482, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 111; Mar. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 65, Pub. L. 98-235, § 2; Nov. 21, 1989, 103 Stat. 1283, Pub. L. 101-168, § 138; Dec. 13, 1989, 103 Stat. 1967, Pub. L. 101-232,§ 1; Apr. 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 696, Pub. L. 110-201, § 1.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 11-903.
1973 Ed., § 11-903.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 11-908A.
Effect of Amendments
Pub. Law 110-201 substituted “61” for “fifty-eight”.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 11 - Organization and Jurisdiction of the Courts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 9 - Superior Court of the District of Columbia › Subchapter I - Continuation and Organization › § 11–904. Judges; service; compensation

§ 11–904. Judges; service; compensation.
(a) The chief judge and the judges of the Superior Court shall serve as provided in Chapter 15 of this title.
(b) Judges of the Superior Court shall be compensated at the rate prescribed by law for judges of United States district courts. The chief judge, while serving in that position, shall receive an additional $500 per annum.
(July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 482, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 111; Oct. 28, 1986, 100 Stat. 3228, Pub. L. 99-573, § 16(b); June 13, 1994, Pub. L. 103-266, § 1(b)(9), 108 Stat. 713.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 11-904.
1973 Ed., § 11-904.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 1-207.18.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 11 - Organization and Jurisdiction of the Courts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 9 - Superior Court of the District of Columbia › Subchapter I - Continuation and Organization › § 11–905. Oath of judges

§ 11–905. Oath of judges.
Each judge of the Superior Court, when appointed shall take the oath prescribed for judges of courts of the United States.
(July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 482, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 111.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 11-905.
1973 Ed., § 11-905.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 11 - Organization and Jurisdiction of the Courts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 9 - Superior Court of the District of Columbia › Subchapter I - Continuation and Organization › § 11–906. Administration by chief judge; discharge of duties

§ 11–906. Administration by chief judge; discharge of duties.
(a) The chief judge shall administer and superintend the business of the Superior Court, as provided in Chapter 17 of this title. The chief judge shall attend to the discharge of the duties pertaining to the office of chief judge and perform such additional judicial work as the chief judge is able to perform.
(b) The chief judge shall, insofar as is consistent with this title, arrange and divide the business of the Superior Court and fix the time of sessions of the Family Court and the various divisions and branches of the Superior Court.
(July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 483, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 111; June 13, 1994, Pub. L. 103-266, §§ 1(b)(10), (11), 108 Stat. 713; Jan. 8, 2002, 115 Stat. 2100, Pub. L. 107-114, § 2(b).)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 11-906.
1973 Ed., § 11-906.
Effect of Amendments
Pub. L. 107-114, in subsec. (b), inserted “the Family Court and” before “the various divisions”.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 11 - Organization and Jurisdiction of the Courts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 9 - Superior Court of the District of Columbia › Subchapter I - Continuation and Organization › § 11–907. Absence, disability, or disqualification of chief judge

§ 11–907. Absence, disability, or disqualification of chief judge.
(a) When the chief judge of the court is absent or disabled, the chief judge’s duties shall devolve upon and be performed by such associate judge as the chief judge may designate in writing. In the event that the chief judge is (1) disqualified or suspended, or (2) unable or fails to make such a designation, the chief judge’s duties shall devolve upon and be performed by the associate judges of the court according to the seniority of their original commissions.
(b) A chief judge whose term as chief judge has expired shall continue to serve until redesignated or until a successor has been designated. When there is a vacancy in the position of chief judge, the position shall be filled temporarily as provided in subsection (a).
(July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 483, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 111; June 13, 1994, Pub. L. 103-266, §§ 1(b)(12), (13), 108 Stat. 713.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 11-907.
1973 Ed., § 11-907.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 11-911 and § 11-947.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 11 - Organization and Jurisdiction of the Courts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 9 - Superior Court of the District of Columbia › Subchapter I - Continuation and Organization › § 11–908. Designation and assignment of judges

§ 11–908. Designation and assignment of judges.
(a) Subject to subsection 11-908A, the chief judge may designate the number of judges to serve in any division and branch of the Superior Court and may assign and reassign any judge to sit in any division or branch. When making assignments to the Family Division and Tax Division, the chief judge shall consider the qualifications and interest of the judges. Each associate judge shall attend and serve in the division and branch to which assigned.
(b) When the business of the Superior Court requires, the chief judge may certify to the chief judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals the need for temporary assignment of an additional judge or judges as provided in section 11-707.
(c) Upon presentation of a certificate of necessity by the chief judge of the Superior Court, the chief judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit may designate and assign temporarily a judge or judges as provided in subsection (c) of section 292 of title 28, United States Code.
(July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 483, Pub. L. 91-358, Title I, § 111; June 13, 1994, Pub. L. 103-266, § 1(b)(14), 108 Stat. 713; Jan. 8, 2002, 115 Stat. 2107, Pub. L. 107-114, § 3(e).)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 11-908.
1973 Ed., § 11-908.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 11-908A.
Effect of Amendments
Pub. L. 107-114, in subsec. (a), substituted “Subject to section 11-908A, the chief judge” for “The chief judge”.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 11 - Organization and Jurisdiction of the Courts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 9 - Superior Court of the District of Columbia › Subchapter I - Continuation and Organization › § 11–909. Meetings and reports

§ 11–909. Meetings and reports.
(a) The judges of the Superior Court shall meet upon the call of the chief judge, but not less than once each month, to consider matters relating to the business and operations of the court. The court may by rule require additional meetings.
(b) Each associate judge shall submit to the chief judge such reports and data as the chief judge may request. Each judge shall submit a monthly written report to the chief judge and the Commission on Judicial Disabilities and Tenure which shall be in a form prescribed by the chief judge after consultation with the Commission and which shall set forth the duties performed by the reporting judge as follows:
(1) The number of days’ attendance in court of the judge during the month covered.
(2) The division and branch (if any) of the court which the judge attended.
(3) The number of hours per day of the judge’s attendance.
(4) The number and type of matters disposed of by the judge during the months covered.
(5) Such other data as the chief judge may require.
(July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 483, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 111; June 13, 1994, Pub. L. 103-266, §§ 1(b)(15), (16), 108 Stat. 713.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 11-909.
1973 Ed., § 11-909.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 11 - Organization and Jurisdiction of the Courts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 9 - Superior Court of the District of Columbia › Subchapter I - Continuation and Organization › § 11–910. Clerks and secretaries for judges

§ 11–910. Clerks and secretaries for judges.
Each judge of the Superior Court may appoint and remove a personal law clerk and a personal secretary.
(July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 484, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 111.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 11-910.
1973 Ed., § 11-910.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 11 - Organization and Jurisdiction of the Courts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 9 - Superior Court of the District of Columbia › Subchapter I - Continuation and Organization › § 11–911. Emergency authority to conduct proceedings outside District of Columbia

§ 11–911. Emergency authority to conduct proceedings outside District of Columbia.
(a) In general. — The Superior Court may hold special sessions at any place within the United States outside the District of Columbia as the nature of the business may require and upon such notice as the Superior Court orders, upon a finding by either the chief judge of the Superior Court (or, if the chief judge is absent or disabled, the judge designated under section 11-907(a)) or the Joint Committee on Judicial Administration in the District of Columbia that, because of emergency conditions, no location within the District of Columbia is reasonably available where such special sessions could be held.
(b) Business transacted. — The Superior Court may transact any business at a special session outside the District of Columbia authorized pursuant to this section which it has the authority to transact at a regular session, except that a criminal trial may not be conducted at such a special session without the consent of the defendant.
(c) Summoning of jurors. — Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in any case in which special sessions are conducted pursuant to this section, the Superior Court may summon jurors—
(1) in civil proceedings, from any part of the District of Columbia or, if jurors are not readily available from the District of Columbia, the jurisdiction in which it is holding the special session; and
(2) in criminal trials, from any part of the District of Columbia or, if jurors are not readily available from the District of Columbia and if the defendant so consents, the jurisdiction in which it is holding the special session.
(d) Notice requirements. — If the Superior Court issues an order exercising its authority under subsection (a), the Court—
(1) through the Joint Committee on Judicial Administration in the District of Columbia, shall send notice of such order, including the reasons for the issuance of such order, to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Government Reform of the House of Representatives; and
(2) shall provide reasonable notice to the United States Marshals Service before the commencement of any special session held pursuant to such order.
(Oct. 16, 2006, 120 Stat. 2025, Pub. L. 109-356, § 114(b)(1).)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 11 - Organization and Jurisdiction of the Courts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 9 - Superior Court of the District of Columbia › Subchapter II - Jurisdiction › § 11–922. Transfer of civil actions to Superior Court

§ 11–922. Transfer of civil actions to Superior Court.
(a) In a civil action begun in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia before the effective date of the District of Columbia Court Reorganization Act of 1970 (other than an action for equitable relief), where it appears to the satisfaction of the court at or subsequent to any pretrial hearing but before trial thereof that the action will not justify a judgment in excess of $10,000 and does not otherwise invoke the jurisdiction of the court, the court may certify the action to the Superior Court for trial.
(b) In a civil action begun in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia during the thirty-month period beginning on the effective date of the District of Columbia Court Reorganization Act of 1970, the court may certify the action to the Superior Court if it appears to the satisfaction of the United States District Court at or subsequent to any pretrial hearing, but before the trial thereof, that —
(1) the action will not justify a judgment in excess of $50,000; and
(2) the action does not otherwise invoke the jurisdiction of the court.
(c) When an action is transferred under this section, the pleadings in the action, together with a copy of the docket entries and copies of any orders entered therein, and the deposit for costs, shall be sent to the Superior Court. The Superior Court shall thereafter treat the case as though it had been filed originally in that court, except that the jurisdiction of the court shall extend to the amount claimed in the action even though it exceeds the applicable jurisdictional limitation.
(July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 486, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 111.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 11-922.
1973 Ed., § 11-922.
Cross References
District Charter provisions relating to jurisdiction of Superior Court, see § 1-204.31.
References in Text
“The effective date of the District of Columbia Court Reorganization Act of 1970” referred to throughout this section, means, as set forth in § 199(c) of the Act, the first day of the seventh month which began after the enactment of the Act.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 11 - Organization and Jurisdiction of the Courts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 9 - Superior Court of the District of Columbia › Subchapter II - Jurisdiction › § 11–923. Criminal jurisdiction; commitment

§ 11–923. Criminal jurisdiction; commitment.
(a) The Superior Court has jurisdiction over all criminal cases pending in the District of Columbia Court of General Sessions before the effective date of the District of Columbia Court Reorganization Act of 1970.
(b)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Superior Court has jurisdiction of any criminal case under any law applicable exclusively to the District of Columbia.
(2) The Superior Court shall not have jurisdiction of any criminal case under any law applicable exclusively to the District of Columbia begun in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia under section 11-502(2) by the return of an indictment or the filing of an information during the eighteen-month period beginning on such effective date.
(c)(1) With respect to any criminal case over which the Superior Court has jurisdiction, that court may make preliminary examinations and commit offenders, either for trial or for further examination, and may release or detain offenders in accordance with Chapter 13 of Title 23.
(2) With respect to any criminal case over which the United States District Court for the District of Columbia has jurisdiction, the Superior Court (A) may make preliminary examinations and commit offenders, either for trial or for further examination, but only during the eighteen-month period beginning on the effective date of the District of Columbia Court Reorganization Act of 1970, and (B) may release or detain offenders in accordance with Chapter 13 of Title 23.
(July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 486, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 111.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 11-923.
1973 Ed., § 11-923.
References in Text
“The effective date of the District of Columbia Court Reorganization Act of 1970,” referred to throughout this section, means, as set forth in § 199(c) of the Act, the first day of the seventh month which began after the enactment of the Act.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 11 - Organization and Jurisdiction of the Courts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 9 - Superior Court of the District of Columbia › Subchapter II - Jurisdiction › § 11–924. Jurisdiction with respect to violations of the Rules and Regulations of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

§ 11–924. Jurisdiction with respect to violations of the Rules and Regulations of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.
The Superior Court has jurisdiction with respect to any violation, committed in the District of Columbia, of the rules and regulations adopted by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority under section 76(e) of title III of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Regulation Compact.
(June 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 674, Pub. L. 94-306, § 3(a).)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 11-924.
1973 Ed., § 11-924.
References in Text
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Regulation Compact, referred to at the end of this section, is codified in § 1-2431.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 11 - Organization and Jurisdiction of the Courts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 9 - Superior Court of the District of Columbia › Subchapter II - Jurisdiction › § 11–925. Rules regarding certain pending child custody cases

§ 11–925. Rules regarding certain pending child custody cases.
(a) In any pending case involving custody over a minor child or the visitation rights of a parent of a minor child in the Superior Court which is described in subsection (b) [of this section]—
(1) at anytime after the child attains 13 years of age, the party to the case who is described in subsection (b)(1) [of this section] may not have custody over, or visitation rights with, the child without the child’s consent; and
(2) if any person had actual or legal custody over the child or offered safe refuge to the child while the case (or other actions relating to the case) was pending, the court may not deprive the person of custody or visitation rights over the child or otherwise impose sanctions on the person on the grounds that the person had such custody or offered such refuge.
(b) A case described in this subsection is a case in which—
(1) the child asserts that a party to the case has been sexually abusive with the child;
(2) the child has resided outside of the United States for not less than 24 consecutive months;
(3) any of the parties to the case has denied custody or visitation to another party in violation of an order of the court for not less than 24 consecutive months; and
(4) any of the parties to the case has lived outside of the District of Columbia during such period of denial of custody or visitation.
(Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 2979, Pub. L. 104-205, § 350(a).)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 11-925.
Editor's Notes
Bill of Attainder:
This section was held unconstitutional in Foretich v. U.S., 351 F. 3d 1198 (D.C. Cir. 2003).
Elizabeth Morgan Act: Legislation that prohibited noncustodial parent from obtaining visitation with daughter against her wishes, and in face of unproven allegations of sexual abuse, after she had turned thirteen, thereby effectively stigmatizing parent as child abuser and unfit parent, was enacted for punitive purpose and had to be held unconstitutional as impermissible bill of attainder, where narrowness with which statute applied, only to this particular noncustodial parent and his daughter, belied any nonpunitive purpose to deal with alleged child sexual abuse generally, and where fact that Congress would not have enacted this legislation if parent had agreed to voluntarily give up his visitation rights, showed that it was Congress’ purpose in enacting law to assume role of judicial tribunal and to impose its own determination of who was or was not fit parent.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 11 - Organization and Jurisdiction of the Courts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 9 - Superior Court of the District of Columbia › Subchapter III - Miscellaneous Provisions › § 11–941. Issuance of warrants; record

§ 11–941. Issuance of warrants; record.
Subject to Title 23, judges of the Superior Court may, at any time, including Sundays and legal holidays, on complaint or application under oath or actual view, issue warrants for arrest, search or seizure, or electronic surveillance in connection with crimes and offenses committed within the District of Columbia, or for administrative inspections in connection with laws relating to the public health, safety, and welfare. Each proceeding respecting a warrant shall be recorded as prescribed by the court. Warrants shall be issued free of charge.
(July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 487, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 111.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 11-941.
1973 Ed., § 11-941.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 8-231.05 and § 8-231.06.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 11 - Organization and Jurisdiction of the Courts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 9 - Superior Court of the District of Columbia › Subchapter III - Miscellaneous Provisions › § 11–942. Subpenas [Subpoenas]

§ 11–942. Subpenas [Subpoenas]
(a) The Superior Court may compel the attendance of witnesses by attachment. At the request of any party, subpenas [subpoenas] for attendance at a hearing or trial in the Superior Court shall be issued by the clerk of court. A subpena [subpoena] may be served at any place within the District of Columbia, or at any place without the District of Columbia that is within twenty-five miles of the place of the hearing or trial specified in the subpena [subpoena]. The form, issuance, and manner of service of the subpena [subpoena] shall be as prescribed by the rule of the court.
(b) A subpena [subpoena] in a criminal case in which a felony is charged may be served at any place within the United States upon order of a judge of the court.
(July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 487, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 111.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 11-942.
1973 Ed., § 11-942.
Editor's Notes
Throughout the section, “subpoena” and “subpoenas” were inserted, in brackets, to correct misspellings.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 11 - Organization and Jurisdiction of the Courts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 9 - Superior Court of the District of Columbia › Subchapter III - Miscellaneous Provisions › § 11–943. Process

§ 11–943. Process.
(a) All process other than a subpena [subpoena] may be served at any place within the District of Columbia, and, when authorized by statute or by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, at any place without the District of Columbia.
(b) Service upon a third-party defendant, upon a person whose joinder is needed for just adjudication, and upon persons required to respond to any order of commitment for civil contempt may be served at all places outside the District of Columbia that are not more than one hundred miles from the place of hearing or trial specified.
(c) The form, issuance, and manner of service of process shall be prescribed by rule of the court.
(July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 487, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 111.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 11-943.
1973 Ed., § 11-943.
Editor's Notes
In subsection (a) of this section, “subpoena” was inserted, in brackets, to correct a misspelling.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 11 - Organization and Jurisdiction of the Courts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 9 - Superior Court of the District of Columbia › Subchapter III - Miscellaneous Provisions › § 11–944. Contempt power

§ 11–944. Contempt power.
(a) Subject to the limitation described in subsection (b), and in addition to the powers conferred by section 402 of title 18, United States Code, the Superior Court, or a judge thereof, may punish for disobedience of an order or for contempt committed in the presence of the court.
(b)(1) In any proceeding for custody of a minor child conducted in the Family Division of the Superior Court under paragraph (1) or (4) of section 11-1101, no individual may be imprisoned for civil contempt for more than 12 months (except as provided in paragraph (2)), pursuant to the contempt power described in subsection (a), for disobedience of an order or for contempt committed in the presence of the court. This limitation does not apply to imprisonment for criminal contempt or for any other criminal violation.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1), an individual who is charged with criminal contempt pursuant to paragraph (3) may continue to be imprisoned for civil contempt until the completion of such individual’s trial for criminal contempt, except that in no case may such an individual be imprisoned for more than 18 consecutive months for civil contempt pursuant to the contempt power described in subsection (a).
(3)(A) An individual imprisoned for 6 consecutive months for civil contempt for disobedience of an order in a proceeding described in paragraph (1) who continues to disobey such order may be prosecuted for criminal contempt for disobedience of such order at any time before the expiration of the 12-month period that begins on the first day of such individual’s imprisonment, except that an individual so imprisoned as of the date of the enactment of this subsection may be prosecuted under this subsection at any time during the 90-day period that begins on the date of the enactment of this subsection.
(B) The trial of an individual prosecuted for criminal contempt pursuant to this paragraph —
(i) shall begin not later than 90 days after the date on which such individual is charged with criminal contempt;
(ii) shall, upon the request of the individual, be a trial by jury; and
(iii) may not be conducted before the judge who imprisoned the individual for disobedience of an order pursuant to subsection (a).
(July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 487, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 111; Sept. 23, 1989, 103 Stat. 633, Pub. L. 101-97, § 2(a).)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 11-944.
1973 Ed., § 11-944.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 5-721.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 11 - Organization and Jurisdiction of the Courts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 9 - Superior Court of the District of Columbia › Subchapter III - Miscellaneous Provisions › § 11–945. Oaths, affirmations, and acknowledgments

§ 11–945. Oaths, affirmations, and acknowledgments.
Each judge and each employee of the Superior Court authorized by the chief judge may administer oaths and affirmations and take acknowledgments.
(July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 487, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 111.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 11-945.
1973 Ed., § 11-945.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 11 - Organization and Jurisdiction of the Courts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 9 - Superior Court of the District of Columbia › Subchapter III - Miscellaneous Provisions › § 11–946. Rules of court

§ 11–946. Rules of court.
The Superior Court shall conduct its business according to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure (except as otherwise provided in Title 23) unless it prescribes or adopts rules which modify those Rules. Rules which modify the Federal Rules shall be submitted for the approval of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, and they shall not take effect until approved by that court. The Superior Court may adopt and enforce other rules as it may deem necessary without the approval of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals if such rules do not modify the Federal Rules. The Superior Court may appoint a committee of lawyers to advise it in the performance of its duties under this section.
(July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 487, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 111.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 11-946.
1973 Ed., § 11-946.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 16-701.
Cross References
Admission to bar, rules, see § 11-2501.
Attachment and garnishment of wages, rules of procedure concerning, see § 16-581.
Criminal Division rules and regulations, see § 16-701.
District of Columbia Court of Appeals, rules, see § 11-743.
Process, see § 11-943.
Professional bondsmen, rules concerning, see § 23-1108.
Subpoenas, see § 11-942.
Superior Court rules, applicability to Small Claims and Conciliation Branch, see § 16-3901.
Tax Division rules and regulations, see § 11-1203.
Public assistance, action for support, responsible relatives, see § 4-213.01.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 11 - Organization and Jurisdiction of the Courts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 11 - Family Court of the Superior Court › § 11–1102. Use of alternative dispute resolution

§ 11–1102. Use of alternative dispute resolution.
To the greatest extent practicable and safe, cases and proceedings in the Family Court of the Superior Court shall be resolved through alternative dispute resolution procedures, in accordance with such rules as the Superior Court may promulgate.
(Jan. 8, 2002, 115 Stat. 2100, Pub. L. 107-114, § 4(a).)
Section References
This section is referenced in § 11-1106.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 11 - Organization and Jurisdiction of the Courts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 11 - Family Court of the Superior Court › § 11–1103. Standards of practice for appointed counsel

§ 11–1103. Standards of practice for appointed counsel.
The Superior Court shall establish standards of practice for attorneys appointed as counsel in the Family Court of the Superior Court.
(Jan. 8, 2002, 115 Stat. 2108, Pub. L. 107-114, § 4(a).)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 11 - Organization and Jurisdiction of the Courts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 11 - Family Court of the Superior Court › § 11–1105. Social services and other related services

§ 11–1105. Social services and other related services.
(a) Onsite Coordination of Services and Information. —
(1) In general. — The Mayor of the District of Columbia, in consultation with the chief judge of the Superior Court, shall ensure that representatives of the appropriate offices of the District government which provide social services and other related services to individuals and families served by the Family Court (including the District of Columbia Public Schools, the District of Columbia Housing Authority, the Child and Family Services Agency, the Office of the Corporation Counsel, the Metropolitan Police Department, the Department of Health, and other offices determined by the Mayor) are available on-site at the Family Court to coordinate the provision of such services and information regarding such services to such individuals and families.
(2) Duties of heads of offices. — The head of each office described in paragraph (1), including the Superintendent of the District of Columbia Public Schools and the Director of the District of Columbia Housing Authority, shall provide the Mayor with such information, assistance, and services as the Mayor may require to carry out such paragraph.
(b) Appointment of Social Services Liaison With Family Court. — The Mayor of the District of Columbia shall appoint an individual to serve as a liaison between the Family Court and the District government for purposes of subsection (a) and for coordinating the delivery of services provided by the District government with the activities of the Family Court and for providing information to the judges, magistrate judges, and nonjudicial personnel of the Family Court regarding the services available from the District government to the individuals and families served by the Family Court. The Mayor shall provide on an ongoing basis information to the chief judge of the Superior Court and the presiding judge of the Family Court regarding the services of the District government which are available for the individuals and families served by the Family Court.
(Jan. 8, 2002, 115 Stat. 2110, Pub. L. 107-114, § 4(a).)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 11 - Organization and Jurisdiction of the Courts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 11 - Family Court of the Superior Court › § 11–1106. Reports to Congress

§ 11–1106. Reports to Congress.
Not later than 90 days after the end of each calendar year, the chief judge of the Superior Court shall submit a report to Congress on the activities of the Family Court during the year, and shall include in the report the following:
(1) The chief judge’s assessment of the productivity and success of the use of alternative dispute resolution pursuant to section 11-1102.
(2) Goals and timetables as required by the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 to improve the Family Court’s performance in the following year.
(3) Information on the extent to which the Family Court met deadlines and standards applicable under Federal and District of Columbia law to the review and disposition of actions and proceedings under the Family Court’s jurisdiction during the year.
(4) Information on the progress made in establishing locations and appropriate space for the Family Court that are consistent with the mission of the Family Court until such time as the locations and space are established.
(5) Information on any factors which are not under the control of the Family Court which interfere with or prevent the Family Court from carrying out its responsibilities in the most effective manner possible.
(6) Information on —
(A) the number of judges serving on the Family Court as of the end of the year;
(B) how long each such judge has served on the Family Court;
(C) the number of cases retained outside the Family Court;
(D) the number of reassignments to and from the Family Court; and
(E) the ability to recruit qualified sitting judges to serve on the Family Court.
(7) Based on outcome measures derived through the use of the information stored in electronic format under section 11-1104(d), an analysis of the Family Court’s efficiency and effectiveness in managing its case load during the year, including an analysis of the time required to dispose of actions and proceedings among the various categories of the Family Court’s jurisdiction, as prescribed by applicable law and best practices, including (but not limited to) best practices developed by the American Bar Association and the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges.
(8) If the Family Court failed to meet the deadlines, standards, and outcome measures described in the previous paragraphs, a proposed remedial action plan to address the failure.
(Jan. 8, 2002, 115 Stat. 2111, Pub. L. 107-114, § 4(a).)
References in Text
The Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997, referred to in par. (2), is Pub. L. 105-89, 111 Stat. 2115.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 11 - Organization and Jurisdiction of the Courts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 12 - Tax Division of the Superior Court › § 11–1201. Exclusive jurisdiction

§ 11–1201. Exclusive jurisdiction.
The Tax Division of the Superior Court shall be assigned exclusive jurisdiction of —
(1) all appeals from and petitions for review of assessments of tax (and civil penalties thereon) made by the District of Columbia; and
(2) all proceedings brought by the District of Columbia for this imposition of criminal penalties pursuant to the provisions of the statutes relating to taxes levied by or in behalf of the District of Columbia.
(July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 488, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 111.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 11-1201.
1973 Ed., § 11-1201.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 11 - Organization and Jurisdiction of the Courts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 12 - Tax Division of the Superior Court › § 11–1202. Abolition of other remedies

§ 11–1202. Abolition of other remedies.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the jurisdiction of the Tax Division of the Superior Court to review the validity and amount of all assessments of tax made by the District of Columbia is exclusive. Effective on and after the effective date of the District of Columbia Court Reorganization Act of 1970, any common-law remedy with respect to assessments of tax in the District of Columbia and any equitable action to enjoin such assessments available in a court other than the former District of Columbia Tax Court is abolished. Actions properly filed before the effective date of that Act are not affected by this section and the court in which any such action has been filed may retain jurisdiction until its disposition.
(July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 489, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 111.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 11-1202.
1973 Ed., § 11-1202.
References in Text
The “effective date of the District of Columbia Court Reorganization Act of 1970,” referred to throughout this section, means, as set forth in § 199(c) of the Act, the first day of the seventh calendar month which began after the enactment of the Act.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 11 - Organization and Jurisdiction of the Courts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 12 - Tax Division of the Superior Court › § 11–1203. Rules and regulations

§ 11–1203. Rules and regulations.
The Superior Court may make such rules and regulations for conducting business in the Tax Division, consistent with the statutes applicable to such business and with the Superior Court’s general rules of practice and procedure, as it may deem necessary and proper. Rules and regulations for the Tax Division shall, insofar as possible, assure the prompt disposition of matters before the Tax Division to the end that the taxing statutes of the District of Columbia shall be fairly and efficiently enforced.
(July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 489, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 111.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 11-1203.
1973 Ed., § 11-1203.
Cross References
Rules of Superior Court, see § 11-946.
Superior Court, small claims and conciliation procedures, applicability of other laws, see § 16-3901.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 11 - Organization and Jurisdiction of the Courts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 13 - Small Claims and Conciliation Branch of the Superior Court › Subchapter I - Continuation and Sessions › § 11–1301. Continuation of Branch

§ 11–1301. Continuation of Branch.
The Small Claims and Conciliation Branch shall continue as a branch of the Civil Division in the Superior Court.
(July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 489, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 111.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 11-1301.
1973 Ed., § 11-1301.