District of Columbia Court of Appeals

Established by Congress in 1970, the District of Columbia Court of Appeals is the highest court in the District of Columbia, often referred to as the equivalent of a state supreme court. It serves as the final appellate court for the District of Columbia and has the authority to review decisions from the Superior Court of the District of Columbia as well as administrative agencies within the District.

The Court of Appeals reviews cases appealed from the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. These cases can include civil, criminal, family, probate, tax, landlord-tenant, and other specialized matters. It also hears appeals from decisions made by District of Columbia administrative agencies, boards, and commissions. The court will also answer questions of law certified by federal and state appellate courts. The Court of Appeals also reviews proposed rules of the Superior Court and promulgates its own rules.

The court consists of a chief judge and eight associate judges. Additionally, retired judges who have been designated as senior judges may also serve on the court. Judges are appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the U.S. Senate for a term of 15 years. Cases are typically heard by panels of three judges. However, in some instances, cases may be heard en banc, meaning all the active judges of the court participate in the decision.

Anna Blackburne-Rigsby

Loren AliKhan
John (JP) Howard
Corinne Beckwith
Catharine Easterly
Roy McLeese III
Vacancy (as of the latest updates)

Senior judges are retired judges who continue to assist the court as needed. They include former chief judges and associate judges who have been recommended and approved to serve in this capacity.

Either party may appeal a decision rendered in the Superior Court to the Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia. Appeals are based on the record that was developed in the trial court, meaning there is no new testimony or evidence permitted from either side. Additionally, before the court can take a case, the appealing party must establish that the court has jurisdiction. There needs to be a legitimate appealable issue before an appeal should be taken because 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 that there was some other issue that should not have occurred that prejudiced the outcome of the case.

Appeals are very difficult to win and are generally not recommended unless it is clear that the lower court committed an error. However, an experienced Washington, D.C., injury lawyer will know when to pursue an appeal based on the record below.

The District of Columbia Court of Appeals:

• 430 E St NW
• Washington, DC 20001
• Ph: (202) 879-1010
• Hours: Mondays – Fridays: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

After 5:00 p.m., filings can be made in the after-hours filing box in the lobby of the Moultrie Courthouse, which is located at:

• 500 Indiana Avenue, N.W., Sixth Floor
• Washington, D.C. 20001
• Phone: (202) 879-2700

If you have a matter that you are interested in appealing to the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, it’s important you work with an experienced attorney who will be able to accurately assess the strength of your appeal. At Foran & Foran, P.A., we have approximately 85 years of combined experience litigating cases in front of the D.C. and Maryland appellate courts, including the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, call us at 301-441-2022 or connect with us online by filling out our secure online form.