The District of Columbia has two courts that share jurisdiction over criminal and civil matters, these are the Court of Appeals and the Superior Court. The District's judicial powers are vested in the District of Columbia Court of Appeals and the Superior Court of the District of Columbia pursuant to DC Code § 1-204.31 et seq.

The Superior Court of the District of Columbia was created by Congress in the District of Columbia Court Reform and Criminal Procedures Act of 1970 (Public Law 91-358, 84 Stat. 473).

DC Superior Court's Jurisdiction

The Superior Court of the District of Columbia has jurisdiction of any civil action or other matter (at law or in equity) brought in the District of Columbia pursuant to DC Code § 1-204.31 et seq. The Superior Court of the District of Columbia handles any criminal case under any law applicable exclusively to the District of Columbia.

The organization of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia includes:

• Civil Division, which includes the Landlord and Tenant and Small Claims Divisions
• Criminal Division, including the Drug Court, East of the River Community Court, and the Mental Health Diversion Court
• Family Court
• Probate Division
• Tax Division

The Creation of the DC Court of Appeals

The District of Columbia Court of Appeals was created by Congress in the District of Columbia Court Reform and Criminal Procedures Act of 1970 (Public Law 91-358, 85 Stat. 473).

DC Court of Appeals' jurisdiction

The District of Columbia Court of Appeals has jurisdiction of appeals from the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. To the extent provided by law, the District of Columbia Court of Appeals reviews orders and decisions of the Mayor, the Council, or any agency of the District of Columbia pursuant to DC Code § 1-204.31 et seq.

The term of a judicial appointment

A judge of a District of Columbia court shall be appointed for a term of 15 years subject to mandatory retirement at age 74, pursuant to DC Code § 1-204.31(c).

The Legal Backgrounds of DC Judges

Judges on the District of Columbia courts have practiced in all areas of law, including US government attorneys, District of Columbia government attorneys, public defenders, attorneys from large, small, public interest, and mediation law firms with criminal and civil practices, faculty of area law schools and sole practitioners.