Understanding the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit

The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit is one of the most influential appellate courts in the nation. It has jurisdiction over cases involving federal agencies, constitutional matters, and significant regulatory disputes. Due to its unique jurisdiction, it often hears high-profile administrative law cases.

Location

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit is located at: E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. Courthouse
333 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

For more information, visit the official website: www.cadc.uscourts.gov

Geographic Area Covered

Unlike other federal appellate courts, the D.C. Circuit does not cover multiple states. Instead, it has jurisdiction exclusively over the District of Columbia, making it distinct from the other 12 regional circuits.

Number of Cases Handled

The D.C. Circuit handles approximately 1,000–1,500 appeals per year, primarily involving federal regulatory and administrative matters. Given its jurisdiction over federal agencies, it has an outsized impact on U.S. governance and policy.

For official caseload statistics, visit: Federal Judicial Caseload Statistics

Appealing to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit

The appeal process includes:

  • Filing a Notice of Appeal: A party must file within 30 days of a district court decision (or 60 days if the U.S. government is involved).
  • Briefing & Record Submission: The appellant submits a legal brief outlining errors in the lower court’s decision, followed by a response from the appellee.
  • Oral Arguments: The court may schedule oral arguments where attorneys present their case before a panel of judges.
  • Court Decision: A panel of judges reviews the case and issues a ruling, which may affirm, reverse, or remand the case for further proceedings.


For official rules and procedures, visit: D.C. Circuit Rules

Types of Appeals the D.C. Circuit Handles

The D.C. Circuit reviews cases involving:

  • Administrative Law & Federal Agencies: Appeals involving the EPA, SEC, FCC, FDA, and other federal agencies.
  • Constitutional Law: Cases concerning First Amendment rights, separation of powers, and executive authority.
  • Criminal Appeals: Sentencing disputes and due process violations within its jurisdiction.
  • Regulatory & Environmental Law: Appeals involving energy policy, environmental regulations, and corporate compliance.
  • Election & Campaign Finance Law: Disputes regarding federal election laws and FEC regulations.

D.C. Circuit Rules

The D.C. Circuit follows strict procedural rules, including:

  • Filing deadlines must be met (typically 30 days from judgment).
  • Briefs must comply with formatting requirements as outlined by the court.
  • Electronic filing is required for most cases through the CM/ECF system.

For a full list of rules, visit: D.C. Circuit Rules & Procedures

Contact Brownstone Law for D.C. Circuit Appeals

Handling an appeal in the D.C. Circuit requires experienced appellate attorneys. Brownstone Law specializes in complex federal appeals, ensuring that clients receive top-tier legal representation.

Contact Us:

  • Phone: (202) 644-9756
  • Email: robert@brownstonelaw.com
  • Website: https://www.brownstonelaw.com/federal-appeals/
  • Office: 455 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001


For more information about the D.C. Circuit, visit: U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit