DC Courts

08/31/2026

The DC Courts celebrates the swearing-in of
DC Court of Appeals Associate Judges Stuart Nash & James A. Crowell, IV.

The two judges took the oath on Aug. 26, 2026 and officially fill the DC Court of Appeals bench for the first time since 2013! Watch a recap of the beautiful ceremony now on our YouTube page: https://youtube.com/shorts/C4Amvueb430?is=dQj7GSaQhfa2FSXU

08/31/2026

It’s Monumental Monday! A new series where, every week, we reflect on the unique origins of the District of Columbia’s judiciary.

On Aug. 22, 1820, the cornerstone of D.C.’s first Congress‑commissioned building — City Hall and now the Historic Courthouse — was laid. Designed by George Hadfield, it later became home to the District’s first court.

Have you found the cornerstone outside? Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eJ52gsZU + https://lnkd.in/esvZE9hx

08/27/2026

“I expected jury duty, a task many people try to avoid, to feel restrictive, isolating and boring, despite my interest in the criminal justice system.

What I found was the opposite.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2026/08/02/im-crime-reporter-got-picked-jury-duty-why-im-glad-i-did/

It’s time to speak up about why jury duty matters!

We all want our neighbors to do their part to ensure a fair justice system 💪

Share your thoughts today and encourage your family, friends and community members to be a positive force in our city 👉 https://lnkd.in/eswd99Xv

08/26/2026

NOTICE: PROGRAM CLOSURE

Please be advised that the DC Courts Child Care Center will be closed today, 8/25 and tomorrow, 8/26.

Learn more about the DC Courts Child Care Center on our website as you plan your next visit to court:

Breadcrumb Home Court Services Courthouse Child Care Courthouse Child Care The DC Courts offer free childcare services to members of the public having in-person business at the court, including jurors Last Updated : 03/02/2026 Check out our new video! 3rd Annual Celebrating The Week of the Young Chi...

08/17/2026

Are you involved in a Small Claims dispute that has been filed with the DC Superior Court?
Your case will likely be scheduled for a mediation with the Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division’s Small Claims Mediation Program prior to your scheduled trial date. Learn about these services and what to know in advance: https://dccourts.insomnation.com/services/mediation-matters

08/14/2026

Planning your trip to court in the coming weeks? Be sure to take note:

The DC Courts will remain open August 17 through September 3 during the scheduled Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. events.

We anticipate parking restrictions and street closures, and encourage anyone coming to the Courts to factor in additional time for commuting by vehicle or public transit, as well as for additional security checkpoints in association with the event.

For the latest information on road closures and parking restrictions, consider subscribing to AlertDC by texting “DC250” to 888-777.

Please contact the DC Courts at (202) 879-1010 with questions.

08/06/2026

Washington, D.C.’s courts are at a breaking point. 🚨 Rising caseloads, security threats, staffing shortages, and years of insufficient funding are straining a system that has already stretched every available resource.

Justice cannot be served without a court system that has the capacity to operate safely, efficiently, and fairly. Congress must address the D.C. courts’ budget crisis before delays deepen and more residents, families, victims, and defendants are left waiting for resolution.

Read Chief Judges Anna Blackburne-Rigsby and Milton Lee Jr.’s urgent call to action in The Washington Post Magazine. 👇

http://washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/08/06/dc-courts-lack-funding-congress/

08/06/2026

“An investment in the D.C. Courts is an investment in public safety, constitutional rights, efficient government and equal access to justice. It is an investment in ensuring that every victim, defendant, family, business and resident or visitor who turns to D.C. Courts can have confidence that justice will be delivered fairly, securely and without unnecessary delay. That is not simply a local responsibility. It is a national one.”

The courts don’t have enough funding to administer justice.

08/05/2026

Thank you for your service, Katelyn! 👏⚖️

Join us in recognizing Katelyn Myint. This summer, Katelyn is an intern at the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, DC Courts.

Hometown: Nanaimo, Canada
Junior, UCLA
Majors: Economics & Psychology

What do you consider to be your proudest achievement?
My proudest achievement is walking on to UCLA's D1 Women's Rowing Team. While I have since left the team, my time as a student-athlete is definitely one of the highlights of my time at UCLA so far! Everyone on the team was incredibly welcoming, rowing with dolphins at Marina del Rey was beautiful, and I was honored to represent UCLA at the 2025 Big Ten Rowing Championships.

08/05/2026

‘𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬’ | 𝐂𝐒𝐒𝐃 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐚 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐩 𝐒𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭

DC Courts' professionals from the Court Social Services Division (CSSD) traveled to Philadelphia in July to get inspired at a local site visit.

The team met with YEAH Philly, a group that works with Philadelphia youths charged with crimes.

The experience provided excellent insights as CSSD considers incorporating additional community-based practices into their work, according to a recent article about the opportunity in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Click to read: https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/probation-officers-dc-yeah-philly-20260719.html

"I was struck by YEAH Philly's ability to engage young people at the deepest end of the juvenile justice system, the same youth that Court Social Services staff work with daily,” shared Director of the Court Social Services Division, Dr. Malcolm Woodland.

Assistant Deputy Director Robert Bacon agreed.

"This experience reinforces our mission to support and empower families within our justice system," Bacon said. "I hope to foster an environment where Probation Officers are viewed as trusted mentors rather than just court officials. Our focus remains on saving lives and driving behavioral change.”

The DC Courts team thanks YEAH Philly for sharing such valuable insights.

Congratulations to CSSD on this fruitful experience and their commitment to showcasing the Courts' values daily through their work!

About a hundred officers learned from YEAH Philly as part of an effort to incorporate community-based practices into their work.