Operating Status
ShareGenerally, justice or fairness. The principle of equity in the legal system is intended to guide a judge in finding a way to achieve a lawful result when legal procedure is inadequate.
During the government shutdown, most DC Court operations are OPEN. All jurors should report to Court according to their jurors' summons.
Some court services are LIMITED or CLOSED as follows: The Superior Court will not issue marriage licenses or perform marriage ceremonies during the shutdown. The Superior Court will continue to issue certified copies of vital records, which include certified copies of marriage certificates that were issued by the Superior Court. The District of Columbia Office of the Secretary is now issuing marriage licenses, certified copies of marriage licenses issued by the Secretary, and are authorizing religious and civil celebrants to perform weddings in the District of Columbia. More details here: https://os.dc.gov/page/marriage-bureau The Law Library and Child Care Center in DC Superior Court are also closed during the shutdown. More information on the DC Courts government shutdown plan can be found here: https://www.dccourts.gov/sites/default/files/matters-docs/DC_Courts_Shutdown_Plan.pdf
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District of Columbia Courts | (202) 879-1010