Name: Phone: Email: Comments/Questions: Tell us about your concern

Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., founded on July 16, 1790, is the esteemed capital of the United States.  Situated along the banks of the Potomac River, our nation’s capital encompasses the coincident boundaries of the City of Washington and the District of Columbia, recognizing the two as a single entity.  Article One of the U.S. Constitution, which recognizes the need for a federal district separate from the states, resulted in the formation of Washington, D.C. as a permanent national capital.

If you’re heading to state court in Washington, D.C., you’ll probably go to one of 3 trial courts: the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, which includes the Superior Court and the Court of Appeals.  The Superior Court hears all local trial court matters such as civil, criminal, family courts, landlord and tenant, tax and traffic.  The Superior Court has jurisdiction over all of the District of Columbia’s legal matters.  The Court of Appeals handles all appeals of Superior Court Cases and handles admissions to the D.C. Bar, discipline of attorneys, and oversight of unauthorized law practices.

If you have a personal injury case in Washington, D.C., your claim will be heard in civil court.  This FAQs section gives you information about civil lawsuits.  If you are confused about the terms you hear while in court, you may find this list of common legal terms handy.  Once you’ve gone through a trial, you may have the right to appeal your personal injury case to the state Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court. Both of those appellate courts are in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., according to the 2000 Census, has a population of 572,059 residents.  The District of Columbia encompasses 68.3 square miles, with 9,015 individuals per square mile.  The City of Washington, Baltimore, MD, and the surrounding communities combine to form the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area whose population exceeds 8 million residents.  This massive metropolitan area ranks fourth in the nation.

Washington, D.C.’s burgeoning economy thrives on a diverse base of employment.  The District houses all three branches of the U.S. Federal Government, whose services account for nearly 27 percent of local jobs.  These government entities also help to sustain additional businesses such as catering companies, law firms, lobbying firms and nonprofit organizations.  Our nation’s capital draws commuters to the area with its career options in finance, scientific research and education.  Higher learning facilities include Georgetown University, Howard University and George Washington University.

Washington, D.C. ranks among the busiest cities in the nation, where congested thoroughfares such as I-95 and the Capital Beltway are the norm.  Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority meets large portions of the area’s transportation needs via the Metrobus and Metrorail systems.  Union Station provides bus and train options, while three major airports serve the District.  These include Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Ronald Reagan National Airport, and Washington-Dulles International Airport.

Washington, D.C.’s humid subtropical climate features four distinct seasons, suitable for enjoying the many cultural and recreational opportunities this stunning capital city provides.  Tourists have access to a wide array of historic sites significant in the history of the United States.  National landmarks include the Lincoln Memorial, the National Archives, National Mall and the Washington Monument.  The Smithsonian Institution features numerous galleries and museums that remain free to the public. Other popular destinations in the District include the United States Capitol, the White House, the Library of Congress and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, which is home to the National Symphony Orchestra, the Washington National Opera and the Washington Ballet.

Washington D.C. Headlines