Jurisdiction
The Public Interest and Courts Community concentrates on ways the courts and the Bar can improve access to justice and the administration of justice in the District of Columbia, both from a municipal and federal perspective.
The Federal Circuit is of critical importance as it has general jurisdiction over Executive Branch and Congressional matters and includes, among others, the U.S. Court of International Trade, the U.S. Federal Claims Court, and courts relating to veterans claims and the armed forces. It also hears patent and trademark appeals, and appeals from the merit system created to protect Federal employees not subject to political appointment.
Administration of Justice
The administration of justice through an independent Court system is critical to further the public interest. Issues of particular concern include access to counsel and pro bono work; administration of the municipal and federal court systems through promulgation of well-considered court rules and procedure; and continuation of the collaborative relationship between the bench and the Bar.
Recent Activities
The Community has, through Programs and Public Statements, focused on:
Programs
- Ensuring Access to Justice for Veterans with the participation of
- the Chief Justice of the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
- the former General Counsel of the Department of Veterans' Affairs
- Making Litigation Less Complex, More Efficient and Just with distinguished author Judge Thomas Moukawsher
- Grants in the Spotlight: Unique Legal Issues at the Forefront of Federal Grant Administration
Public Statements
- Non-Lawyer Participation to Better Utilize Limited Available Legal Resources in the District
- Opposing a Proposed Amendment to the D.C. Home Rule Act
Planned Activities
Subcommittees
The following subcommittees are in the process of being formed:
- Access to Justice
- Federal Courts
- Municipal Courts
- Other Community/Bar Engagement
- Pro Bono
New Programs
In addition, we are planning to host our first annual program in the Fall with Superior and Federal judges to highlight the Public Interest and Courts Community's efforts in:
- Expanding representation of the indigent on appeals on a paid and pro bono basis with a discussion of the Criminal Justice Act Panel President
- Fostering greater interaction between the Superior Court system and the Bar
- Striving to achieve in the Federal District Courts fair and impartial justice with Chief Judges from across the country for our Nation's 250th Anniversary
Learn more about the Community's Leadership
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