How do I access the appellate court records?
Accessing appellate court records in the District of Columbia (DC) is fairly straightforward. The DC Court of Appeals maintains an online portal from which you can view most court records. From the portal’s homepage, you can search by party name, docket number, or keyword. You can also search by date or use an advanced search option. Once you locate the record you’re looking for, you can access the complete document, including opinions, orders, and transcripts. In addition to the online portal, the DC Court of Appeals also maintains an official court record repository. The records are in physical form and are available for inspection by the public. If you wish to inspect a record in-person, you will need to contact the court’s clerk’s office to make an appointment. To access an appellate court record, you may also need to go through the archives of the lower court. The lower court often maintains its own set of court records. If your search is unsuccessful, you may need to request records from the lower court. In some cases, DC’s appellate court records may not be available online or from the court repository. If this is the case, you may be able to obtain the record by filing a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. FOIA requests are the only way to access certain types of records, including sealed records and documents related to confidential information.
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