District of Columbia Civil Litigation Lawyers
Under District of Columbia's law, civil litigation is a legal process brought by a private or public entity, which is not concerned with criminal activity.
District of Columbia civil litigation serves the purpose of providing persons with compensation for legal injustices or wrongs that have been committed against them.
In District of Columbia, the general purpose of civil litigation is not punishment or deterrence. Both of those goals are the province of the criminal justice system. Instead, civil litigation in District of Columbia is meant to provide the victims of wrongdoing with tangible (usually monetary) redress.
What Are Common Subjects of Civil Litigation in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia civil litigation can come up in practically any context. However, some situations are more likely to lead to civil litigation than others:
Personal Injury: Personal injury in District of Columbia is probably the issue that most commonly leads to civil litigation. When someone is physically harmed because of the intentional or negligent conduct of another, they have a right to recover the costs associated with the injury, such as medical expenses, lost wages, etc.
Employment: The employment relationship is considered to be very significant in District of Columbia - possibly one of the most important non-family relationships there is. Therefore, it's not uncommon for civil litigation to result. Anything from a violation of wage and hour laws to an injury on the job can lead to civil litigation in District of Columbia.
Family Disputes: In District of Columbia, the family relationship is complicated and sometimes contentious. Disputes involving child custody, spousal support, and the like can explode into costly and time-consuming litigation in District of Columbia's family courts.
Do I Need a District of Columbia Civil Litigation Attorney?
District of Columbia legal issues leading to civil litigation can appear out of nowhere. The legal issues involved are never simple, and can occasionally be incomprehensible to a layperson.
If you have any reason to believe that you might be involved in a civil lawsuit anytime soon, it's a very good idea to seek the advice of a competent District of Columbia civil litigation attorney.
Interesting Facts About District of Columbia
Washington, D.C., or the District of Columbia ("D.C."), is a federal district controlled by the U.S. federal government. It is the nation's capital and not part of any U.S. state. Congress approved the creation of D.C. in 1790. All three branches of the federal government have their centers in the District, and the area is full of historical museums and U.S. monuments.
The District of Columbia has powers of self-governance, as it has an elected mayor and a city council. The Home Rule Act of 1973 allows the District to operate a municipal government. However, the U.S. Congress ultimately has authority over the city and is empowered to overturn local laws as necessary. Residents of D.C. are subject to federal taxation, although they have no voting representative in the U.S. Congress.
Washington D.C.'s court system revolves around the Superior Court of the District of Columbia and the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. Most claims are filed through the Superior Court, which oversees local criminal and civil cases. There is also a U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, which only presides over federal cases. D.C. maintains a Metropolitan Police Department, and several federal enforcement agencies operate there as well.
Lawyers in Washington D.C. understand the complex interaction of federal and state rules that govern the region. Washington, D.C. attorneys are members of the District of Columbia Bar Association, created in 1972. Legal claims may be directed to a D.C. lawyer, who can provide counseling and other services.
