Sup. Ct. R. D.C. 56

As amended through October 11, 2024

Rule 56 - When Court Is Open

(a) In General. The Superior Court is considered always open for any filing, and for issuing and returning process, making a motion, or entering an order.

(b) Office Hours. The clerk's office-with the clerk or a deputy in attendance-must be open during business hours on all days except Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. The Criminal Finance Office must be open on any day that the court is in session and must remain open until one hour after the session is completed.

(c) Special Hours. The Chief Judge may order that the clerk's office will be open for specified hours on Saturdays or legal holidays.

Sup. Ct. R. D.C. 56

COMMENT TO 2016 AMENDMENTS

This rule has been redrafted to conform to the general restyling of the federal rules in 2002. It differs from the federal rule in several respects.

Paragraph (b) requires that the Criminal Finance Office remain open until one hour after court proceedings have ended.

Paragraph (c) omits the federal rule's prohibition on setting special hours for the clerk's office on certain legal holidays.

In addition, unlike the former rule, this rule does not state the particular hours when the clerk's office and the Criminal Finance Office must be open.