Handbook I.D: The Circuit Rules

Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 47 permits each court of appeals to make local rules not inconsistent with the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. To become effective, local rules must be approved by a majority of the judges in active service. In this Circuit the local rules are called the Circuit Rules (cited as "D.C. Cir. Rule ").

Circuit Rule 47 provides for notice and an opportunity to comment on proposed changes to the Court's local rules. Proposed rule changes are posted in the Court's public office and on the Court’s website. Notice of proposed amendments is also published in The Daily Washington Law Reporter and sent to the presidents of the District of Columbia Bar, the Bar Association of the District of Columbia, the Washington Bar Association, the Women's Bar Association, and the presidents of any other organization described in Circuit Rule 47(c)(4)(E), who notify the Clerk of the Court that they wish to receive notice of proposed rule changes.

Comments on proposed changes may be submitted in writing to the Advisory Committee on Procedures. The Committee will consider them in formulating its recommendation to the Court and will transmit these comments to the Court, together with its recommendation. The comment period will ordinarily be no less than 45 days.

Circuit Rule 47(b) also provides that any person may propose a change in the rules by submitting a written request directly to the Court or to the Advisory Committee on Procedures.