District of Columbia Research Guide

This research guide is designed to facilitate your research on the laws of the District of Columbia. The law-making process, sources of statutory law, rules and regulations are outlined. 

• Legal History of Washington, D.C. (HeinOnline)

Sources cited are generally electronic resources available in our subscription databases. Any current print resources are noted where applicable.

It is helpful to begin your search in the library's catalog, which serves as the gateway to our collections, as well as those of the Washington Research Library Consortium (WRLC). Call number links have been provided to facilitate your access to the resources.

If you have further questions, please email us at lawlibraryhelp@udc.edu, and a librarian will be happy to assist you.

Other Law Library Research Guides

• Pence Law Library Guides, American University, Washington School of Law
• Judge Kathryn J. Dufour Law Library, Catholic University, Columbus School of Law
• Jacob Burns Law Library, George Washington University Law School
• Georgetown Law Library, Georgetown Law School

Current Awareness

• Daily Washington Law Reporter (DWLR) - daily legal intelligence since 1874
  • Reporting daily on the latest federal and D.C. court opinions including the opinions of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia; judge’s schedules, assignments and calendars; proposed and final rule changes for the various courts; attorney disciplines; upcoming events tailored to the legal community; advertising; and other items of interest.
  • Contact the Reference Desk to access the online subscription.
• Washington Lawyer - publication of the D.C. Bar

DC Bar Association

• Ethics Opinions 
• Rules of Professional Conduct