DV LEAP prioritizes litigation in Washington, D.C., our home, and in the courts where we have the most experience. The DC LEAP Program provides appellate representation and in-depth consultations for local survivors; policy development with the local community; and technical assistance and training to advocates, lawyers and judges.
Appellate Advocacy
Here are examples of what we've accomplished for clients:
DV LEAP often collaborates with the U.S. Attorney's Office to support and improve advocacy on behalf of victims of abuse in criminal cases. We also provide consultations in criminal appeals and friend of the court briefs. A recent example is a brief heard by the full D.C. Court of Appeals, concerning the definition of threats under D.C. law.
Technical Assistance
Judicial Trainings
Before DV LEAP, no domestic violence specific cases were argued before the Supreme Court. That changed within five years of our founding as we helped usher three DV appeals to the high court.
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