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On October 14, 2025, the District of Columbia appellate practice saw significant developments with several key court rulings that are set to impact the legal landscape in the nation's capital.One of the most notable rulings came from the D.C. Court of Appeals, which issued a decision clarifying the standard of review for lower court decisions in criminal cases. The court ruled that in cases where a defendant alleges ineffective assistance of counsel, the standard of review will now be one of mixed questions of law and fact, rather than solely questions of law. This decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for how criminal appeals are handled in the District of Columbia.In another important development, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals handed down a ruling that will limit the ability of parties to file appeals on issues that were not raised in the lower court. The court held that for an issue to be considered on appeal, it must have been properly preserved and presented to the trial court. This decision is aimed at streamlining the appellate process and ensuring that cases are decided on the merits of the arguments presented at trial.Additionally, the D.C. Court of Appeals announced several new procedural rules aimed at increasing efficiency and transparency in the appellate process. These include electronic filing requirements for all briefs and motions, as well as a new expedited review process for certain time-sensitive matters. These changes are part of ongoing efforts to modernize the appellate practice in the District of Columbia and bring it in line with best practices in other jurisdictions.Overall, these recent developments in the District of Columbia appellate practice underscore the ever-evolving nature of the legal system and the need for practitioners to stay informed and adapt to changes in the law. With these latest rulings and procedural updates, the appellate practice in the nation's capital is set to continue evolving in the years to come.