The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit is often regarded as the second most powerful court in the United States due to its influence over federal regulatory and administrative law. It has geographic jurisdiction limited to Washington, D.C., but hears a high volume of appeals involving federal agencies.

Key areas of jurisdiction include:

• Administrative Law: Appeals from decisions of federal agencies, including the EPA, SEC, FCC, and NLRB
• Separation of Powers: Challenges involving executive authority and congressional oversight
• Constitutional Law: High-profile cases involving First Amendment rights, due process, and executive privilege
• National Security & Guantánamo Detentions: Appeals involving detainee rights and military commissions
• Environmental Law: Major environmental and regulatory cases under statutes like the Clean Air Act and NEPA
• Federal Elections & Campaign Law: Cases arising under FECA and decisions of the Federal Election Commission