Rule 2. Purpose and Construction

These Rules are intended to provide for the just determination of every proceeding in

which a child is alleged to be delinquent or in need of supervision. They embrace the

principle that each child is an individual entitled, in his own right, to appropriate elements of

due process of law, and also adopt the principle that, when a child is removed from his

own home, the Family Court will secure for him custody, care and discipline as nearly as

possible equivalent to that which should have been provided for him by his parents. These

Rules shall be construed to secure simplicity in procedure, fairness in administration and

the elimination of unjustifiable expense and delay. If practicable, feasible, and lawful, all

cases concerning the same or immediate family or household members and any

subsequent case(s) shall be processed consistent with the one family, one judge provision

of the District of Columbia Family Court Act of 2001.

If no procedure is specifically prescribed by these Rules, the Family Court may proceed

in any lawful manner not inconsistent with these Rules or with any applicable statute.

COMMENT

The first and third sentences of this Rule are taken from FRCrP 2. The second and

fourth sentences of the Rule (1) make clear that our Rules retain the obligation to give

proper care to a child removed from his own home, and (2) implement the one family, one

judge provision of the District of Columbia Family Court Act of 2001, Public Law 107-114

(January 8, 2002).

The last paragraph of the Rule is taken from FRCrP 57(b).