# D.C. Code § 28:1-301: Territorial applicability; parties’ power to choose applicable law

> District of Columbia · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T28_C_S28%3A1-301

## Section

- **Citation:** D.C. Code § 28:1-301
- **Heading:** Territorial applicability; parties’ power to choose applicable law
- **Jurisdiction:** District of Columbia
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** DC Code / Title 28 / Chapter  / § 28:1-301

## Text

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, when a transaction bears a reasonable relation to this state and also to another state or nation the parties may agree that the law either of this state or of such other state or nation shall govern their rights and duties.
(b) In the absence of an agreement effective under subsection (a) of this section, and except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, this subtitle applies to transactions bearing an appropriate relation to the District of Columbia.
(c) If one of the following provisions of this subtitle specifies the applicable law, that provision governs and a contrary agreement is effective only to the extent permitted by the law so specified:
(1) Section 28:2-402;
(2) Sections 28:2A-105 and 28:2A-106;
(3) Section 28:4-102;
(4) Section 28:4A-507;
(5) Section 28:5-116;
(6) Section 28:8-110;
(7) Sections 28:9-301 through 9-307;
(8) Section 28:12-107.

## Nearby sections

- [D.C. Code § 28:1-101 § 28:1-101. Short titles.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T28_C_S28%3A1-101.md)
- [D.C. Code § 28:1-103 § 28:1-103. Construction of subtitle to promote its purposes and policies; applicability of supplemental principles of law.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T28_C_S28%3A1-103.md)
- [D.C. Code § 28:1-107 § 28:1-107. Section captions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T28_C_S28%3A1-107.md)
- [D.C. Code § 28:1-201 § 28:1-201. General definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T28_C_S28%3A1-201.md)
- [D.C. Code § 28:1-202 § 28:1-202. Notice; knowledge.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T28_C_S28%3A1-202.md)
- [D.C. Code § 28:1-203 § 28:1-203. Lease distinguished from security interest.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T28_C_S28%3A1-203.md)
- [D.C. Code § 28:1-204 § 28:1-204. Value.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T28_C_S28%3A1-204.md)
- [D.C. Code § 28:1-205 § 28:1-205. Reasonable time; seasonableness.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T28_C_S28%3A1-205.md)
- [D.C. Code § 28:1-206 § 28:1-206. Presumptions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T28_C_S28%3A1-206.md)
- [D.C. Code § 28:1-301 § 28:1-301. Territorial applicability; parties’ power to choose applicable law.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T28_C_S28%3A1-301.md)
- [D.C. Code § 28:1-303 § 28:1-303. Course of performance, course of dealing, and usage of trade.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T28_C_S28%3A1-303.md)
- [D.C. Code § 28:1-304 § 28:1-304. Obligation of good faith.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T28_C_S28%3A1-304.md)
- [D.C. Code § 28:1-306 § 28:1-306. Waiver or renunciation of claim or right after breach.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T28_C_S28%3A1-306.md)
- [D.C. Code § 28:1-307 § 28:1-307. Prima facie evidence by third-party documents.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T28_C_S28%3A1-307.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T28_C_S28%3A1-301. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.