District Of Columbia § 21-2002 - Supplementary general principles of law applicable.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 21-2002 — Supplementary general principles of law applicable., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 21-2002. Supplementary general principles of law applicable.
21-2002Unless displaced by the particular provisions of this chapter, the principles of law and equity supplement its provisions.
Nothing in this chapter shall operate to repeal, alter, or amend the rights of an individual who is the subject of a petition for civil commitment in any proceeding under , or the Citizens with Intellectual Disabilities Constitutional Rights and Dignity Act of 1978, effective November 8, 1978 (; D.C. Official Code, et seq.).
Nothing in this chapter shall affect any guardian or conservator appointed by the court upon a petition filed prior to the effective date of this chapter.
An individual shall be presumed competent and to have the capacity to make legal, health-care, and all other decisions for himself or herself, unless certified otherwise under section 21-2204 or deemed incapacitated or incompetent by a court. Incapacity shall not be inferred from the fact that an individual:
Has been voluntarily or involuntarily hospitalized for mental illness pursuant to ; or
Has an intellectual disability or has been determined by a court to be incompetent to refuse commitment under .
Annotations
Section 35 of provided that no provision of the act shall impair any right or obligation existing under law.
Section 21(h)(1) of purported to amend (d)(1) by substituting “developmental disability” for “mental retardation”; as that language does not appear in (d)(1), but does appear in (d)(2), the change has been effected there.
Uniform Law: This section is based upon of the Uniform Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Act (1982 Act).
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 21-2002
What does D.C. Code § 21-2002 cover?
Section 21-2002 ("Supplementary general principles of law applicable.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 21-2002?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 21-2002" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 21-2002 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.