District Of Columbia § 15-320 - Enforcement of decrees.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 15-320 — Enforcement of decrees., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15-320. Enforcement of decrees.
15-320For the purpose of executing a decree, or compelling obedience to it, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, in addition to the other procedures provided for by this chapter and , may:
issue an attachment against the person of the defendant;
order an immediate sequestration of his real and personal estate, or such part thereof as may be necessary to satisfy the decree; or
by order and injunction, cause the possession of the estate and effects whereof the possession or a sale is decreed to be delivered to the complainant, or otherwise, according to the tenor and import of the decree and as the nature of the case requires.
When a defendant is arrested and brought into court upon any process of contempt issued to compel the performance of a decree, the court may, upon motion, order:
the defendant to stand committed; or
his estates and effects to be sequestrated and payment made, as directed by subsection (a) of this section; or
possession of his estate and effects to be delivered by order and injunction, as directed by subsection (a) of this section —
Where a decree only directs the payment of money, the defendant may not be imprisoned except in those cases especially provided for.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 15-320
What does D.C. Code § 15-320 cover?
Section 15-320 ("Enforcement of decrees.") 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 § 15-320?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 15-320" (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 § 15-320 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.