Use of General Operating Funds for Appointing Magistrates Pursuant

B-290011 Mar 25, 2002 Jump To RELATED PAGES GAO CONTACTS Highlights The District of Columbia Courts had requested an advance decision on whether the District of Columbia Superior Court may use its operating appropriation for the expedited appointment of magistrates. The Superior Court is required by the District of Columbia Family Court Act of 2001, to make these appointments prior to the availability of funds appropriated to the Superior Court for carrying out the Family Court Act. The Courts also ask whether the Superior Court can transfer funds from the Family Court Act appropriation, once funds become available, to reimburse their operating appropriation for the expense incurred in appointing the magistrates. GAO held that the District of Columbia Superior Court may use funds from its operating appropriation to pay for the costs incident to the expedient appointment of magistrates mandated by the Family Court Act, prior to the availability of funds specifically appropriated to carry out the Family Court Act. However, without statutory authority, the Superior Court may not transfer funds from the Family Court Act appropriation, once it becomes available, to reimburse its operating appropriation for the salaries and expenses of the appointed magistrates. Request File GAO Contacts Edda Emmanuelli Perez General Counsel Office of the General Counsel emmanuellipereze@gao.gov Media Inquiries Sarah Kaczmarek Managing Director Office of Public Affairs media@gao.gov Public Inquiries Contact Us Related Pages Related Appropriations Law Related Bid Protests Related Decisions & FAQs Related The Red Book Related Contract Appeals Board Related Federal Vacancies Reform Act Related Congressional Review Act