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OVERVIEW

This is a brief research guide that will provide information and resources for Virginia federal and state courts. Click on the links to access relevant court websites.

VIRGINIA FEDERAL COURTS

Virginia State Courts

Virginia's Judicial System

 The Virginia Judicial System consists of four levels of courts: the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, the circuit courts, and the district courts. In addition, magistrates serve as judicial officers with authority to issue various types of processes. The courts are organized into 31 judicial circuits and 32 similar judicial districts.

Supreme Court of Virginia

The Supreme Court of Virginia is composed of seven justices elected by a majority vote of each houseof the General Assembly for a term of twelve years. Interim appointments are made by the Governorsubject to election by the General Assembly at the next regular session. By law, the Chief Justice is chosenby the majority vote of the seven justices, for a term of four years

Court of Appeals of Virginia

The eleven Court of Appeals judges are elected and receive interim appointments in the same manner as the circuit court judges. They serve a term of eight years. The chief judge is elected by a vote of the eleven judges for a term of four years.

LIBRARY RESOURCES

Southeastern Reporter

Online:  Bloomberg Law, Westlaw Next, and Lexis Advance contain Southeastern Reporter decisions from 1846.

Print: Southeastern Reporter. Location: Library - 5th Floor -   KFG 135.S6. Holdings begin with v. 1 (1887-1988).

Print: Southeastern Reporter. Second Series. Location: Library - 5th Floor -   KFG 135.S6. Holdings continued in 1939 by: South eastern reporter. Second series.

Print: West's Southeastern Reporter. Second Series. Location: Library - 5th Floor -   KFG 135.S6. Title changes from The South eastern reporter v. 361-734 (1987-2013 ); v. 736-771 (2013-2015 ).