State Government

Judicial Branch

VA Supreme Court

• 7 Justices (1 Chief and 6 Associates)• Chosen by the General Assembly• 12 year terms (8 years for lower courts)

VA Court of Appeals

• Panel of judges (3-12)• Appellate jurisdiction• Hear appeals from lower courts

Circuit Court

• Jury trials• Felony criminal cases• Civil cases over $15,000

General District Court

• No juries• Misdemeanor criminal cases• Civil cases under $15,000• Can appeal if lose and start fresh in Circuit

Court

Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

• Closed to the public• Under 18 and family disputes involving

children• Can appeal if lose and start fresh in Circuit

Court