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