chapter 3 - caseflow management i. docket call … · circuit court clerks’ manual - civil...

CIRCUIT COURT CLERKS’ MANUAL - CIVIL

CASEFLOW MANAGEMENT PAGE 3-1

Office of the Executive Secretary Department of Judicial Services

Rev: 7/18

CHAPTER 3 - CASEFLOW MANAGEMENT

I. DOCKET CALL

Civil Docket Call is a method used to call pending civil cases for the purpose of setting trial

dates. NOTE: Not all courts may conduct a civil docket call. In some courts, cases are set

by praecipe or pretrial scheduling orders. Civil Docket Call is often referred to as “term

day.” Virginia Code § 17.1-517 provides that the chief judge of each circuit shall specify,

through a court order, the terms of court for each court within his/her circuit. A “term of

court” is the period of time during which the circuit court is in session. Terms may vary in

length among courts, but no court may have less than four terms of court each year. Any

change in the terms of court is to be reported by the chief judge of the circuit to the Office

of the Executive Secretary by January 1 of each year. Va. Code § 17.1-517.

Civil and Criminal Terms are often combined, however several courts have set terms for

civil cases and separate terms for criminal cases. Some examples of civil terms throughout

the Commonwealth are:

▪ “First Monday in March, June and December and Third Monday in September”;

▪ “Third Wednesday in each month except August”;

▪ “Third Wednesday in February, April, June, August, October and December”;

▪ “First Tuesday in each month”

Again, “Term day” refers to the day on which a term of court commences. The times for

commencement of terms for each circuit court are set out in Rule 1:15. Term day is also

the day on which the docket of pending cases is usually called.

A. Docket Preparation

Virginia Code § 8.01-331 states that “when any civil action is commenced in a circuit

court, or any such action is removed to such court and the required writ tax and fees

thereon paid, the clerk shall enter the same in the civil docket.” NOTE: Effective

July 1, 2007, removals from general district court to circuit court were eliminated.

These dockets may be either (i) a substantial, well-bound loose-leaf book, (ii) a

visible card index or (iii) automated data processing media such as the Supreme Court

Case Management System.

The form of a civil docket may vary. However, each case that is entered on the civil

docket must contain the following:

The short style of the suit or action;

The names of the attorneys;

The nature of the suit or action; and

The date filed and case file number.

http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/17.1-517


http://www.courts.state.va.us/courts/scv/rulesofcourt.pdf





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In addition the docket may contain the following information applicable in an

individual case as deemed appropriate:

The names of the parties;

The date of the issuance of process;

A memorandum of the service of process;

A memorandum of the orders and proceedings in the case; and

The hearing date(s) and type(s) of hearing(s) conducted on

such date(s).

Cases appealed from the juvenile and domestic relations district courts shall be

docketed as provided above and as prescribed by Va. Code § 16.1-302.

Following are typical practices followed when the docket is prepared:

B. Civil Docket Procedures

Step 1 Clerk checks all cases that have been filed and were not placed on the

previous dockets because of No Service requested by an attorney, not

served within twenty-one days, or all parties not served, etc.

J&DR Court appeals are placed on the docket after notice to all parties

in interest.

Step 2 Declaratory Judgment cases are placed on the docket after a Summons

is issued and the response time has passed.

Step 3 Other cases are placed on the docket upon written request.

Step 4 Cases are “flagged” by date on the case management system, if used,

for Term Docket date.

Step 5 Cases disposed of from a prior docket for which a final order has been

entered are removed from the prior docket.

Step 6 Cases not disposed of from the prior docket are continued and given

the new Term Docket date.

Step 7 Term Docket is prepared or generated from computer system prior to

docket call.

Step 8 Copies of docket are made for the Judge, Judge’s staff and attorneys

based on local practice.

Step 9 Copies of the docket for attorneys are placed in the courtroom on

Docket Call day.





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Step 10 Cases will then be called by the judge or the clerk on Docket Call day.

Clerk present in court notes all assignments for trial.

II. CASEFLOW MANAGEMENT

Elements of successful caseflow management programs in circuit courts include the desire

for finding better ways of handling increasing workloads in the trial courts which has

prompted judges and court officials throughout the country to reexamine their case

processing customs and practices and to search for new techniques to resolve disputes fairly

and more expeditiously. Within the past decade, numerous delay reduction programs have

been undertaken in courts of varying sizes and their results have become more readily

available.

Whether they are called caseflow management, docket control, litigation management or by

other terms, the research conducted to date confirms that there is no single solution or

model program that has been proven successful in all courts. However, what has been

proven time and again is that in every successful program certain basic elements or themes

have been found to be present.

A. Defining Delay

A range of opinions exist on the question of what constitutes delay. In fact, some bar

members and court leaders have asked “What do you mean the public is complaining

about delay? What delay? Nobody’s complained to me about their cases taking too

long. What litigants are concerned about is the outcome of their case.”

The experiences related by Virginia judges and clerks of court, in particular, suggest

that the picture is far larger than that. First, among the most well-documented facts

about the court system is the public’s apprehension about having to go to court, even

as a juror, combined with a reverence for the court’s authority.

Therefore, it is not surprising that litigants usually are less vocal to the court and even

to their lawyers than under other circumstances. If a complaint is lodged, it generally

is to court staff, unless the matter for which they are in court is to be taken care of by

such staff. Thus, while case outcome is of primary importance, litigants, witnesses

and jurors also evaluate the legal system and the courts on the basis of how they were

treated during the entire litigation process, the inconveniences they perceived to exist,

and the costs of doing business with lawyers and the court.

Among the ways the public (both individuals and the business community) perceives

court delays are:

▪ The number of days, weeks, or months that it takes to conclude a civil case from

the time the perceived civil wrong happened to them; and, in a criminal case, from

the arrest date to the date the court adjudicates the case;




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▪ The number of times litigants, witnesses, and jurors are required to appear in

court and the number of times after having appeared, the scheduled event does not

occur or the case has been settled.

▪ Within the business community particularly, the costs incurred due to the amount

of time they and/or their lawyers spend in court, as well as the time lawyers have

to wait for cases to be called or motions to be argued.

In contrast, judges and clerks, and many lawyers of court are much more likely to

view delays in case processing from the time the case was filed in the court. The

concerns, if not fears, they express generally relate to the increasing number of

months in advance cases are having to be set in some areas, particularly if the trial is

going to last more than one day. In other areas the problems are increased criminal

caseloads, particularly drug cases, the lack of capacity in the court’s schedule for

handling emergency cases, the indiscriminate scheduling between simple and

complex cases, the resulting bumping of cases or continuance of cases bumped

(angering and inconveniencing lawyers, litigants and experts); and finally, the

increase of motions, particularly those filed immediately prior to trial.

B. Considerations in Developing Caseflow Management Prevention Efforts

The current situation on delay reduction efforts suggests several key findings that

should be considered from the outset by courts interested in assessing the condition of

their civil or criminal dockets and/or developing caseflow management plans.

1. The keys to effective caseflow management and delay reduction programs are

court control of the pace of litigation and committed leadership by the court in

developing and sustaining effective caseflow management systems.

2. Given the shared responsibilities for successfully introducing and maintaining an

effective caseflow management plan, a “team” approach is recommended. In this

way, the court ensures that there is a method of consulting with others, such as the

clerks of courts and their personnel as well as the bar, law enforcement and others

involved in case processing. Cooperation, particularly between the court and the

clerk’s office is required in order to gather information to assess the current status

of the court’s caseloads, including identifying where any delays may be

occurring, to determine what changes would be mutually beneficial, and to build

support for any program that may be developed. In addition, it is essential that

the need for additional resources, where needed, be examined prior to the

introduction of new case processing procedures.

3. Caseflow management programs can be developed either by individual courts or

circuits. To avoid confusion by the bar, litigants and others, any new procedures

developed should be discussed with and/or circulated prior to their introduction.




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C. Forming a Team

Two interrelated principles are involved in answering the question of who should take

the lead in organizing docket management programs. These are court control of the

pace of litigation and committed leadership by the bench in developing and

implementing delay reduction efforts.

Judges are responsible for the effective administration of justice within their courts

and for taking action to ensure the timely disposition of civil and criminal matters.

However, through procedures such as the praecipe system, Virginia lawyers

traditionally have set the pace for litigation to proceed through the courts, particularly

for civil cases. Thus, while adopting these principles marks a change in philosophy,

the evidence suggests that when caseflow management programs are developed

cooperatively and there is reasonable accommodation of the bar, judicial control of

the dockets is evaluated favorably by lawyers. In addition, it has long been noted in

the Commonwealth that judges set the “attitudinal” pace of litigation. Thus, where

the expectation is that cases will move forward and not languish on the dockets, the

legal community responds accordingly.

As almost every program reflects, a strong judicial commitment is essential to

reducing delay and, once achieved, maintaining a current docket. Since it is the

judges who must be responsible for the pace of litigation, it is the judges who must be

the formal leaders of the reform effort. Although others will play vital roles in the

delay reduction programs, judges must take the lead.

Most of the successful delay reduction efforts to date have included a core team of

people led by judges. Because of this fact, the information that follows relates

primarily to efforts undertaken with this approach. At the nucleus of the team are

judges and clerks or their deputies and other court staff. In addition, interested bar

members, sometimes either the local bar president or the chairman of the bench-bar

committee, have participated on the teams. Sometimes lay citizens have served on

the teams. When possible, circuit-wide teams should be created for multiple locality

jurisdictions. If a court/clerk’s office/bar team is not formally appointed, there must

exist a mechanism for extensive consultation with these persons throughout the

development, implementation and monitoring of any new delay reduction measures.

At least three objectives should be considered if a team or committee is appointed.

First, the members must be selected carefully, considering that the team is the logical

base upon which to build acceptance of the program. Second, the team must evaluate

current case processing procedures based upon the information objectively obtained

from the gathering of statistics, not through the preexisting conceptual lens of its

members. Third, the team should plan systematically, considering the impact of

change on the entire system.

The “ownership” of the program should be broadly based. Every successful program

has enjoyed the early and enthusiastic support of the chief judge of the jurisdiction

where the change is sought.




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Although success depends upon commitment from the leadership, it cannot become

the leaders’ program. “Ownership” of the program must be as broadly based as

possible. Although the spokesperson for the program should be a judge, the team

members must be appropriately recognized for their contribution. Even if the team

members are not involved in the day-to-day operation of the program, they should be

kept informed of its progress. If unanticipated problems arise during implementation,

or if changes are needed, the team members most familiar with the area should be

consulted.

D. Steps Taken by the Court or Team to Assess Delay

Whether as an informal group or as a team, there are several recommended actions

for those involved to undertake:

1. Conduct a thorough review of the condition of the civil and criminal dockets,

including numbers of cases pending.

To do so, the court and/or team members can consult the court’s monthly and

quarterly caseload reports. These reports contain information on the number of

cases commenced, concluded, and pending for each court as well as the

percentages of cases disposed through different methods of adjudication, such as

settled or dismissed cases, and jury trials. The annual State of the Judiciary

reports also contains this information. Judges also should work with personnel in

the clerks’ offices so that members of the court may have a thorough

understanding of how the statistical information is compiled.

Additional information is available particularly for automated courts through the

case management system of the Courts Automated Information System (CAIS).

Examples of those reports including the age of pending cases, “speedy trial

reports”, and concluded case reports by age can be found in the “batch reports”

sections of the Case Management System User’s Guide. These manuals are

available to all automated courts and are maintained in the clerks’ offices. In

addition, examples of “calendar management” reports currently available as well

as those under development by the Executive Secretary’s office are contained in

this document.

2. Review trends in case filings as well as demands being placed on the resources of

the court and clerks offices.

Again, the State of the Judiciary reports can be consulted for trend information

over a period of years for a particular court or circuit. In addition, sample

questions that can be asked about caseload trends appear in the document. Clerks

of the court and their deputies must be consulted for information on resource

demands.




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3. Conduct a “walking the tracks” exercise.

A “walking the tracks” exercise can be held with the team or by the judges and

clerks to review every step of the current case processing system to determine

where delays, if any, may be occurring. In doing so, consideration should be

given to such potential causes as procedures, customs and traditions in the

handling of different types of cases. For instance, consider the charts below.

What case processing problems, if any, are occurring between the identified

intervals or any of the steps along your court’s case processing steps? Are there

any other steps where inactivity on the part of the court, the clerk’s office, the Bar

or others causes delays in concluding the cases?

As examples, in civil cases, delays may be occurring when service of process is

not requested at case filing and thus the case can languish for considerable periods

of time with no further actions, pleadings or orders filed. Delays also may result

from discovery not being completed in a timely fashion or when last minute

motions or continuances require postponement of the trial.

4. Ask the following questions:

a. Local Practices

‒ Are there local practices that speed or slow disposition of cases?

‒ Are attorneys cooperating sufficiently in the discovery process?

‒ Where praecipes are used, what is estimated to be the time from case filing

to the filing of the praecipe?

b. Expediting Trials

‒ Are there any actions taken by the court to ensure that cases, once filed, do

not languish on the docket for long periods of time before the case is set

for trial? Are there any monitoring events or methods used by the court to

require counsel to open their files and prepare the case once it is filed?

‒ Have any stages of case processing been expedited by innovative

techniques?

‒ What techniques should be considered to expedite cases, if any?

c. Clerks’ Offices

‒ Are there any practices that could be expedited within the clerks’ offices?

‒ Does the court regularly purge under the two and three-year rules?

d. Nature of Case

‒ Are there any case characteristics that speed or slow case processing?




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‒ If so, what reasonably could be done to expedite discovery in these cases?

(i.e., filing pre-trial scheduling orders)

‒ What are the voir dire practices and do they speed (or slow) trial process?

e. Trial/Post-Trial

‒ Is the pace of trials affected on a regular basis by any specific events

(examples: daily commencement time, lawyer estimates of length of trials

or hearings, last minute pretrial motions, continuances or trial

interruptions)?

‒ If so, please explain.

‒ How long are cases generally held under advisement?

‒ How long does it take between adjudication and sentencing or submission

of final order in a criminal case? Are there any time guidelines for

probation officers on preparing presentence investigation orders?

‒ Does the court have any policies on the length of time allowed to file the

final order in a civil case?

f. Evidence

‒ Is the pace of trials affected on a regular basis by practices regarding

evidence (examples: stipulations, expert testimony, or limitations on

certain types of evidence)?

‒ If so, please explain.

Conducting a walking the tracks exercise provides an opportunity for those

involved to review the current situation. The key results of such reviews will be

the discussions and the assembling of information on the present status of the

court’s dockets.

Assessing the current status of the docket and determining where delays may be

occurring can be done expeditiously, but not “overnight.” Part of the

responsibility of the team leader or the judge heading up an internal review is to

work with others involved to determine: (1) a schedule of possible meeting dates;

(2) how the work involved can be accomplished; and, (3) who should be

responsible for each task.

E. Developing Caseflow Management Programs

Once the profile suggested has been completed, several options are available. If the

analysis was developed internally, it can be reviewed with local bar members, law

enforcement, probation offices, and others for their feedback. A bench-bar committee

can join in the efforts of the internal working group (judges, clerks, court staff), at this

point, if desired. The next step is determining what actions, if any, are needed to

improve the court/circuit’s caseflow management procedures, or to address any

identified delay problems. The court may decide to establish a docket management




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program or to initiate use of additional actions or specific techniques to expedite

litigation.

Although many techniques exist to attack delay, the heart of all of the programs

reviewed is active caseflow management. So important is this concept that many

would describe it as a specific “delay reduction technique” in and of itself. In fact, it

is the technique credited for the success in reducing delay in many jurisdictions.

Essential elements of active caseflow management are as follows:

o Court supervision and control of the movement of all cases from the time of

filing through final disposition.

o Monitoring of case processing time guidelines for the overall disposition of

cases.

o By conferences or other techniques, establishing times for concluding the

critical steps in the litigation process, including the discovery phase.

o Developing procedures for early identification of cases that may be

protracted, and for giving them special administrative attention where

appropriate (differentiated treatment of cases).

o Adopting a policy on the number of hearings or trials to be set per day that

schedules a sufficient number of cases to ensure efficient use of judge time

while minimizing the bumping of cases caused by over scheduling.

o Commencing trials on the original date scheduled with adequate advance

notice.

o A firm, consistent policy for minimizing continuances.

o Reasonable accommodation of the bar.

o Prompt determination of matters submitted to the judge.

F. Examples of Caseflow/Calendar Management Programs

1. Praecipe System

According to the 1994 edition of the “General Information Relating to the Courts

within each Circuit and District in Virginia”, prepared annually by the Supreme

Court of Virginia, approximately 33% of all circuit courts set their respective

pending civil cases for trial by employing some form of praecipe system.

Generally, a praecipe is a written request to the court to set a case for trial at the

next docket call.




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The praecipe is filed with the clerk by either the plaintiff or defendant, without

first seeking the concurrence of the opposing party. If the opposing party objects

to setting the case for trial at the court’s next civil docket call, a formal objection

is usually tendered the court, sometimes in the form of a motion to quash the

opponent’s praecipe.

This method of setting cases for trial relies heavily on the good faith of attorneys

and pro se parties to voluntarily move their respective cases along as

expeditiously as possible. In a pure praecipe system, the court often exercises

little oversight or control over its civil docket, preferring the parties to the action

to decide when a case has matured for trial or settlement.

2. Pretrial Scheduling Order - Rule 1:18.

In any civil case the parties, by counsel of record, may agree and submit for

approval and entry by the court a pretrial scheduling order. If the court

determines that the submitted order is not consistent with the efficient and orderly

administration of justice, then the court shall notify counsel and provide an

opportunity to be heard. See Section 3 of the Appendix of Forms at the end of

Part I of the Rules of Court (Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order).

In any civil case in which a pretrial scheduling order has not otherwise been entered

pursuant to the court’s normal scheduling procedure, the court may, upon request of

counsel of record for any party, or in its own discretion, enter the pretrial scheduling

order contained in Section 3 of the Appendix of Forms at the end of Part I of The

Rules of Court (Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order). The court shall cause copies of

the order so entered to forthwith be transmitted to counsel for all parties. If any party

objects to or requests modification of that order, the court shall (a) hold a hearing to

rule upon the objection or request or (b) with the consent of all parties and the

approval of the court, enter an amended pretrial scheduling order.

With the exception of domestic relations cases, a court may not enter a scheduling

order which deviates from the terms of the Uniform Pretrial Scheduling Order unless

either (1) counsel of record for all parties agree to different provisions, or (2) the

court, after providing an opportunity for counsel of record to be heard, makes a

finding that the scheduling order contained in the Appendix is not consistent with the

efficient and orderly administration of justice under the specific circumstances of that

case.

III. REQUESTS FOR SUBPOENAS, PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS, ETC.

A. Definitions

1. A subpoena is a “process to cause a witness to appear and give testimony”...

Black’s Law Dictionary. A more technical and descriptive term for the ordinary

subpoena is subpoena ad testificandum.








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2. A subpoena duces tecum is “a process by which the court, at the instance of a

suitor, commands a witness who has in his/her possession or control some

document or paper that is pertinent to the issues of a pending controversy, to

produce it at trial.” Black’s Law Dictionary (3) Virginia Code § 8.01-2 (8) states

that “‘summons’ and ‘subpoena’ may be used interchangeably and shall include a

subpoena duces tecum for the production of documents and tangible things.”

B. Subpoena

1. How Issued. To Whom

According to Va. Code § 8.01-407, a subpoena may be issued to command a

person to attend to give evidence before a court, notary, or commissioner or other

person appointed by a court or acting under its process or authority in a judicial or

quasi-judicial capacity.

If attendance is desired in a civil proceeding pending in a court or at a deposition

in connection with such proceeding, a subpoena may be issued not less than five

business days prior to the date attendance is desired by an attorney-at-law who is

an active member of the Virginia State Bar at the time of issuance. This also

allows attorneys to issue subpoenas duces tecum. Some civil proceedings, such as

abuse and neglect proceedings, habeas corpus and protective orders, are excluded

from the provisions of this legislation. Any attorney-issued summons or

subpoena is required to be on a form approved by the Supreme Court, signed by

the attorney, and shall include the attorney’s address. The attorney-issued

summons shall be deemed to be a pleading. A copy of the summons and, if served

by a sheriff, all service of process fees, shall be mailed or delivered to the clerk’s

office of the court in which the case is pending. Va. Code § 8.01-407.

Convicts or persons incarcerated in a correctional or penal institution may be

summonsed to appear in a civil action, upon the entry of an order by the court

directed to the Department of Corrections commanding the attendance of the

convict or prisoner, per Va. Code § 8.01-410.

Witnesses may be compelled to attend depositions by subpoena, per Rule 4:5(a).

The place of taking a deposition is set by Va. Code § 8.01-420.4. Further,

witnesses may be compelled to produce documents and other tangible things per

Rule 4:5(b)(5).

No subpoena shall, without first obtaining a court order for same, issue for the

attendance of the persons listed in Va. Code § 8.01-407 (B). If any subpoena is

served less than five calendar days before appearance is required upon any

judicial officer generally incompetent to testify pursuant to Va. Code § 19.2-271,

such subpoena shall be without legal force or effect unless the subpoena has been

issued by a judge. Va. Code § 8.01-407 (A).



http://www.vsb.org/


http://www.vadoc.state.va.us/



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Requests for issuance of witness subpoenas are usually presented to the clerk by

written request letter or memorandum from counsel of record or by pro se parties.

Virginia Code § 8.01-407 (C) provides that a clerk may issue a summons to

compel attendance of a citizen of the Commonwealth before commissioners or

other persons appointed by authority of another state when the summons requires

the attendance of such witness at a place not out of his county or city. The code

provides no direction on how to handle the paperwork in these instances. Most

clerks place these documents in a miscellaneous file. Clerks may charge a Clerk’s

fee of $10 pursuant to Va. Code § 17.1-275 (A)(18) plus “add-on” fees and

service fees.

2. Witness Reimbursement

Virginia Code § 17.1-612 provides how a witness may claim reimbursement for

mileage, tolls and, in some cases, an attendance fee for compensation as an expert

witness. Virginia Code § 17.1-613 prescribes that the sum to each witness is to be

paid by the party for whom the summons issued; if the witness is compelled to

attend by the Commonwealth, payment is made as required by that section.

3. Who May Serve Subpoena on the Witness

Virginia Code § 8.01-293 prescribes that any sheriff within his/her territorial

bounds or any person age eighteen years or older and who is neither a party or

otherwise interested in the subject matter in controversy, are authorized to serve

process.

4. Fee for Service of Witness Subpoena

A sheriff’s fee is authorized for each service of a subpoena per Va. Code § 17.1-

272. No Clerk’s fee is authorized for issuing a subpoena.

C. Subpoena Duces tecum


Rule 4:9 prescribes the method by which a person can be compelled to produce

documents and other tangible things, or to allow entry onto land for inspection or

for other purposes. Virginia Code § 8.01-407 allows attorneys to issue subpoenas

duces tecum. Any attorney-issued subpoena is required to be on a form approved

by the Supreme Court, signed by the attorney, and shall include the attorney’s

address. See form DC-498, Subpoena Duces tecum (Civil) - Attorney Issued.

Rule 4:9 (a) provides that a party to an action may be compelled to produce and

permit inspection and copying of documents and other tangible things for the

other party, or to produce documents in court at the time of trial, or to permit










http://www.courts.state.va.us/forms/district/dc498.pdf





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entry upon land or property for purposes of inspection, etc. The request document

sent to the clerk is usually titled as a Request for Production of Documents, etc.

The resulting summons is a subpoena duces tecum.

Rule 4:9 (c) provides how a subpoena duces tecum may be served on a person not

a party to the action. The subpoena commands the person to produce documents

or tangible things demanded in the request for inspection and copying, etc. A

certificate is required from the requesting party that a copy of the written request

for subpoena duces tecum has been mailed or delivered to counsel of record and

to any pro se party. The request document sent to the clerk is usually titled as a

Request for Subpoena Duces tecum. The resulting summons is a subpoena duces

tecum.

Rule 1:12 requires any request for a subpoena duces tecum shall be served on

each counsel of record by delivery or mailing a copy to him on or before the day

of filing.

Per Va. Code § 8.01-413, any health care provider whose patient records or

papers are subpoenaed for production may comply by timely mailing to the clerk

who issued the subpoena or in whose court the action is pending, properly

authenticated copies, photographs or microphotographs in lieu of the originals.

Copies of a health care provider’s records or papers shall be furnished within 30

days of receipt of such request to the patient, his attorney, his executor or

administrator, or an authorized insurer upon such patient’s, attorney’s, executor’s,

administrator’s, or authorized insurer’s written request, which request shall

comply with the requirements of subsection E of Va. Code § 32.1-127.1:03. If a

health care provider is unable to provide such records or papers within 30 days of

receipt of such request, such provider shall notify the requester of such records or

papers in writing of the reason for the delay and shall have no more than 30 days

after the date of such written notice to comply with such request.

No subpoena duces tecum for records or papers shall set a return date by which

the health care provider must comply with such subpoena earlier than 15 days

from the date of the subpoena, except by order of a court or administrative agency

for good cause shown. When a court or administrative agency orders that records

or papers be disclosed pursuant to a subpoena duces tecum earlier than 15 days

from the date of the subpoena, a copy of such order shall accompany such

subpoena.

2. Motion to Quash

Any objection or motion to quash a subpoena duces tecum under Rule 4:9(c) may

result in either annulment of the subpoena duces tecum or amendment as provided

in this Rule.




http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/32.1-127.1:03





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As to a subpoena duces tecum issued with at least a 15-day return date, if no

motion to quash is filed within 15 days of the issuance of the subpoena, the party

requesting the subpoena duces tecum or the party on whose behalf the subpoena

was issued shall certify to the subpoenaed health care provider that (a) the time

for filing a motion to quash has elapsed and (b) no such motion was filed. Upon

receipt of such certification, the subpoenaed health care provider shall comply

with the subpoena duces tecum by returning the specified records or papers by

either (1) the return date on the subpoena or (2) five days after receipt of such

certification, whichever is later.

3. Who May Serve Subpoena Duces tecum on the Person

Virginia Code § 8.01-293 prescribes that any sheriff within his/her territorial

bounds or any person age eighteen years or older and who is neither a party or

otherwise interested in the subject matter of the controversy, may serve process.

4. When a Court Order is Necessary to Subpoena Records, etc.

Both the Federal Privacy Act [5 U.S.C.S. section 552 a. (b) (11)] and the

confidentially Statute [38 U.S.C.S. section 7332 (b)(2)(D)] (dealing with certain

Veterans Health administration records) require an order of a court of competent

jurisdiction to command a federal agency to disclose any record, or the V.A.

authority to release medical records concerning treatment, etc. of drug abuse,

alcoholism or alcohol abuse, infection with HIV, or sickle cell anemia.

To subpoena the records, etc. of certain officials listed in Rule 4:9(c-1), a court

order must first issue.

No subpoena duces tecum for records or papers shall set a return date by which

the health care provider must comply with such subpoena earlier than 15 days

from the date of the subpoena, except by order of a court or administrative agency

for good cause shown. When a court or administrative agency orders that records

or papers be disclosed pursuant to a subpoena duces tecum earlier than 15 days

from the date of the subpoena, a copy of such order shall accompany such

subpoena.

5. Fees for Service of Subpoena Duces tecum:

A sheriff’s fee is authorized for service of a subpoena duces tecum per Va. Code §

17.1-272. A clerk’s Fee of $5.00 is authorized for issuing a subpoena duces

tecum per Va. Code § 17.1-275 (23).

Attorney-issued subpoena duces tecum: There is no clerk’s fee to be received is

when there is a subpoena duces tecum for medical records.









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6. Copies of Subpoenaed documents

Unless otherwise ordered for good cause shown, when one party to a civil

proceeding subpoenas documents, the subpoenaing party, upon receipt of the

subpoenaed documents, shall, if requested in writing, provide true and full copies

of the same to any other party or to the attorney for any other party, provided the

other party or attorney for the other party pays the reasonable cost of copying or

reproducing the subpoenaed documents. This provision does not apply where the

subpoenaed documents are returnable to and maintained by the clerk of court in

which the action is pending. Va. Code § 8.01-417.

7. Procedures to issue a subpoena duces tecum

Step 1 Clerk receives written request (“Request for Production of

Documents” or “Request for Subpoena Duces tecum”) to issue a

subpoena duces tecum.

Comments: The request should be in writing and should indicate:

The officer who is to serve the subpoena,

The writings or objects to be produced or delivered,

Whether the person on whom the subpoena is served is required

to appear with the objects to be produced,

The name of the court and title of the proceeding,

Time and place at which the witness is to appear or deliver the

items, and

On whose application the subpoena was issued.

Step 2 Clerk checks to See if certificate is attached. NOTE: A certificate

is required by the party requesting the subpoena duces tecum

ensuring that a copy of the request has been delivered or mailed to

counsel and to any pro se counsel. Rule 4:9(c).

Step 3 Clerk prepares subpoena duces tecum and signs.

Comments: See form CC-1437, SUBPOENA DUCES TECUM (CIVIL

CASE). The subpoena may be prepared in triplicate or two copies

of the signed original may be produced. The latter is

recommended.

Any party filing a request for a subpoena duces tecum for a

patient’s medical records shall include a Notice to Providers in the

same part of the request where the provider is directed where and

when to return the records. Va. Code § 32.1-127.1:03.

Step 4 Clerk issues signed original and one copy of subpoena duces tecum

to sheriff or serving officer; places second copy in case file with

request for subpoena.



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Step 5 Clerk enters the following information in the court’s process book

or file:

plaintiff name

defendant name

type of process issued

date prepared

date of issuance

signature of issuing clerk or of sheriff who will serve process.

Comments: Every service of process must be entered in a process

book or file (or automated system). Va. Code § 17.1-215.

The preferred practice in most jurisdictions is to place every

process to be served locally in the process book or a file to be

picked up daily by the local sheriff or serving officer. The sheriff

or serving officer signs for the processes in the process book when

collecting them for service.

A subpoena directed to another city or county in Virginia is mailed

by the clerk’s office to the sheriff or serving officer of that

jurisdiction. The date of mailing should be noted on the process

book.

Step 6 The sheriff or serving officer executes the subpoena duces tecum

and makes his/her return to the issuing court.

Comments: Return must be made within seventy-two hours of

service. Service is due on next working day if otherwise due on

Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday. Va. Code § 8.01-325.

Execution is effected by leaving a copy of the subpoena with the

intended party or posting the subpoena on the door of his/her home.

The original is returned to the court, showing the date and method

of service. If the party could not be located, the copy is marked

“not found” and returned with the original to the court.

Step 7 Clerk checks returned original to verify that the serving officer has

entered the following:

date of execution

type of service

serving officer’s signature

Comments: If service made by private process server, the return

should be stamped, typed or printed stating:

that the process was served by a private process server; and

name, address and phone number of the server.






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Step 8 Clerk enters in process book or file the date the subpoena was

returned to the court.

D. Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act


The creation of the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act in 2009

provided that a party may submit a subpoena issued by a court of record from

another state to the clerk of the circuit court serving the jurisdiction in which

discovery is sought in the Commonwealth. The foreign subpoena must be

accompanied by a written statement that the law of the foreign jurisdiction grants

reciprocal privileges for taking discovery by citizens of the Commonwealth.

Upon receipt of the foreign subpoena, the clerk shall issue a subpoena for service

upon the person to whom the foreign subpoena was directed. Form CC-1439,

SUBPOENA/SUBPOENA DUCES TECUM TO PERSON UNDER FOREIGN SUBPOENA

should be used

Any subpoena issued by the clerk shall incorporate the terms used in the foreign

subpoena and contain or be accompanied by the names, addresses, and telephone

numbers of all counsel of record in the proceeding to which the subpoena relates,

and of any party not represented by counsel. No civil action need be filed in the

circuit court to utilize this discovery act. No subpoena issued in the

Commonwealth pursuant to this article may be issued by any person other than

the applicable circuit court clerk of court in the Commonwealth. Va. Code § 8.01-

412.10

A subpoena issued under this article shall be served in compliance with applicable

statutes of the Commonwealth for service of a subpoena. Va. Code § 8.01-412.11

The code provides no direction on how to handle the paperwork in these

instances. Most clerks place these documents in a miscellaneous file.

2. Application to Court

An application to the court for a protective order or to enforce, quash or modify a

subpoena issued by a clerk of court under Va. Code § 8.01-412.10 shall comply

with the statutes and rules of court of the Commonwealth, and be submitted to the

court in the circuit in which discovery is to be conducted. A separate civil action

need not be filed. Va. Code § 8.01-412.13.

3. Fees for Service

a. Subpoena. A sheriff’s fee is authorized for each service of a subpoena per Va.

Code § 17.1-272. Clerks may charge a Clerk’s fee of $10 pursuant to Va.

Code § 17.1-275 (A)(18).













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b. Subpoena duces tecum. A sheriff’s fee is authorized for service of a subpoena

duces tecum per Va. Code § 17.1-272. A clerk’s Fee of $5.00 is authorized

for issuing a subpoena duces tecum per Va. Code § 17.1-275 (23).

IV. JURY MANAGEMENT

The right of trial by jury is declared in Article I, Section 11 of the Constitution of Virginia.

Trial by jury is a common law right, however it can be waived. Any legal cause of action

in which the recovery sought is greater than $20, exclusive of interest, may be heard and

judgment entered by the court, unless one of the parties involved in the suit demands a trial

by jury. If neither party requests a jury, the court may, on its own motion, direct that a jury

be impaneled to hear and give judgment on one or more issues arising out of a legal cause

of action.

Trial by jury in equity matters is typically not available except as provided in a few statutes,

unless one of the parties or the judge requests a jury. If the defendant in equity responds to

an equitable claim with a plea that is denied by the plaintiff, either party may have the

issues tried by jury. Va. Code § 8.01-336 (D). In an action to establish or impeach a will

(Va. Code § 64.2-448) or an action to remove clouds on title (Va. Code § 55-153), parties

have the right to a trial by jury. In an equitable claim where no right to a jury trial

otherwise exists, where impaneling of an advisory jury pursuant to Va. Code § 8.01-336 (E)

to hear an issue will be helpful to the court concerning disputed fact issues, such a jury may

be seated. Decision on such claims and issues shall be made by the judge.

Virginia Code § 8.01-353.1 provides that at the time of assembly for the purpose of juror

selection, the clerk of court shall ensure that the identity of each member of the jury venire

is verified. Acceptable forms of identification: Commonwealth of Virginia voter

registration card; social security card; valid Virginia driver’s license, or any other

identification card issued by a government agency of the Commonwealth, one of its

political subdivisions, or the United States; or any valid employee identification card

containing a photograph of the juror and issued by an employer of the juror in the ordinary

course of the employer’s business. If the juror is unable to present one of these forms of

identification, he/she shall sign a statement affirming, under penalty of perjury, that he/she

is the named juror.

A. Civil Jury Composition

The Code of Virginia provides for civil juries to be comprised of five (5), seven (7),

or, in special situations, three (3) or twelve (12) persons. If the amount involved in

the action, exclusive of interest, is less than $25,000.00 (Va. Code § 16.1-77 (1)), the

jury will be five (5) persons selected from a panel of not less than eleven (11). Va.

Code § 8.01-359. All other civil juries will be composed of a group of seven (7)

selected from a panel of not less than thirteen (13), unless a special jury is allowed.

Virginia Code § 8.01-359 (D) provides for the selection of a jury of three (3). In any

civil case where the plaintiff and defendant certify to the court that they wish to

impanel a jury of three, the plaintiff and defendant may each choose a juror, and the





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two shall agree upon and select a third of similar qualifications. The impaneling of a

special jury in civil actions is rare. A special jury is ordered by the court, on the

motion of either party, in cases of unusual importance or complexity. Va. Code §

8.01-362. The special jury will be comprised of twelve (12) selected from a panel of

not less than twenty (20).

When the court has selected six (6) veniremen more than are needed to constitute the

appropriate size jury, the parties or their counsel, beginning with the plaintiff, will

alternately strike off one name from the panel until the number remaining is reduced

to the number required. Where there are more than two parties, all plaintiffs will

share three strikes between them and all defendants and third-party defendants will

share three strikes between them.

Virginia Code § 8.01-360 provides for additional jurors when the trial likely to be

protracted. The court may direct the selection of additional jurors who shall be drawn

from the same source, in the same manner and at the same time as the regular jurors.

When one additional juror is desired, there shall be drawn three veniremen, and the

plaintiff and defendant in a civil case or the Commonwealth and accused in a criminal

case shall each be allowed one peremptory challenge. When two or more additional

jurors are desired there shall be drawn twice as many venireman as the number of

additional jurors desired. The plaintiff and defendant in a civil case or the

Commonwealth and accused in a criminal case shall each be allowed one additional

peremptory challenge for every two additional jurors.

B. Condemnation Juries

The jury commissioners established pursuant to Chapter 11 (Va. Code § 8.01-336 et

seq.) of Title 8.01 shall select condemnation jurors. Therefore, a separate pool of

condemnation jurors may be selected. The jury commissioners shall select as

condemnation jurors persons who are residents of the county or city in which the

property to be condemned, or the greater portion thereof, is situated. No person shall

be eligible as a condemnation juror when he, or any person for him, solicits or

requests a member of the jury commission to place his name on a list of

condemnation jurors. All of the persons included on the list of condemnation jurors

shall be freeholders of property within the jurisdiction. The list shall include a

notation indicating those persons who are freeholders. Va. Code § 8.01-346.

“Freeholder” means any person owning an interest in land in fee, including a person

owning a condominium unit. Va. Code § 25.1-100. Except as otherwise provided,

the provisions of Va. Code §§ 8.01-345, 8.01-346, 8.01-347, 8.01-356, and 8.01-358

relating to procedures for preparing this list from which members will be chosen,

penalties for failure to appear and voir dire examination shall apply to condemnation

jurors mutatis mutandis. Va. Code § 25.1-229. Each juror receives $30.00 per day

for being summoned and appearing, whether for regular jury service or for service as

a condemnation juror. Va. Code §§ 25.1-235 and 17.1-618.


















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C. Creation of the Master Jury List/It’s Use In Jury Management

The method used to create the master jury list must not result in the exclusion or

avoidable under-representation of any social, economic or racial group. Similarly, the

opportunity for citizens to serve as jurors cannot be denied or limited on the basis of

race, national origin, gender, age, religious belief, income, occupation or any other

factor that discriminates against a cognizable group in the jurisdiction.

1. Who Liable to Serve As Jurors

Any person over the age of eighteen who has resided in Virginia for one year and

in his/her county, city or town for six months is eligible to serve on a jury.

United States military personnel stationed in Virginia are not considered

residents solely by reason of their being stationed in Virginia. Va. Code § 8.01-

337.

2. Who Cannot Serve As Jurors:

o Any person who has been adjudicated mentally incompetent. Va. Code §

8.01-338.

o Any person convicted of treason or a felony. Va. Code § 8.01-338.

o Any person who solicits or requests a jury commissioner to designate him as

a juror, or who has another person solicit or request a jury commissioner to

designate him as a juror. Va. Code § 8.01-339.

o Any person who is a party to any case that has been or is expected to be tried

by a jury during the same term of court. Va. Code § 8.01-340

o Any person under the age of eighteen. Va. Code § 8.01-337.

o Any person under a disability as defined in Va. Code § 8.01-2. Va. Code §

8.01-338.

o Any person has been called for and reported for jury duty within the last

three years. Va. Code § 8.01-342.

3. Who Are Automatically Exempt from Jury Service

The Code exempts certain individuals and permits others to claim exemption from

jury service. The following individuals are automatically exempt from jury

service pursuant to Va. Code § 8.01-341:

o The President and Vice-President of the United States,

o The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General of the

Commonwealth,

o The members of both houses of Congress,

o The members of the General Assembly, while in session or during a period

when the member would be entitled to a legislative continuance as a matter of

right under Va. Code § 30-5,

o Licensed practicing attorneys,














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o The judge of any court, members of the State Corporation Commission,

members of the Workers’ Compensation Commission (formerly the Industrial

Commission), and magistrates,

o Sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, state police, and police in counties, cities, and towns,

o The superintendent of the penitentiary and his assistants and the persons

composing the guard; and

o Superintendents and jail officers, as defined in Va. Code § 53.1-1, of regional

jails.

4. Who May Claim Exemptions/Not Automatically Exempt

Pursuant to Va. Code § 8.01-341.1, the following individuals are not

automatically exempt but may claim exemptions from jury service:

o Mariners actually employed in maritime service,

o A person who has legal custody of and is necessarily and personally

responsible for a child or children sixteen years of age or younger requiring

continuous care by him during normal court hours, or any mother who is

breast-feeding a child,

o A person who is necessarily and personally responsible for a person having a

physical or mental impairment requiring continuous care by him during

normal court hours,

o Any person over seventy (70) years of age,

o Any person whose spouse is summoned to serve on the same jury panel,

o Any person who is the only person performing services for a business,

commercial or agricultural enterprise and whose services are so essential to

the operation of the business, commercial or agricultural enterprise that such

enterprise must close or cease to function if such person is required to perform

jury duty, and

o Any person who is the only person performing services for a political

subdivision as a firefighter, as defined in Va. Code § 65.2-102, and whose

services are so essential to the operations of the political subdivision that such

political subdivision will suffer an undue hardship in carrying out such

services if such person is required to perform jury duty.

5. Who May Asked To Be Excused During Specific Calendar Periods

The following individuals are not exempt, but may be excused during specific

calendar periods under Va. Code § 8.01-341.1.

o Any person employed by the Office of the Clerk of the House of Delegates,

the Office of the Clerk of the Senate, the Division of Legislative Services, and

the Division of Legislative Automated Systems, however, this exemption shall

apply only to jury service starting (i) during the period beginning 60 days

prior to the day any regular session commences and ending 30 days after the

day of adjournment of such session and (ii) during the period beginning seven








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days prior to the day any reconvened or special session commences and

ending seven days after the day of adjournment of such session.

o Any general registrar, member of a local electoral board, or person appointed

or employed by either the general registrar or the local electoral board, except

officers of election appointed pursuant to Article 5 (§ 24.2-115 et seq.) of

Chapter 1 of Title 24.2; however, this exemption shall apply only to jury

service starting (i) during the period beginning 90 days prior to any election

and continuing through election day, (ii) during the period to ascertain the

results of the election and continuing for 10 days after the local electoral

board certifies the results of the election under § 24.2-671 or the State Board

of Elections certifies the results of the election under § 24.2-679, or (iii)

during the period of an election recount or contested election pursuant to

Chapter 8 (§ 24.2-800 et seq.) of Title 24.2. Any officer of election shall be

exempt from jury service only on Election Day and during the periods set

forth in clauses (ii) and (iii).

o Any member of the armed services of the United States or the diplomatic

service of the United States appointed under the Foreign Service Act (22

U.S.C. § 3901 et seq.) who will be serving outside of the United States at the

time of such jury service.

The foregoing code sections should be consulted regularly to check for amendments.

Instead of completely discharging an individual who claims that serving on a jury

would interfere with his/her work responsibilities, the judge (or a court official

designated by the judge) may defer or limit his/her jury service for a reasonable

period of time. Va. Code § 8.01-341.2. In such instances, the person is often excused

from service until the next term of court. This also includes a full-time student at an

accredited public or private institution of higher education and who is attending

classes at such institution during such term.

D. Appointment of Jury Commissioners

Each circuit court shall appoint two (2) to fifteen (15) persons by July 1 of every year

to serve as jury commissioners. The judge of the circuit court of a county having the

urban county executive form of government may appoint jury commissioners at any

time prior to the first day of November of each year. Jury Commissioners may be

allowed a fee not exceeding $30 per day that they are actually engaged in such work

as the court directs. Va. Code § 8.01-343. The order of appointment shall be certified

by the judge to the clerk of the court who shall enter the same on the civil order book

of such court. A jury commissioner shall be eligible for reappointment. The jury

commissioners prepare a master list of persons eligible to serve as jurors. Va. Code

§§ 8.01-343, 8.01-344, and 8.01-345. The size of such list is specified by the

particular court for which it is compiled. The commissioners, using random selection

techniques, either manual, mechanical, or electronic, select persons for the master

jury list from the list of current voters, telephone directories, the list of licensed














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drivers, and any other list approved by the chief judge of the circuit. Va. Code §

8.01-345

After such master list has been compiled, the commissioners must delete the names of

those who are exempt and those who are statutorily accepted from jury service. The

master list is then used for the selection of jurors for a twelve-month period beginning

on the first day of the first term of court in the calendar year next succeeding

December 1.

The Supreme Court of Virginia will provide to each locality, upon request, a list of

the names and addresses of its residents who are listed as currently registered voters

or as holders of drivers’ licenses. A request for this merged list should be directed to

the Supreme Court by June 1 of the year for which the list is needed. Contact the

Office of the Executive Secretary, Supreme Court of Virginia, (804) 786-6455, for

more information.

For courts not using automated processes for selecting potential jurors, each name on

the master jury list is written on a separate ballot that is folded or rolled up so that the

names are not visible. The ballots, with the master jury list, are then placed by the

commissioners in a jury box that is locked and secured by the clerk of the court. Va.

Code § 8.01-347.

E. Master Jury List

The Master Jury List is not a public record. The court, where good cause is shown,

may permit an examination of the list, under the watchful eye of the court. Copying of

this list is not permitted. The proper administration of justice requires that the jury

list be kept secret until the jurors are drawn for service, unless good cause is shown.

Archer and Johnson v. Mayes, 213 Va. 633, 194 S.E. 2d 707 (1973).

For many years, Jury Commissioners have obtained additional information on

potential juror candidates, including information to disqualify or exempt them from

service, by use of a pre-formatted Jury Questionnaire, usually mailed to all

candidates. These questionnaires are a portion of the working papers of the Jury

Commission.

Similar nondisclosure protection is extended to jury commissioner’s questionnaires.

Refer to Opinion of the Attorney General to Ronald B. Hall, September 17, 1997,

1997 Va. AG 27.

When completed, the Master Jury List shall be delivered to the clerk to be safely kept

by him. Va. Code § 8.01-346.

Preparing A Master Jury List

Step 1 Is master list to be created manually or by automation? If manually: GO





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TO STEP 3; If by automation: GO TO STEP 2

Step 2 Clerk coordinates development and implementation of computer

programming with local government MIS/computer operations personnel,

or with another third party automated jury services system.

Step 3 Clerk obtains supplies (capsules, ballot box), if needed for manual selection

process.

Step 4 Clerk obtains, in the appropriate form (printed, computer tape or electronic

download), the current voter registration list, driver’s license list, and any

other court-approved source list for use by the commissioners in selecting

juror names.

Comments: To obtain printed lists or lists on computer tape contact:

Voter Registration List - Secretary, State Board of Elections

Licensed Driver List - Secretary, Department of Motor Vehicles

To participate in the automated Jury Services System (JSS), and to

obtain a list of the residents of a locality whose names appear on the

voter registration list or the list of licensed drivers, or a merged list

contact the Department of Judicial Services at 804-371-2424.

While these lists are not needed by the clerk until after July 1, the clerk

or Jury Administrator must notify DJS through the JSS each year which

list they need.

Step 5 Clerk receives a tape or list, or electronic data download for use by the

jury commissioners.

Comments: If the master jury list is to be created by automation, clerk

follows procedures discussed in STEP 2.

If the master jury list is to be created manually, clerk holds printed list

for delivery to the jury commissioners.

Step 6 Judge makes annual appointment of jury commissioners.

Comments: Commissioner appointments must be made prior to July 1

of each year. NOTE: The judge of the circuit court of a county having

the urban county executive form of government may appoint jury

commissioners at any time prior to the first day of November of each

year. Va. Code § 8.01-343.

Step 7 Clerk prepares order of appointment; obtains judge’s signature. Va.

Code § 8.01-343.

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Comments: See Handbook for Judges and Clerks. The order must

specify the number of persons the commissioners are to select for the

master list for jury service for a twelve-month period. Va. Code § 8.01-

345.

Step 8 Clerk microfilms/scans order; indexes and enters in the Civil Order

Book. See the section in this chapter for court order processing.

Step 9 Clerk immediately notifies commissioners of their appointment; directs

them to appear in the clerk’s office at a specific date and time for their

swearing in. Va. Code § 8.01-344.

Step 10 Clerk administers oath to commissioners.

Comments: See Va. Code § 8.01-344 for language of the oath.

Step 11 Clerk provides jury questionnaires or access to automated programming

to jury commissioners.

Step 12 Commissioners select the names to be put on the master jury list and

submit the list.

Comments: The master list must be compiled by December 1 of each

year. The initial random selection of a pool of potential juror candidates for

the Jury Commissioners to consider is accomplished by the Court, which

decides the random selection techniques and selection pools to be used, and

the initial number of names to be drawn. From the initial list of potential

candidates, jury commissioners are required to exclude the names of

deceased persons, unqualified persons, and apply statutory exemptions to

the names so selected. A Master Jury List of potential jurors who are not

disqualified or otherwise exempt will be prepared by the jury

commissioners. Va. Code § 8.01-345.

Step 13 During the year, as directed by the judge, clerk amends the master jury

list by deleting the names of those who are disqualified or exempt.

Comments: The judge may order the jury commissioners to add to the

list as needed and to strike the names of persons who become

disqualified or are exempt must be stricken from the list. Va. Code §

8.01-346.

Step 14 If the Master Jury List is not stored electronically as provided in Va. Code§

8.01-350.1, the Clerk provides jury box to commissioners.

If names of jurors are to be placed in a jury box, as provided in Va. Code§

8.01-347, the Commissioners prepare a separate ballot or paper for each








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name listed on the master jury list; the master jury list and ballots are

placed in the jury box which is locked and returned to the clerk for

safekeeping. Va. Code §§ 8.01-346, 8.01-347.

Comments: Each ballot or paper must be folded or rolled so that the

name written on each is not visible.

Once the jury box is returned to the clerk, it must be placed in a secured

area. The contents of the box are not open to public inspection and the

box is to remain locked until the court instructs otherwise.

F. Term Jury List

Prior to or during any term of court at which a jury may be necessary, the clerk or

deputy clerk, in the presence of the judge or a commissioner in chancery appointed by

the judge, will draw from the box the number of ballots necessary for the trial of all

civil and criminal cases during the term or the number of ballots requested by the

judge. Va. Code §§ 8.01-348 and 8.01-355. Whenever the court feels that a

particular trial of a criminal or civil case is likely to be protracted, the court may

direct the selection of additional jurors from the same source as the regular jurors.

Va. Code § 8.01-360. In automated courts, the computer randomly selects the

potential jurors. Va. Code § 8.01-350.1. The clerk then prepares a list from the

names on the ballots drawn or obtains a computer-generated list. A writ of venire

facias, containing the names and addresses of potential jurors and notice to appear is

prepared by the clerk and delivered to the sheriff. The sheriff then notifies the jurors

of their selection by way of a summons, which may be served or mailed. Pursuant to

Va. Code § 8.01-354, mailing is equivalent to summoning such juror in execution of a

writ of venire facias.

The Term Jury List, showing the name, age, address, occupation and employer of

each juror, shall be available in the clerk’s office for inspection by counsel in any

case to be tried by a jury during the term. Va. Code § 8.01-351.

Preparing A Term Jury List

Step 1 Is term list selected by random selection techniques, either mechanically

or electronically? Va. Code § 8.01-350.1. If mechanically: GO TO

STEP 2 ; If electronically: GO TO STEP 5

Step 2 The clerk, as directed by the court, draws from the jury box a specified

number of ballots for the current or upcoming term of court. Va. Code

8.01-348

Comments: The number of names to be drawn is based upon the

number of jury trials scheduled for the term. Va. Code § 8.01-355.

Step 3 The clerk thoroughly mixes the ballots and draws the number of names
















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specified.

Comments: The drawing of names for the term list shall be done by

the clerk or deputy clerk in the presence of judge or a court-appointed

commissioner in chancery who has no interest in any of the trials for

which the names are being drawn. Va. Code § 8.01-348.

Step 4 If a person whose name is drawn is known to be deceased, a non-

resident, exempt or disqualified by law, clerk notes the fact on the ballot

next to his/her name on the master jury list; places the ballot with other

such ballots in an envelope marked “Ineligible Jurors.” Va. Code §

8.01-349.

Step 5 For all other names drawn, clerk writes “drawn” and the date drawn

next to the name on both the ballot and master jury list; places such

ballots in an envelope marked “Eligible Jurors.” Va. Code § 8.01-349.

Comments: If during the term, additional jurors are needed, names

previously drawn may be drawn again. Va. Code § 8.01-349.

Step 6 Clerk has computer randomly select the necessary number of potential

jurors.

Comments: Clerk deletes names of persons known to be deceased,

non-residents, disqualified, or exempt

Step 7 Clerk prepares an alphabetical list of the names drawn; enters the

following information next to each name on the list:

address

age

occupation

employer

Step 8 Clerk signs the list and obtains the judge’s signature or that of the

commissioner in chancery. Va. Code § 8.01-351.

Step 9 Depending upon how juror names are stored by the Clerk (mechanically

or electronically), jurors are randomly selected for individual jury trials,

using similar techniques as described above for a Term Jury List.

Step 10 Clerk maintains original list in the clerk’s office and makes it available

for inspection by counsel in any case to be tried by a jury during the

term. Va. Code § 8.01-351.

Upon request, the clerk or sheriff or other officer responsible for notifying

jurors to appear in court for the trial of a case shall make available to all











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counsel of record in that case, a copy of the jury panel to be used for the

trial of the case at least three full business days before the trial. Such copy

of the jury panel shall show the name, age, address, occupation and

employer of each person on the panel. (Va. Code § 8.01-353)

G. Petit Jury

From the Term Jury List, individual jurors are selected to appear in court on such day

as the court may direct. Referred to as a “Petit Jury”, the court directs the clerk to

notify a predetermined number of jurors from the Term Jury List for the trial of a civil

or criminal action. The clerk normally prepares this list, and submits it to the sheriff,

who notifies each juror of the time and date of the trial.

Upon request, the clerk or other officer responsible for notifying jurors to appear in

court for the trial of a case shall make available to all counsel of record in that case, a

copy of the jury panel to be used for the trial of the case at least three full business

days before the trial. Va. Code § 8.01-353.

Preparing A Petit Jury List

Step 1 A petit jury list or jury panel is usually prepared employing the same

software and server hardware and random selection method used to

produce the Term Jury List, or is otherwise prepared as authorized by

the court.

Step 2

Once created, the petit jury list, containing the name, age, address,

occupation and employer of each person on the panel, shall be made

available to all counsel of record in that case, and if requested, make

available a copy of the jury panel to be used for the trial of the case at

least three full business days before the trial.

Comment: Request to view Jury Questionnaires - Jury

questionnaires are the work product of the Jury Commission, and are

not a public record. This request should be referred to the judge for

consideration. See Attorney General Opinion to Hall, dated 9/17/97,

(1997 Va. AG 27): Circuit court clerk may not release information

contained on master jury list or jury commissioner’s questionnaires

regarding potential jurors to law enforcement or Department of Motor

Vehicles authorities without circuit court judge having determined that

good cause has been shown by such authorities for obtaining such

information.

Step 3 Jurors selected for call are notified by the sheriff in accord with Va.

Code § 8.01-298. Writ of Venire facias requirements are satisfied by

any procedure followed in Va. Code § 8.01-354.









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Comments: See Form CC-1321, WRIT OF VENIRE FACIAS – PETIT JURY.

H. Jury Orientation

Courts should provide some form of orientation to persons called for jury service.

Orientation programs increase jurors’ understanding of the judicial system and

prepare them to serve competently as jurors. Orientation may be effected by an oral

presentation, written materials, audio-visual means, or through a combination of all

three. The program should be presented in a consistent and efficient manner.

In some jurisdictions, a formal orientation program for all jurors is conducted at the

commencement of each term. In others, the judge meets briefly with the jurors on

their first day of service (at the beginning of the trial). Since jurors are paid for each

day of service, the court should conduct orientation on a day on which jury trials are

scheduled. The orientation should be completed before the first jury panel is needed.

The judge or someone designated by him will normally acquaint jurors with the

following:

▪ the names of court personnel (clerk, Commonwealth’s attorney, sheriff, bailiff)

▪ how they were selected

▪ their obligation for subsequent service

▪ the length of their term of jury service and the division of caseload among the

jurors

▪ the types of cases to be heard by them and the number of jurors needed for each

case

▪ A Handbook for Jurors published by the Office of the Executive Secretary (Some

courts have adopted a policy of having this pamphlet distributed to jurors with the

summons.)

▪ the daily procedures (time for opening, luncheon recess)

▪ the layout of the court facility (location of parking area, restrooms)

▪ the civic and patriotic obligation of citizens to serve on juries

▪ how and when they will be compensated for their services

Jury orientation provides jurors an opportunity to state why they should not serve and

to present exemption claims if not previously addressed. Jurors not excused by the

court proceed to the next phase of the jury trial process, voir dire, which is discussed

in “voir dire” below.

Clerk’s duties with respect to juror orientation

Step 1

Person taking jury attendance shall ensure the identity of jurors. Each

juror shall provide any of the following forms of identification: his

Commonwealth of Virginia voter registration card; his social security

card; his valid Virginia driver’s license or any other identification card

issued by a government agency of the Commonwealth; or any valid




Rev: 7/18

employee identification card containing a photograph of the juror and

issued by an employer of the juror in the ordinary course of the

employer’s business. If the juror is unable to present one of these forms

of identification, he shall sign a statement affirming, under penalty of

perjury, that he is the named juror. NOTE: If person taking jury

attendance is unable to give an oath, the clerk or deputy clerk should do

so. Va. Code § 8.01-353.1

Step 2 Clerk has jurors complete qualification questionnaires if not received

previously.

Step 3 Clerk ensures the comfort of the jurors whenever possible.

Comments: Some jurors, especially those serving for the first time, may

be nervous, and every effort should be made to make them feel at ease.

Step 4 Clerk distributes copies of A Handbook for Jurors if not provided to the

jurors with the summons.

Comments: These handbooks may be ordered through:

Purchasing Department

Office of the Executive Secretary

100 North 9th Street

Richmond, VA 23219

Step 5 Clerk notes the names of all jurors who are excused from jury duty or who

are exempt or disqualified as determined by the judge. See procedures

discussed in “Civil Jury Composition.”

Step 6 Clerk conducts orientation program.

Comments: Depending on local practice, the presentation may be

conducted by the clerk’s office, the sheriff’s department, or others. A

DVD, “Jury Orientation” is available from:

Office of the Executive Secretary

100 North 9th Street

Richmond, VA 23219.

Step 7 For jurors temporarily excused from service until a subsequent term,

ensure that their names are placed on the jury list for that term.

Step 8 Upon completion of orientation, jurors proceed to voir dire. See “Voir

dire” below.





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I. Voir dire

The term Voir dire comes from the French vrai dire meaning to speak the truth. It is

the questioning of potential jury members by the court, lawyers or parties themselves

if not represented by counsel. Voir dire is intended to determine the suitability of

prospective jurors to hear a particular case.

Trial by jury is a common law right. All parties to civil litigation are entitled to a fair

and impartial jury of persons who are impartial in the cause. “Voir dire” denotes the

examination of prospective jurors (also called veniremen) to determine whether they

are free from partiality and prejudice, and to assure that they are “indifferent in the

cause” (impartial). Va. Code § 8.01-358. On the day on which jurors have been

notified to appear, jurors not excused by the court shall be called in such a manner as

the judge may direct to be sworn on the voir dire until a panel free from exception

shall be obtained. Va. Code § 8.01-357.

V. MICROFILMING AND INDEXING ORDERS; ORDER BOOKS

A. Microfilming

Microfilming is the process whereby all permanent records in the Clerk’s Offices are

substantially reduced (35mm or 16mm film) for purposes of security and

reproduction of documents. Rule 1:14 of the Virginia Supreme Court and Va. Code

§§ 17.1-239, 42.1-82 and 42.1-86 set forth the standards and requirements for the

micrographic process. The Library of Virginia has the responsibility for adopting and

implementing standards for all writings required by law to be recorded and retained

permanently in the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office.

Effective January 1, 1986, Virginia State Library & Archives (now known as the

Library of Virginia) implemented a set of standards for records and plats, setting forth

specific criteria for size, inscriptions, format, etc. A Manual for Public Records

Management in the Commonwealth of Virginia, published in 1992 by the Library of

Virginia, sets forth in detail the micrographic process, equipment needed, the quality

control process used, security microfilm storage and reproduction process. Refer to

appendix, “Records Retention and Disposition Schedule” of this manual for a

schedule of record retention and disposition.

Clerks should develop a procedure for ensuring that all records to be permanently

retained are microfilmed for security purposes. Land recordation has its own definite

procedure. Clerks must organize court orders in chronological order for each Order

Book. All orders making each day’s proceedings shall be recorded to conform to Va.

Code § 17.1-123. The clerk must ensure that order books have been microfilmed,

converted to or created in an electronic format. Such microfilm and

microphotographic processes and equipment must meet state microfilm standards,

and such electronic format must follow state electronic records guidelines, pursuant to

Va. Code § 42.1-82. The clerk must further provide the master reel of any such








http://www.lva.virginia.gov/


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microfilm for storage in the Library of Virginia and must provide for the secured, off-

site back up of any electronic copies of such records. Va. Code § 17.1-124.

Microfilming should be done in-house or by contract with an outside vendor who

supplies hard copy and submits security film to the Library of Virginia. This decision

is made by individual clerks based upon budgetary considerations, space, number of

employees, etc. In either case, microfilm submitted to Library of Virginia must meet

their criteria for quality control. If done in-house, reels of film are sent directly to the

Library. If done by an outside vendor, the vendor must submit film to the Library of

Virginia as a part of their contract. Refer to Va. Code § 42.1-86 and the Manual for

Public Records Management in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Virginia Code § 17.1-213 allows the clerk of the circuit court to use an electronic

format for the archival of records, papers, and documents of cases, as long as the

clerk converts them in accordance with state electronic records guidelines. Such

microfilm and microphotographic processes and equipment shall meet state archival

microfilm standards pursuant to Va. Code § 42.1-82 or such electronic format shall

follow state electronic records guidelines.

NOTE: Guidelines may be found at the following web site: Electronic Records

While filming original orders, a copy may be placed in the case file to temporarily

preserve the history of the file. Hard copy microfilmed sheets should be checked for

accuracy before placing in Order Book and returning the original to the case file.

Orders may either be indexed prior to or after microfilming.

Security backup by micrographic process is vital to preserve integrity of all records

permanently retained and in order to reconstruct records in the event of loss by

catastrophic disaster.

B. Court Orders

The function of a court order is to record what transpired and to memorialize the

court’s disposition with respect thereto. A circuit court speaks only through its

written orders. Hill v. Hill, 227 Va. 569 (1984). Civil orders are generally prepared

by the attorney for the party seeking the order, depending on the type of relief sought

and on local practice. All orders must contain the name of the court and the style of

the case and should contain the case number. Each order must be submitted to the

judge for his/her signature, after which the clerk assigns a book and page number,

microfilms/scans it, and indexes and enters the order in an order book.

The clerk shall keep order books. All actions in civil proceedings shall be processed

in the Civil Order Book while all actions in criminal proceedings shall be processed

in the Criminal Order Book. Va. Code § 17.1-124. If the chief judge of the circuit

court approves, the clerk may divide the order book into a civil section and a criminal

section. NOTE: Prior to Senate Bill 1118, effective January 1, 2006, which merged








/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+42.1-82

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chancery and law, the clerk was required to keep two order books, a Common Law

Order Book and a Chancery Order Book. Effective January 1, 2006, the clerk is

required to maintain a Civil Order Book.

All orders that make up each day’s proceedings of every circuit court shall be

recorded by the clerk in a book known as the order book. Orders that make up each

day’s proceedings that have been recorded in the order book shall be deemed the

official record pursuant to Va. Code § 8.01-389 when (i) the judge’s signature is

shown in the order, (ii) the judge’s signature is shown in the order book, or (iii) an

order is recorded in the order book on the last day of each term showing the signature

of each judge presiding during the term. Va. Code § 17.1-123.

Procedures listed below are typical when an order is prepared by the court:

Step 1 Clerk records information to be included in the court order.

Comments: The clerk of the court may keep a ledger of orders to be

used by court personnel when preparing the order.

Based on local policy, the court or the attorney for the party seeking the

order prepares the order for the judge’s approval.

Step 2 Clerk or other court personnel prepares order and obtains judge’s

signature, if directed by the Court.

Comments: Order must contain the name of the court, case number,

style of the case and the judge present.

See HANDBOOK FOR JUDGES AND CLERKS OF VIRGINIA for court order

examples.

Step 3 Clerk stamps each page of court order with Order book and page

number or instrument number.

Step 4 Clerk microfilms/scans order and enters and indexes in order book;

clerk places original in case file.

Comments: See “Indexing Orders” below. Clerk must ensure that

order books are microfilmed , converted to or created in electronic

format. The clerk must further provide the master reel of any such

microfilm for storage in the Library of Virginia and provide for the

secured, off-site back up of any electronic copies of such records. Va.

Code § 17.1-124.

C. Indexing Orders

Orders are indexed using the respective systems adopted by each circuit court clerk’s

office. Clerks using the Supreme Court of Virginia Case Management System (CMS)









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are advised of indexes that may be produced through that system. See the Circuit

Case Management System User’s Guide, “Batch Reports” for more information.

D. Order Books and Other Information Found In the Clerk’s Office

NOTE: Virginia Code § 17.1-240 provides that a procedural microphotographic

process, digital reproduction, or any other micrographic process which stores images

of documents in reduced size or in electronic format, may be used to accomplish the

recording of writings otherwise required by any provision of law to be spread in a

book or retained in the circuit court clerk’s office, including but not limited to,

1. Deed Books: Va. Code §§ 17.1-227, 17.1-229

Deeds; Homestead Deeds; Deeds of Trust; Easements; Agreements; Contracts

affecting interests in real or personal property; Certificates of Assignment, Partial

or Full Satisfaction of Deeds of Trust; Powers of Attorney; Lis Pendens;

Memorandum of Mechanic’s Lien; Escheator’s Certificate; Bankruptcy Orders;

Name Changes; etc.

2. Will Books: Va. Code § 17.1-231

Wills, Clerk’s Orders; List of Heirs; Inheritance Tax Certificates; Inventories;

Accountings; Real Estate affidavits; Trustee, Guardian or Commissioner’s

Accounting and Settlement.

3. Bond Books: Va. Code § 17.1-230

All bonds taken of officers, executors, administrators, trustees or other fiduciaries

and all bonds of commissioners and receivers, and all suspending bonds, appeal

bonds, injunction bonds, attachment bonds, cost bonds, and all other bonds

required to be recorded, shall be recorded in a book known as the bond book.

4. Judgment Lien and Execution Books: Va. Code § 17.1-232

Record of all judgment records as entered by order of the court or by abstract of

judgment from another court; recorded by the creditor against the debtor;

recording places a lien upon real estate owned by the debtor located within the

jurisdiction of the court; assignments, partial and full releases or satisfaction of

docketed judgments; etc.

5. (Military) Discharge And Induction Records: Va. Code §§ 17.1-261, 17.1-262,

17.1-263, 17.1-264, 17.1-265

Records of discharges for all persons honorably discharged from any branch of

the armed services, etc.















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6. Clerk’s Order Book: Va. Code § 17.1-124

Record of orders appointing guardian ad litem, administrators of estates; taking

oaths of notaries public and other public officials, etc.

7. Map Books and State Highway Plat Books: Va. Code §§ 17.1-236 and 17.1-238

Recorded maps-of parcels and subdivisions of land located within the jurisdiction,

and maps of roads and rights-of-way taken for use by the State Highway

Department and the locality; maps of easements, etc.

8. Certificate of Persons or Corporation Transacting Business under an Assumed

Name: Va. Code §§ 59.1-69, 59.1-70 and 59.1-74

Record all certificates of persons, partnerships, corporations, limited partnerships

or foreign limited partnerships transacting business under an assumed name.

9. Land Books: Va. Code § 17.1-243

Assessments of lands located within the jurisdiction of the city or county. Land

Book contents are prepared by local Commissioner of Revenue or Finance

Department and bound and stored by the clerk.

10. Process Book: Va. Code § 17.1-215

A book, file or automated system in which every process, order or decree of court

is delivered or mailed to the officer/person to affect service thereof.

11. Marriage Register: Va. Code § 17.1-233

Records of all applications and returned licenses to marry issued by the clerk to

persons registering in the Clerk’s Office.

12. Financing Statements: Title 8.9a

Records to perfect a security interest against a debtor in favor of a secured party

if: (1) the collateral is as-extracted collateral (oil, gas, and other minerals); (2) the

collateral is timber to be cut, or (3) filed as a fixture filing (goods that are or will

become fixtures).

13. Common Law Order Book (Maintained Prior To January 1, 2006): Va. Code §

17.1-124

Record of civil cases in matters of common law involving an aggrieved party

suing a defendant for money damages etc., evidenced in the Order Book by

Orders of the Judge of the Circuit Court; records of orders of the Judge of the















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Circuit Court in all criminal actions arising from criminal indictments or appeals

from inferior courts.

14. Chancery Order Book (Maintained Prior To January 1, 2006): Va. Code § 17.1-

124

Record of orders of the Judge of the Circuit Court arising from suits involving

land disputes; matters of divorce, support and child custody; suits to construe a

will, etc.

15. Civil Order Book (Maintained Effective January 1, 2006, In Lieu Of The

Common Law Order Book Or Chancery Order Book); Va. Code § 17.1-124

Records of civil cases, whether legal or equitable in nature. Prior to January 1,

2006, these orders were processed in the Common Law Order Book or Chancery

Order Book. NOTE: If the chief judge of the circuit court approves, the clerk

may divide an order book into a civil section and a criminal section.

16. Criminal Order Book: Va. Code § 17.1-124

Records of orders of the Judge of the Circuit Court in all criminal actions arising

from criminal indictments or appeals from inferior courts. NOTE: If the chief

judge of the circuit court approves, the clerk may divide an order book into a civil

section and a criminal section.

17. Trust Fund Order Book: Va. Code § 17.1-125

The clerk shall record (i) trust fund orders pursuant to Va. Code §§ 17.1-123 and -

124 and (ii) the annual trust fund report required pursuant to Va. Code § 8.01-600

in a book known as the civil order book, in which shall be recorded all reports,

orders and decrees concerning money received and disbursed under Va. Code §§

8.01-582 and 8.01-600.

18. Settlement of Receivers and Commissioners (Fiduciary Book): Va. Code § 8.01-

619

Record of reports and receivers and commissioners approved by the court.

19. Adoption Order Book: Va. Code § 63.2-1245

Record of all orders entered in adoption proceedings. Book is confidential.

20. Notary Oath Book: Va. Code § 47.1-9

Record of all oaths of notaries given before clerk before receiving his/her

commission.




















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VI. APPEALS

Once a final judgment, or other appealable order or decree, has been entered by a circuit

court, either party to a case, plaintiff or defendant, may seek appellate review of such

judgment, order or decree. The two tribunals which have appellate jurisdiction to review

final judgments are the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals.

“Perfecting an appeal” refers to the legal process by which an appeal is taken to a higher

court. The procedures relating to appeals to the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals are

set out in Parts 5 and 5A, respectively, of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia.

In processing appeals, one of the most important considerations is the proper computation

of the time limits for filing and transmitting required notices and documents. Most time

limits are specified in the Rules; others are provided by statute.

The nature of a case dictates to which appellate court an appeal from a circuit court may lie.

The following subsections address the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeals and the Supreme

Court and the procedures involved in filing an appeal from circuit court to these courts. For

a discussion of procedures relating to appeals from the district court to the circuit court, see

the “Appeals” chapter in this manual.

A. Court Of Appeals of Virginia

The Court of Appeals of Virginia is the intermediate appellate court with limited

jurisdiction. In some cases, an appeal lies as a matter of right, i.e. the Court must hear

the appeal. In other cases, whether to hear an appeal lies within the discretion of the

Court. These are called discretionary appeals.

1. Appeal as A Matter of Right

An aggrieved party may appeal, as a matter of right, to the Court of Appeals from

any final decision, judgment, order, or decree of a circuit court involving the

following:

‒ an appeal from a decision of an administrative agency (Va. Code §

17.1-405); affirmance or annulment of a marriage;

‒ divorce;

‒ custody;

‒ spousal or child support;

‒ the control or disposition of a child;

‒ any other domestic relations matter arising under Title 16.1 or Title

20;

‒ adoption under Chapter 12 of Title 63.2







Rev: 7/18

‒ judicial review of school board actions pursuant to Va. Code §

22.1-87 and of hearing officer decisions pursuant to Va. Code §§

22.1-214 and 22.1-214.1; or

‒ any interlocutory decree or order entered in any of the cases listed

above (i) granting, dissolving, or denying an injunction or (ii)

adjudicating the principles of a cause.

a. Notice of Appeal

A notice of appeal indicating one’s intention to appeal must be filed with the

clerk of the trial court, and a copy of such notice must be mailed or delivered

to all opposing counsel and the clerk of the Court of Appeals. Va. Code §

17.1-407. Oral intention to appeal may be given prior to the filing of a written

notice of appeal in which case the trial judge commences with certain aspects

of the appellate process (suspending execution of the sentence). However, a

written notice of appeal must still be filed within thirty days after entry of a

final judgment or other appealable order. Rule 5A: 6(a).

Notice:

‒ Due thirty days from date of order appealed from.

‒ Rule 5A:3; Turner v. Commonwealth, 2 Va. App.96,98, 341 S.E.

400, 401 (1986)

‒ Form contained in Rules of Court following Rule 5A:6

‒ Accept notice of appeal from submittal

‒ Give appropriate Code Sections in response to inquiries concerning

correct court to which to appeal.

Jurisdiction of Supreme Court (Va. Code § 8.01-670)

Jurisdiction of Court of Appeals (Va. Code §§ 17.1-405 and

17.1-406)

A 1998 statutory amendment directs that cases involving termination of

parental rights in the Court of Appeals of Virginia “shall take precedence on

the docket of the Court.” Va. Code Ann § 16.1-296 (D) (Repl. Vol. 1999).

During 2001, a study was undertaken by the Court Improvement Program in

the Office of the Executive Secretary to analyze implementation of this statute

in the Court of Appeals. The significance of this law and the study is that

while a termination of parental rights case winds through the court system

toward a final decision, the child awaits a permanent home. A final report

was produced in December 2001, which included recommendations for the

Court’s consideration. Among these, it was recommended that a form Notice

of Appeal from the trial court for use in termination of parental rights cases be

developed as a circuit court form. The CC-1345, Notice of Appeal from Trial

Court was designed to permit identifying that the appeal is a termination of

parental rights case so that the Court of Appeals is notified of this in advance















http://www.courts.state.va.us/forms/circuit/cc1345.pdf

http://www.courts.state.va.us/forms/circuit/cc1345.pdf




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of receiving the record from the trial court. The objective is to permit the

Court of Appeals to flag the case for preferential docketing as required by Va.

Code § 16.1-296 (D).

Other key points about the Notice of Appeal form and the termination of

parental rights case process include:

‒ A de novo merits hearing of termination of parental rights cases

appealed to the circuit court must be held within ninety days of the

perfecting of the appeal. Va. Code § 16.1-296. Circuit court

clerks play a crucial role in making sure a child’s case is not

delayed by getting the record to the Court of Appeals as promptly

as possible when the record is assembled.

‒ The Notice of Appeal from Trial Court (RULE 5A:6) may be used

in other than termination of parental rights cases.

‒ The form permits notifying the trial court whether a transcript or a

statement of facts will be filed, which is designed to help the trial

court anticipate those events.

‒ The certificate, which is incorporated into the new form, indicates

sending notice to the guardian ad litem for the child, when

appropriate. A Court of Appeals decision dismissed an appeal for

failure to do so.

A party filing a notice of appeal shall simultaneously file in the trial court an

appeal bond in compliance with Va. Code § 8.01-676.1. Bond forms are set

forth in the “Appendix of Forms” located in Part 5A of the Rules.

Failure to adhere to the thirty-day time limit is fatal to an appeal, Rule

5A:3(a), but the authority to reject an appeal on the basis of untimely filing of

the notice of appeal rests solely with the Court of Appeals.

The notice of appeal must state whether any transcript or statement of facts,

testimony, and other incidents of the case will be filed. Rule 5A:6(b). The

notice of appeal must also contain a certificate stating:

‒ the names and addresses of all parties, the names, addresses and

telephone numbers of counsel;

‒ that a copy of the notice has been delivered to all opposing

counsel; and

‒ that if a transcript is to be filed, a copy has been ordered from the

court reporter.

Rule 5A:6(d).

Unless the appellant is indigent, a $50.00 check or money order payable to the

clerk of the Court of Appeals must accompany the copy of the notice of













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appeal when it is filed. If check is received by the clerk of the trial court,

he/she will submit to the clerk of the Court of Appeals.

b. To appeal a civil case from a circuit court to the Court of Appeals, the

appealing party or attorney must:

1) File a notice of appeal. Rule 5A:6

Due thirty days after entry of the judgment appealed

Original filed in the clerk’s office of the trial court (Va. Code §

17.1-407)

Copy filed in clerk’s office of the Court of Appeals, accompanied

by $50 filing fee

The forms for a notice of appeal and for the required certificate are

at Rule 5A:6

2) File bonds for costs. Va. Code § 8.01-676.1

Due when notice of appeal is filed

Filed in circuit court clerk’s office

Amount of bond is $500 unless reduced by circuit court

May be waived if appellant is determined to be indigent

Forms for bond appear at the end of the Part 5A of the Rules of

Court

3) File transcript or statement of facts. Rule 5A:8

Transcript is due sixty days after entry of Judgment. (extensions

only by the Court of Appeals. Rule 5A:8(a); See also Jordon v.

Price, 3 Va. App 672, 353 S.E. 2d 168 (1987)). Filed in the circuit

court clerk’s office. Must send opposing counsel notice that

transcript has been filed within 5 days.

Statement of facts (in lieu of transcript) due fifty-five days after

entry of judgment appealed. See Rule 5A:8 for additional

requirements.

The decision whether to file a transcript or written statement as part of

the record is determined by the appellant. The Court of Appeals

determines whether to dismiss an appeal because of the absence of a

transcript or written statement. A transcript becomes part of the record

when it is filed in the circuit court clerk’s office within sixty days after

entry of final judgment in the trial court. Rule 5A:8(a).

In lieu of a transcript, a party may file a written statement of facts,

testimony, and other incidents of the case which becomes a part of the

record when filed in the circuit court clerk’s office within fifty-five

days from the date of entry of the final judgment. Rule 5A:8(c)(1).

The Court of Appeals has no authority to extend the time for filing

transcripts or written statements. The trial court alone has the authority














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to extend the time for filing transcripts and written statements. Rule

5A:3(b); Barrett v. Barrett, 1 Va. App. 378 (1986).

4) Circuit court clerk sends trial court record to Court of Appeals.

Clerk of Court of Appeals notifies parties of the date on which record

was filed.

5) File statement of Questions presented and designation of contents of

appendix. Rule 5A:25.

Due no later than fifteen days after trial court record filed

Filed in Court of Appeals Clerk’s Office

6) File appendix and opening brief. Rules 5A:19, 20 and 25

Due forty days after circuit court record filed. Files in the clerk’s

office of the Court of Appeals. Seven copes must be filed; three

copies must be sent to opposing counsel.

7) Oral argument is automatically scheduled on appeals unless counsel

sends written notification that counsel waives the hearing, Rule 5A:28,

or the Court affirms the trial court summarily, See Rule 5A:27.

c. Preparation of the Appeal

Once a notice of appeal has been filed, the circuit court clerk is responsible for

preparing the record on appeal and transmitting it to the Court of Appeals.

The circuit court clerk receives a fee of $20.00 for preparing the record. Va.

Code § 17.1-275(A) (32)

The record on appeal consists of:

all pleadings and any attachments including warrants and indictments

on criminal cases;

all orders entered by or presented to the court, especially orders

appointing counsel for a party;

all exhibits offered in evidence, whether admitted or not, (or a

reference to and description of those exhibits that cannot be

transmitted with the record) and initialed by the judge;

all orders, memoranda, and opinions by the trial court;

any depositions and any discovery materials under Part 4 of the Rules

offered into evidence (whether rejected or admitted)

any transcript or written statement of facts, or the official videotape

recording of any proceeding in those circuit courts authorized to use

videotape recordings (the Court of Appeals may require that any

videotape proceedings be transcribed and made a part of the record)

(Please indicate the date these were filed);

all jury instructions, marked “given” or “refused.” All instructions

should be initialed by the judge; and












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the notice of appeal.

Rule 5A:7.

An abbreviated record, consisting of only the pleadings, facts, and

testimony germane to the issues on appeal, may be prepared upon consent

of counsel and approval of the trial court. Rule 5A:10(c). The Court of

Appeals may consider other parts of the record as it deems necessary.

Rule 5A:10(c).

If disagreement arises as to the contents of any part of the record, the

matter shall be submitted to and decided by the trial court. Rule 5A:7(b).

The Rules of Court further provide that the clerk is not required to

transmit exhibits of unusual bulk, weight, or character with the record,

unless directed to do so by a party or by the clerk of the appellate court.

Rule 5A:10(d)(4). The party desiring to make such exhibits part of the

record must arrange for their transportation and receipt. Rule 5A:10(d)(4).

d. Transmission of Record on Appeal

▪ If the notice of appeal states that no transcript will be filed, send the record

when the notice of appeal is filed;

▪ If the notice of appeal states that a transcript or written statement of facts

will be filed, wait until the time to file the transcript or written statement

of facts has passed.

o If no transcript or written statement of facts is filed within the time

limit, send the record without it.

o If a transcript or written statement of facts is filed, hold the record to

wait for any objections.

if there are no objections, send the record twenty-one days after

the filing of transcript or written statement of facts.

if there are objections, send the record 5 days after circuit court

rules on the objections.

▪ Forward the record immediately is such a request is filed and signed by all

counsel; and

▪ Send the record to the Court of Appeals within three months after the date

of the order appealed unless an order is entered extending the time limit

for filing the transcript (or statement of facts) to beyond three months.

Remember that only the Court of Appeals may extend the time for filing a

transcript. Notify the clerk’s office of the Court of Appeals of extensions

for filing statements of facts and send a copy of the extension order. Then










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forward the record as soon as the transcript is filed (or the statement of

facts is entered) or the period of extension ends.

e. Compiling the Record

‒ Arrange papers in chronological order (except volumes of transcript and

exhibits);

‒ Number the pages of the record at the bottom. Include no more than 250

pages in a single volume. A copy of the relevant table of contents pages is

helpful at the beginning of each volume. A complete table of contents

indicating the divisions(s) by volume should appear on the first volume;

‒ Include a table of contents listing each item included in the record and the

page on which it begins. The table should be headed by the full, formal

style of the case in the circuit court, with the circuit court’s case number.

The last page of the table should contain a certificate that the foregoing list

constitutes the true and complete record except for omitted exhibits. In

listing the orders on the table, list the date on which the order was signed

by the judge. This may be different from the date of the hearing.

‒ Prepare and include a durable cover setting forth the name of the circuit

and shot style of the case.

f. Multiple Cases Tried Together

When combining cases tried together into one record (as allowed by Rule

5A:10(a), put all like items together. Alternatively, use a separate folder for

each of your case numbers.

g. Exhibits (Rule 5A:10(c)(4))

‒ Put the exhibits in separate volumes or envelopes. Put sealed documents,

such as presentence reports, into sealed envelopes and label the envelopes.

Include the terms of the seal, of one and possible. The envelope may be

then put in the record at the appropriate place.

‒ Include a descriptive list of exhibits. Where the same exhibit is introduced

at more than one hearing, the descriptive list should so indicate.

Do not send:

Bulky items such as large graphs and maps, articles of clothing,

heavy items: If the exhibits fit into a large envelope, send them. If

not, retain them;

Items of value (jewelry, money, etc.);

Drugs;

Guns and other weapons or ammunition;

Omissions should be indicated on the descriptive list of exhibits sent;







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Notify counsel which exhibits are retained in the circuit court.

Counsel or the Court of Appeals will notify you when an exhibit is

needed.

2. Discretionary Appeals

For the purposes of this manual, the Court of Appeals has the discretion to grant

an appeal from any final order involving involuntary treatment of prisoners

pursuant to Va. Code § 53.1-40.1.

When an appeal to the Court of Appeals is a discretionary one, the aggrieved

party must file a petition of appeal with the clerk of the Court of Appeals. The

petition must be filed not more that forty days after the filing of the record with

the Court of Appeals. At the time the petition is filed, a copy shall be mailed or

delivered to opposing counsel.

The petition shall contain the questions presented. At the end thereof, appellant

shall include a certificate stating the date of mailing or delivery of a copy to

opposing counsel and whether or not he desires to state orally the reasons his/her

petition should be granted.

Appellee may file a brief in opposition to granting the appeal with the clerk of the

Court of Appeals. It must be filed within twenty-one days after the petition for

appeal is served on appellee’s counsel. A reply brief may be filed by appellant in

lieu of oral argument.

3. Subsequent Action in the Clerk’s Office Va. Code § 8.01-676.1

If a petition for appeal is granted, the clerk of the Court of Appeals must certify

the granting of the petition for appeal to the trial court and to all counsel. Rule

5A:16(b).

Except in cases where the appellant is an indigent, the order granting the appeal

will stipulate that a bond be posted by the appellant to cover the costs of the

appeal. Such bond is called an appeal bond or costs bond and is generally set by

the Court of Appeals in the amount of $500. Neither the Court of Appeals nor the

Supreme Court requires a bond or security therefor for indigent appellants.

In any civil litigation under any legal theory, the amount of the suspending bond

or irrevocable letter of credit to be furnished during the pendency of all appeals or

discretionary reviews of any judgment granting legal, equitable, or any other form

of relief in order to stay the execution thereon during the entire course of appellate

review by any courts shall be set in accordance with applicable laws or court

rules, and the amount of the suspending bond or irrevocable letter of credit shall

include an amount equivalent to one year’s interest calculated from the date of the

notice of appeal in accordance with Va. Code § 8.01-682. However, the total

suspending bond or irrevocable letter of credit that is required of an appellant and









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all of its affiliates shall not exceed $25 million, regardless of the value of the

judgment.

The bond or irrevocable letter of credit, if required, is filed in the clerk of the trial

court with surety as approved by the clerk of the trial court or the clerk of the

appellate court. All bonds required pursuant to Va. Code § 8.01-676.1 must

substantially conform to the bond forms set forth in the Appendix to Part 5A of

the Rules of Court. See Rule 5A:17 (effective July 1, 1991).

NOTE: If the party required to post an appeal or suspending bond tenders such

bond together with cash in the full amount required by this section to the clerk

specified in this section, no surety shall be required.

In cases in which an appeal is denied and the appellant does not petition the court

for a rehearing, the clerk of the Court of Appeals, within thirty-five days after

entry of the order of denial, will transmit the case record, with the original order

of denial of the petition for appeal, to the circuit court clerk. The order is then

microfilmed/scanned by the circuit court clerk and placed in the file.

4. Mandate

The final decision in a case is called a “mandate.” The mandate may affirm or

reverse the ruling of the trial court, or it may dismiss the appeal.

When there can be no further proceedings in the Court of Appeals, the clerk of the

Court of Appeals must forward the mandate (final order) to the clerk of the circuit

court, along with a certified copy of any written opinion and the case record.

Rule 5A:31. A copy of the mandate is also sent by the Court of Appeals to all

counsel. Rule 5A:29. The circuit court clerk must microfilm/scan the mandate

which, along with the opinion, if any, is placed with the case record. Rule 5A:31.

Decisions of the Court of Appeals are usually final. However, See Va. Code §

17.1-410 (A).

5. Case Closing

The vast majority of appeals end in dismissal or with the trial court’s ruling being

affirmed. In either case, the circuit court clerk’s remaining responsibilities in the

case are essentially limited to recording the appellate court’s final order or

mandate, merging the case record returned by the appellate court into the circuit

court case file and proceeding with normal case closing procedures.

Where an appeal ends in reversal of the trial court’s decision, the circuit court

clerk’s administrative responsibilities in the case will vary depending on: (a)

whether the Court of Appeals reversed the judgment or remanded the case to the

trial court; and (b) the subsequent actions taken by the trial court. For example, in










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cases where the appellate court reverses and enters final judgment, the case ends,

and the circuit court clerk may proceed with normal case closing procedures. On

the other hand, if the appellate court reverses and remands the case for a new trial,

the circuit court clerk’s administrative responsibilities in the case will be similar

to those associated with a new case.

To summarize, the clerk should carefully review the mandate to determine his/her

duties with respect to the case. The clerk should also consult with the trial judge

as to further action necessary in the case.

B. Supreme Court of Virginia

The Supreme Court of Virginia is the state court of last resort. It has appellate

jurisdiction over an appeal directly from a final decision of a circuit court in civil

cases where the matter in controversy exceeds $500, except:

‒ those cases which are appeals of decisions by an administrative

agency; or

‒ juvenile or domestic relations cases.

The procedure for perfecting an appeal to the Supreme Court is very similar to that

outlined above for the Court of Appeals. See Part Five of the Rules of Supreme Court

of Virginia.

In its discretion, the Supreme Court may require a costs bond with security, generally

in the amount of $500, upon awarding the appeal. Va. Code § 8.01-676.1 (B). Any

bond ordered must be filed and processed in the circuit court clerk’s office. All bonds

required pursuant to Va. Code § 8.01-676.1 must conform to the bond forms set forth

in the Appendix to Part 5 of the Rules of Court. Rule 5:24(a).

When there can be no further proceedings in the Supreme Court, the clerk thereof will

forward a copy of the Court’s mandate to the clerk of the circuit court. If an

aggrieved party appeals or seeks a writ of certiorari to the Supreme Court of the

United States, the Supreme Court of Virginia may defer the issuance of its mandate

until proceedings in the United States Supreme Court have been terminated. Rule

5:41. Upon termination of any such proceedings, the Supreme Court of Virginia will

forward a copy of the mandate to the circuit court clerk, along with a certified copy of

any written opinion. Rule 5:38. The case record on appeal will be transmitted

separately.

1. Notice of Appeal (Rule 5:9)

o Due thirty days from date of order appealed from; accept notice of appeal

upon submittal. (Appellant(s) or their counsel are not required to send a copy

of the notice of appeal to the Supreme Court.);













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o Give appropriate Code Sections in response to inquiries concerning correct

court to which to appeal:

‒ Jurisdiction of Supreme Court. Va. Code § 8.01-670

‒ Jurisdiction of the Court of Appeals. Va. Code §§ 17.1-405 and 17.1-406

o In response to inquiries regarding appellate procedures to the Supreme Court,

feel free to suggest that the litigant refer to Rule 5:9 (notice of appeal), Rule

5:11 (transcript/ statement of facts) and Rule 5:17 (petition for appeal).

2. Statement of Facts. (Rule 5:11(c))

o Due fifty-five days from the date of the order appealed from;

o Date-stamp statement of facts on date you receive it; do not wait until judge

signs it to mark it as filed;

o Check that the statement of facts has been signed or ruled on by the judge

before you forward the record to our Court. If this will cause the record to be

late in being transmitted to this office, please notify the Supreme Court

Clerk’s office as soon as possible. If the statement of facts is received after

the record has been forwarded, present the statement to the judge (even if it is

untimely filed) before you forward it to the Supreme Court as an addition to

the record.

o Include original submittal in the record being prepared even though statement

of facts eventually signed by the judge may be different from one originally

submitted.

3. Transcript. (Rule 5:11(a) and (b))

Due sixty days from date of order appealed from:

‒ Date-stamp transcripts;

‒ Only Supreme Court can extend time. Rule 5:5(a)

4. Record. (Rules 5:10 and 5:13)

o Due three months from date of order appealed from;

o Hold entire record if extension of time granted to file transcript or statement

of facts;

o Include items listed in Rule 5:10;

o Format -See memo on preparing the record; and

















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o If this Court specifically requests that a record be sent, even though no notice

of appeal has been filed in your court, be sure to state in the table of contents

that no notice of appeal was filed.

5. Problem Situations.

o The clerk should use caution when accepting petitions for appeal from

litigants. The petition for appeal must be filed directly with the Supreme

Court or the appeal will be dismissed. Any petition for appeal filed with the

clerk should be a courtesy copy only.

o The clerk should not accept the Supreme Court’s $50 filing fee from an

appealing party (or their counsel). If the fee is mailed to the clerk, it should

not be forwarded with the record. Rather, the fee should be returned to the

appealing party with directions that it must be sent directly to the Supreme

Court with the petition for appeal.

6. Concluding the Appeal

o When the Petition for Appeal is Refused:

‒ Order is sent to counsel upon entry.

‒ Once case is disposed of (time to file petition for rehearing has passed,

nothing further is pending, etc.), order is returned to the circuit court with

the record.

o In Appeals Granted by the Supreme Court of Virginia:

‒ Order granting the appeal is sent to circuit court except in appeals from

the Court of Appeals where no bond is required. When an appeal bond is

filed, send a copy of the bond to the Supreme Court. Always keep the

original bond in your file.

‒ Opinion sent to counsel and to trial judge upon issuance. Rule 5:36.

o Original mandate with certified copy of opinion sent to clerk of circuit court

and copies of mandate sent to counsel when case has been disposed of.

o Record follows shortly thereafter.

7. Interlocutory Appeals

Va. Code § 8.01-670.1. If a judge certifies an issue for an interlocutory appeal,

the record must be sent as quickly as possible (within ten days or less of the

judge’s certification) containing the judge’s certification and the appellant’s

statement of reasons for certification. If the Supreme Court grants the appeal, it

will need the complete record and will inform the clerk of that when the appeal is

granted.






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8. Clerk’s Procedures

The procedures that follow are intended to provide the circuit court clerk with a

reference for processing an appeal to the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court.

These procedures should be followed in conjunction with the applicable Rules of

Court and statutory provisions governing the appellate process.

Step 1 Written notice of appeal is filed with the circuit court clerk.

Comments: Notice of intent to appeal is often given orally at the

end of the trial hearing; however, written notice of appeal must be

filed with the circuit court clerk within thirty days of the trial court’s

ruling. Rules 5A:6 and 5:9). If appeal is being made to the Court of

Appeals, See “Notice of Appeal from Trial Court” contained in Rule

5A:6. NOTE: If oral intention to appeal is given prior to the filing

of the written notice of appeal, the clerk may proceed to STEPS 3, 4,

5, 6 and 7, as appropriate.

Step 2 Clerk notes on written notice of appeal the date of filing; clerk

collects $20 fee for preparation of the record (unless the defendant is

indigent or one of the fixed felony fees has been assessed) and

issues receipt to payor.

Comments: The circuit court clerk is not authorized to reject a

written notice of appeal on the grounds that it was not filed in a

timely manner. Such decision rests with the appellate court.

The $20 clerk’s fee allowed by Va. Code § 17.1-275 (32) is

receipted under revenue code 304.

The $50 filing fee required by Rule 5A:6 for the clerk of the Court

of Appeals is mailed directly to the clerk of the appellate court by

the defendant with a copy of the notice of appeal.

Step 3

Clerk assembles the record on appeal; pursuant to Rules 5A:7 and

5:10, the record on appeal should contain the following:

the original papers and exhibits filed or lodged with the clerk of

the trial court and any reports or depositions;

all jury instructions marked “given” or “refused” and initialed by

the judge;

all exhibits offered into evidence, whether rejected or admitted

(exhibits should be initialed by the judge and any non-

documentary exhibits tagged or labeled and initialed by the

judge;

all orders entered by the trial court;

all transcripts and written statements of facts (with the date of

filing indicated on same) or the official videotape recording of













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Step 3

(cont’d)

any proceeding where authorized;

any opinion or memorandum decision of the trial judge;

the notice of appeal.

Step 4 The clerk should begin preparing the record as soon as possible

following receipt of the written notice of appeal. The clerk should

begin preparing the record promptly after he/she is aware an appeal

is imminent.

Comments: The parties have up to sixty days in which to file a

transcript and fifty-five days in which to file a written statement of

facts. Such documents are often the last to be incorporated in the

record on appeal, and the clerk should not wait for such documents

to be filed before compiling the record on appeal.

An abbreviated record may be prepared only in appeals to the Court

of Appeals. Such record is prepared by counsel and filed with the

circuit court clerk after being signed by all counsel and the trial

judge. Rule 5A:10(c).

Step 5 If the clerk does not intend to transmit certain exhibits with the

record due to unusual bulk, weight, or character, the clerk must

notify all counsel in writing. Rules 5A:10(4) and 5:13(4).

Comments: Types of exhibits that should not be sent include:

bulky or heavy items and articles of clothing;

valuable items such as jewelry or money;

drugs, guns, ammunition, and other explosives;

any other items or materials which the clerk believes cannot be

transported safely.

Counsel or the appellate court may direct the clerk to transmit the

exhibits. Counsel is responsible for making advance arrangements

for the transportation and receipt of exhibits of unusual bulk,

character or weight.

Step 6 Clerk prepares the record for transmission as follows:

arrange all case documents in chronological order (except

transcripts, depositions and exhibits)

NOTE: Clerk should retain a copy of the Table of Contents.


