RD50 - Annual Report of the Judicial Council of Virginia


Executive Summary:
The judicial system has implemented many significant initiatives that will improve the operations of Virginia's courts. In 2006, the Judicial Performance Evaluation program began its first evaluations of Virginia's judges. We remain confident that this program will serve as an important self-improvement instrument for Virginia's judges. The Statewide Drug Treatment Court Advisory Committee has worked hard to provide guidance and uniform standards for drug courts throughout this Commonwealth. The Supreme Court of Virginia has undertaken a comprehensive evaluation of Virginia's magistrate system. The Supreme Court will also seek to protect confidential data contained in public court records.

Each year, millions of Virginians interface with our judicial system. Our fellow Virginians entrust the judiciary with the resolution of their most personal and intimate disputes. The judicial system needs sufficient resources that will enable us to fairly, promptly, and efficiently adjudicate these disputes. The Judicial Council of Virginia recommends the creation of additional judgeships in the 10th, 26th, 27th, and 30th judicial circuits. Supporting documentation is attached to this report.