RD10 - Judicial Council of Virginia 2009 Report to the General Assembly and Supreme Court of Virginia


Executive Summary:
The Judicial Council of Virginia was established by statute in 1930, and, pursuant to Va. Code § 17.1-703, it is charged with the responsibility of making a continuous study of the organization, rules, procedures and practice of the judicial system of the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is responsible for examining the work accomplished and results produced by the judicial system, including the Office of the Executive Secretary and individual courts. The preparation and publication of the court system’s comprehensive plan is central to meeting these responsibilities.

During 2009, the Judiciary released its new strategic plan, Virginia’s Courts in the 21st Century: To Benefit All, To Exclude None. In coming years, some of the tasks necessary to implement the plan will be the direct responsibility of the Judicial Council or the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES), while others will directly involve local courts. The chapters of this report include an overview of the new Strategic Plan and revised planning process and status reports of activities related to the implementation of electronic filing, the Pandemic Flu Preparedness Commission, efforts to improve the administration of justice in matters involving domestic violence, and progress in providing foreign language services in Virginia’s Courts. This information is provided in order to inform members of the General Assembly, judges and court personnel, the Bar, media, and the public about the judiciary’s efforts to better serve the citizens of Virginia. This report also sets forth the legislative recommendations of the Judicial Council for the 2010 Session of the General Assembly.