RD60 - Judicial Council of Virginia 2011 Report to the General Assembly and Supreme Court of Virginia


Executive Summary:
The Judicial Council of Virginia was established by statute in 1930. Pursuant to Va. Code § 17.1-703, it is charged with making a continuous study of the organization and the rules and methods of procedure and practice of the Judicial System of the Commonwealth of Virginia, including examining the work accomplished and results produced by the Judicial System. Providing guidance to the court system’s comprehensive planning process is a central component of these responsibilities.

During 2011, the Judiciary advanced a number of initiatives aimed at improving the administration of justice in Virginia. The courts continued their long-term efforts to develop an upgraded electronic filing system for civil cases in the circuit courts. The newly developed and upgraded case management systems for the circuit and juvenile and domestic relations district courts were installed, and the development of the upgraded general district case management system began. The Judicial Council also approved revisions to the guidelines and procedures for certified mediators. A judicial boundary realignment study was conducted at the request of the Senate Courts of Justice Committee. This report also sets forth the legislative recommendation of the Judicial Council for the 2012 Session of the General Assembly.