Judicial selection in Virginia
| Judicial selection in Virginia | |
 | |
| Virginia Supreme Court | |
| Method: | Legislative elections |
| Term: | 12 years |
| Virginia Court of Appeals | |
| Method: | Legislative elections |
| Term: | 8 years |
| Virginia Circuit Courts | |
| Method: | Legislative elections |
| Term: | 8 years |
| Virginia District Courts | |
| Method: | Legislative elections |
| Term: | 6 years |
Contents |
Judicial selection in Virginia follows the method of legislative election of judges. Virginia is one of two states in the county, the other being South Carolina, where elections are held in the General Assembly. [1]
Supreme Court
Justices of the Virginia Supreme Court are elected to 12 year terms in the state legislature. A joint judicial advisory committee evaluates candidates for the court and advises the legislature on the qualifications.
If a vacancy on the court occurs when the legislature is not in session, the governor appoints a justice. That individual must be elected during the next legislative session.
The chief justice of the court serves a four year term and is elected by the other justices.
In order to join the court, an individual must meet the following qualifications:
- a resident of the state;
- a member of the state bar for at least five years; and
- under the age of 70. [2]
Court of Appeals
Judges of the Virginia Court of Appeals are elected to eight year terms by the state legislature.
All other aspects are the same as the Virginia Supreme Court. [2]
Circuit Courts
There are 157 judges serving 31 circuits.
Judges of the Virginia Circuit Courts serve eight year terms and are elected by the state legislature. For these courts, the legislators in the circuit recommend nominees. If they are in agreement, the full Senate proceeds with the election. If there is a disagreement, the floor opens up for debate. In some situations, local citizen commissions screen nominees for these courts.[1]
The chief judge serves a two year term and is elected by the other judges of the court.
In order to serve on these courts, the following qualifications must be met:
- a resident of the state and circuit representing;
- a member of the state bar for at least five years; and
- under the age of 70. [2]
See also
- State Supreme Court elections
- Campaign finance requirements for Virginia judicial elections
- Virginia judicial elections
- Courts in Virginia
External links
- American Judicature Society, Judicial selection in Virginia
- American Judicature Society, History of Reform Efforts: Virginia
- Bacon's Rebellion "Judicial Selection in Virginia: An Inherently Flawed Process", March 17, 2009
References
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