About the Virginia Court System
The Virginia Judicial System consists of four levels of courts: the Supreme Court of Virginia, the Court of Appeals of Virginia, circuit courts, and general district and juvenile and domestic relations district courts. In addition, magistrates serve as judicial officers with authority to issue various types of processes. There is an organizational chart below showing the flow of cases and appeals in Virginia.
Supreme Court of Virginia (SCV)
- 7 Justices, serving 12 year terms
- Appellate and original jurisdiction
Court of Appeals of Virginia (CAV)
- 17 Judges, serving 8 year terms
- Appellate and original jurisdiction
Circuit Courts
- Organized in 31 judicial circuits
- Judges serve 8 year terms
- Trial court of general civil and criminal jurisdiction, cases resolved with or without a jury
District Courts
- Organized in 32 judicial districts, consisting of General District and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts
- Judges serve 6 year terms
- Limited civil and criminal jurisdiction, no jury
Chart: Hierarchy and Organization of Courts
Source: Virginia Judiciary Website
