Virginia's Court System

The organization and jurisdiction of Virginia's court system are derived from VA's constitution and its state laws.

Virginia Supreme Court

--Justices and no jury

--Jurisdiction: --limited original

--appellate (court of final appeal)

Court of Appeals of VA

--Judges and no jury

--Jurisdiction: --appellate (from circuit courts)

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Circuit Court .

--Judge and jury

--Jurisdiction: --original for felony crimes & civil cases involving higher dollar amounts

--appellate from district courts

General District Court

--Judge

--Jurisdiction: --original (misdemeanors) and civil cases involving lower dollar amounts

Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

--Judge and no jury

--Jurisdiction: --original for juvenile and family cases

Magistrates issue search warrants, subpoenas, arrest warrants, and summons and set bail.