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Index to Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia

(Hyperlinks to the full text of a Rule on the web are designated by, for example, "vscr-1:1.2". Alternatively, click here to display the full text of selected Supreme Court Rules or search the Rules of the Supreme Court. See also amendments to the Rules of the Court.)

RULES OF THE SUPREME COURT OF VIRGINIA

(Click on any of the following topics to display a complete index of the particular Part of the Rules)

PART ONE.             GENERAL RULES APPLICABLE TO ALL PROCEEDINGS

PART ONE A.          FOREIGN ATTORNEYS

PART TWO.             EQUITY PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

PART TWO A.         APPEALS PURSUANT TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS ACT

PART THREE.         PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE IN ACTIONS AT LAW

PART THREE A.     CRIMINAL PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

PART THREE B.     TRAFFIC INFRACTIONS AND UNIFORM FINE SCHEDULE

PART THREE C.     NON-TRAFFIC PREPAYABLE OFFENSES AND UNIFORM FINE SCHEDULE 

PART FOUR.            PRETRIAL PROCEDURES, DEPOSITIONS AND PRODUCTION AT TRIAL

PART FIVE.              THE SUPREME COURT OF VIRGINIA

PART FIVE A.          THE COURT OF APPEALS

PART SEVEN A.      GENERAL DISTRICT COURTS -- IN GENERAL

PART SEVEN B.       GENERAL DISTRICT COURTS -- CIVIL

PART SEVEN C.       GENERAL DISTRICT COURTS -- CRIMINAL

PART EIGHT.          JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURTS

________________________________________________________________________

·    vscr-1:1.1    PART ONE.   GENERAL RULES APPLICABLE TO ALL PROCEEDINGS 

• vscr-1:1.2     Finality of Judgments, Orders and Decrees
• vscr-1:2        Venue in Criminal Cases
• vscr-1:3        Reporters and Transcripts of Proceedings in Courts
• vscr-1:4        General Provisions as to Pleadings
• vscr-1:4A     Special Rule for Pleadings in General District Courts (Repealed)
• vscr-1:5        Counsel
• vscr-1:6        Service of Notice to Take Depositions. (Rescinded, Reserved for future use.)
• vscr-1:7        Computation of Time
• vscr-1:8        Amendments
• vscr-1:9        Discretion of Court
• vscr-1:10      Verification
• vscr-1:11      Striking the Evidence
• vscr-1:12      Service of Papers after the Initial Process
• vscr-1:13      Endorsements
• vscr-1:14      Preservation of the Record
• vscr-1:15      Local Rules of Court
• vscr-1:16      Size of Paper
• vscr-1:f-1      Appendix of Forms
• vscr-1:f-1.1   Praecipe (Rule 1:15(b))
• vscr-1:f-2      Instructions (Rule 1:15(c))
• vscr-1:ft-1     Judicial Circuits

 __________________________________________________

• vscr-1A:1      PART ONE A.    FOREIGN ATTORNEYS

• vscr-1A:1.1   Foreign Attorneys - When Admitted to Practice in this State Without Examination
• vscr-1A:2      Foreign Patent and Trademark Attorneys – When Admitted to Practice in the Courts of this State Limited to Patent and Trademark Law Without Examination
• vscr-1A:3      Revocation of Certificates Issued to Foreign Attorneys
• vscr-1A:4      Foreign Attorneys - When Allowed by Comity to Participate in the Trial of a Case

            _______________________________________________

• vscr-2:1         PART TWO.    EQUITY PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

• vscr-2:1.1       Filing of Pleadings
• vscr-2:2          Commencement of Suits in Equity - The Bill of Complaint
• vscr-2:3          Copies of Bill of Complaint
• vscr-2:4          The Subpoena in Chancery
• vscr-2:5          Proof of Service
• vscr-2:6          Orders of Publication. (Rescinded, Reserved for Future Use)
• vscr-2:7          Defendant's Response
• vscr-2:8          Docketing Upon Default
• vscr-2:9          Provisions Applicable Only to Suits for Divorce or for Annulling a Marriage. (Rescinded, Reserved for Future Use.)
• vscr-2:10        Replication
• vscr-2:11        Pleas in Abatement. (Rescinded, Reserved for Future Use.)
• vscr-2:12        Answer
• vscr-2:13        Cross-Bill Against Plaintiff
• vscr-2:14        Cross-Bill Against Codefendants or Third Parties
• vscr-2:15        Interveners
• vscr-2:16        Substitution of Parties
• vscr-2:17        When Notice of Taking Proofs and Other Proceedings Dispensed With
• vscr-2:18        Proceedings Before a Commissioner in Chancery
• vscr-2:19        Matters Not Covered by These Rules
• vscr-2:20        Statutory Interpleader
• vscr-2:21        Summary Judgment

 ________________________________________________

• vscr-2A:1       PART TWO A.   APPEALS PURSUANT TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS ACT

• vscr-2A:1.1    Authorization; Definitions; Application
• vscr-2A:2       Notice of Appeal
• vscr-2A:3       Record on Appeal
• vscr-2A:4       Petition for Appeal
• vscr-2A:5       Further Proceedings

 ________________________________________________

• vscr-3:1          PART THREE.    PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE IN ACTIONS AT LAW

• vscr-3:1.1       Application
• vscr-3:2          Filing of Pleadings; Return of Certain Writs
• vscr-3:3          The Notice of Motion for Judgment
• vscr-3:4          Proof of Service
• vscr-3:5          Defendant's Response
• vscr-3:6          Pleas in Abatement. (Rescinded, Reserved for Future Use.)
• vscr-3:7          Grounds of Defense.
• vscr-3:8          Counterclaim
• vscr-3:9          Cross-Claim
• vscr-3:9A        Joinder of Additional Parties
• vscr-3:10        Third-Party Practice
• vscr-3:11        Pleading to Counterclaims and Cross-Claims
• vscr-3:12        Reply
• vscr-3:13        Parties at Issue
• vscr-3:14        New Parties
• vscr-3:15        Substitution of Parties
• vscr-3:16        General Provisions as to Pleadings
• vscr-3:17         Judgment by Default
• vscr-3:18        Summary Judgment

           _________________________________________________

• vscr-3A:1        PART THREE A.    CRIMINAL PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

• vscr-3A:1.1     Scope
• vscr-3A:2        Purpose and Interpretation; Definitions
• vscr-3A:3        The Complaint
• vscr-3A:4        Arrest Warrant or Summons
• vscr-3A:5        The Grand Jury
• vscr-3A:6        The Indictment and the Information
• vscr-3A:7        Capias or Summons Upon Indictment or Information
• vscr-3A:8        Pleas
• vscr-3A:9        Pleadings and Motions for Trial; Defenses and Objections
• vscr-3A:10      Trial Together of More Than One Accused or More Than One Offense.
• vscr-3A:11      Discovery and Inspection
• vscr-3A:12      Subpoena.
• vscr-3A:13      Trial by Jury or by Court
• vscr-3A:14      Trial Jurors
• vscr-3A:15      Motion to Strike or to Set Aside Verdict; Judgment of Acquittal or New Trial
• vscr-3A:16      Instructions
• vscr-3A:17      Jury Verdicts
• vscr-3A:17.1   Proceedings in Bifurcated Jury Trials of Non-Capital Felonies
• vscr-3A:18      Death Penalty
• vscr-3A:19      Appeals
• vscr-3A:20      Time
• vscr-3A:21      Service and Filing of Papers
• vscr-3A:22      Forms
• vscr-3A:23      Effective Date
• vscr-3A:f-1     Appendix of Forms
• vscr-3A:f-1.1  Criminal Complaint (Rule 3A:3)
• vscr-3A:f-10   Contents of Sentencing Orders
• vscr-3A:f-2     Statement of Witness for Arrest Warrant (Rule 3A:3)
• vscr-3A:f-3     Summons (Rule 3A:4(b))
• vscr-3A:f-4     Indictments (Rule 3A:6)
• vscr-3A:f-5     Capias (Rule 3A:7)
• vscr-3A:f-6     Suggested Questions to Be Put by the Court to an Accused Who Has Pleaded Guilty (Rule 3A:8)
• vscr-3A:f-7     Suggested Questions to Be Put by the Court to an Accised Who Has Pleaded Not Guilty (Rule 3A:8)
• vscr-3A:f-8     Subpoena (Rule 3A:12(a))
• vscr-3A:f-9     Subpoena Duces Tecum (Rule 3A:12(b))

_________________________________________________

                        PART THREE B. TRAFFIC INFRACTIONS AND UNIFORM FINE SCHEDULE

• vscr-3B:1        Purpose
• vscr-3B:2        Uniform Fine Schedule

           __________________________________________________

• vscr-3C:1         PART THREE C.   NON-TRAFFIC PREPAYABLE OFFENSES AND UNIFORM FINE SCHEDULE 

• vscr-3C:1.1       Purpose and Effective Date
• vscr-3C:2          Uniform Fine Schedule

____________________________________________________

• vscr-3D             PART THREE D.   CIVIL PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE IN THE GENERAL DISTRICT COURTS (Rules 3D:1 through 3D:8. Repealed)

      ____________________________________________________

PART FOUR.  PRETRIAL PROCEDURES, DEPOSITIONS AND PRODUCTION AT TRIAL

• vscr-4:0     Application of Part Four
• vscr-4:1     General Provisions Governing Discovery
• vscr-4:2     Depositions Before Action or Pending Appeal
• vscr-4:3     Persons Before Whom Depositions May Be Taken... (1)
• vscr-4:4     Stipulations Regarding Discovery
• vscr-4:5     Depositions Upon Oral Examination
• vscr-4:6     Depositions Upon Written Questions
• vscr-4:6A  Limitation on Depositions
• vscr-4:7     Use of Depositions in Court Proceedings
• vscr-4:7A  Audio-Visual Depositions
• vscr-4:8     Interrogatories to Parties
• vscr-4:9     Production of Documents and Things and Entry on Land for Inspection and Other Purposes; Production at Trial
• vscr-4:10   Physical and Mental Examination of Persons
• vscr-4:11   Requests for Admission
• vscr-4:12   Failure to Make Discovery; Sanctions
• vscr-4:13   Pretrial Procedure; Formulating Issues
• vscr-4:14   Disposition of Discovery Material

           ________________________________________________

PART FIVE.   THE SUPREME COURT OF VIRGINIA

• vscr-5:1          A. General
• vscr-5:1.2          Scope, Applicability and General Provisions
• vscr-5:2             Sessions
• vscr-5:3             Convening of Court - When In Banc - When in Division
• vscr-5:4             Motions and Orders
• vscr-5:5             Extension of Time; Filing by Mail
• vscr-5:6             Forms of Briefs and Other Papers
• vscr-5:7          B. Original Jurisdiction
• vscr-5:7.1          Original Jurisdiction
• vscr-5:7A          Petitions for Writs of Habeas Corpus in Cases in Which the Sentence of Death Has Been Imposed
• vscr-5:8          C. Procedure for Filing an Appeal From a Trial Court
• vscr-5:8.1          Applicability
• vscr-5:9             Notice of Appeal
• vscr-5:10           Record on Appeal: Contents
• vscr-5:11           Record on Appeal: Transcript or Written Statement
• vscr-5:12           Judge Authorized to Act
• vscr-5:13           Record on Appeal: Preparation and Transmission
• vscr-5:14        D. Procedure for Filing an Appeal From the Court of Appeals
• vscr-5:14.1        Notice of Appeal; Certification
• vscr-5:15           Record on Appeal From Court of Appeals or Certification for Review
• vscr-5:16           Disposition of Record
• vscr-5:17        E. Perfecting the Appeal
• vscr-5:17.1        Petition for Appeal
• vscr-5:17A        Petition for Review Pursuant to Code Sec. 8.01-626
• vscr-5:18           Brief in Opposition
• vscr-5:19           Reply Brief
• vscr-5:20           Denial of Appeal; Petition for Rehearing
• vscr-5:21        F. Special Rules
• vscr-5:21.1        Special Rules Applicable to Appeals From the State Corporation Commission
• vscr-5:22           Special Rule Applicable to Cases in Which Sentence of Death Has Been Imposed.
• vscr-5:23        G. Procedure Following Perfection of Appeal
• vscr-5:23.1        Perfection of Appeal; Docketing
• vscr-5:24           Security for Appeal
• vscr-5:25           Questions to Be Considered
• vscr-5:26           Briefs
• vscr-5:27           Opening Brief of Appellant
• vscr-5:28           Brief of Appellee
•  vscr-5:29           Reply Brief
• vscr-5:30           Briefs Amicus Curiae
• vscr-5:31           Covers of Documents
• vscr-5:32           Appendix
• vscr-5:33           Effect of Noncompliance With Rules Regarding Briefs
• vscr-5:34           Hearing of Appeals on the Original Record Without an Appendix or With an Abbreviated Appendix
• vscr-5:35           Oral Argument
• vscr-5:36        H. Decision, Costs, and Mandate
• vscr-5:36.1        Notice of Decision and Order
• vscr-5:37           Costs
• vscr-5:38           Mandate
• vscr-5:39           Rehearing
• vscr-5:40        I. Settlement
• vscr-5:40.1        Settlement of Pending Appeal
• vscr-5:41        J. Supreme Court of the United States
• vscr-5:41.1        Procedure Upon Appeal or Petition to Supreme Court
• vscr-5:42        K. Certification of Questions of Law
•  vscr-5:42.1        Certification Procedures
• vscr-5:f-1       Appendix of Forms
• vscr-5:f-1.1       Bond for Costs Alone - Appeal of Right From Circuit Court to Court of Appeals (including further appeal to the Supreme Court)
• vscr-5:f-10        Form for Execution and Acknowledgment of All Bonds
• vscr-5:f-11        Irrevocable Letters of Credit
• vscr-5:f-2          Bond for Costs and Suspension - Appeal From Circuit court to Appellate Court
• vscr-5:f-3          Bond for Costs Alone Required by Appellate Court on Appeal from Circuit Court
• vscr-5:f-4          Bond for Suspension Alone Required by Appellate Court on Appeal from Circuit Court
• vscr-5:f-5          Bond for Costs and Suspension Required by Appellate court on Appeal from Circuit Court
• vscr-5:f-6          Additional Bond Required by Appellate Court on Appeal from Circuit Court
• vscr-5:f-7          Bond for Costs Alone - Appeal of Right From Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission (including further appeal to the Supreme Court)
• vscr-5:f-8          Bond for Costs Alone - Required by Supreme Court on Appeal of right From State Corporation Commission  
• vscr-5:f-9          Bond for Costs and Suspension - Required by Supreme Court on Appeal of Right From State Corporation Commission

 __________________________________________________

• vscr-5A:1         PART FIVE A.   THE COURT OF APPEALS

• vscr-5A:1.1       A. General
• vscr-5A:1.2          Scope, Applicability and General Provisions
• vscr-5A:2             Motions and Orders
• vscr-5A:3             Extension of Time
• vscr-5A:4             Forms of Briefs and Other Papers
• vscr-5A:5          B. Original Jurisdiction
• vscr-5A:5.1         Original Proceedings
• vscr-5A:6          C. Procedure for Filing an Appeal in all Cases From the Trial Court
• vscr-5A:6.1          Notice of Appeal
• vscr-5A:6-f          Notice of Appeal From Trial Court (Rule 5A:6)
• vscr-5A:7             Record on Appeal: Contents
• vscr-5A:8             Record on Appeal: Transcript or Written Statement
• vscr-5A:9             Judge Authorized to Act.
• vscr-5A:10           Record on Appeal: Preparation and Transmission
• vscr-5A:11        D. Procedure for Filing an Appeal From the Workers’ Compensation Commission
• vscr-5A:11.1        Special Rule Applicable to Appeals From the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission
• vscr-5A:12        E. Procedure on Petition for Appeal in Criminal Cases and Traffic Infractions
• vscr-5A:12.1        Petition for Appeal
• vscr-5A:13           Brief in Opposition
• vscr-5A:14           Reply Brief
• vscr-5A:15           Denial of Appeal; Petition for Rehearing
• vscr-5A:16        F. Procedure Following Perfection of Appeal
• vscr-5A:16.1        Perfection of Appeal; Docketing
• vscr-5A:17           Security for Appeal
• vscr-5A:18           Questions to Be Considered
• vscr-5A:19           Briefs
• vscr-5A:20           Opening Brief of Appellant
• vscr-5A:21           Brief of Appellee
• vscr-5A:22           Reply Brief
• vscr-5A:23           Briefs Amicus Curiae
• vscr-5A:24           Covers of Documents
• vscr-5A:25           Appendix
• vscr-5A:26           Effect of Noncompliance With Rules Regarding Briefs
• vscr-5A:27           Summary Disposition
• vscr-5A:28           Oral Argument
• vscr-5A:29        G. Decision, Costs, and Mandate.
• vscr-5A:29.1        Notice of Decision
• vscr-5A:30           Costs
• vscr-5A:31           Mandate
• vscr-5A:32        H. Rehearing
• vscr-5A:32.1        Scope
• vscr-5A:33           Rehearing - On Motion of a Party
• vscr-5A:34           Rehearing En Banc
•  vscr-5A:35           Procedure for Rehearing
• vscr-5A:36        I. Settlement
• vscr-5A:36.1        Settlement of Pending Appeal
• vscr-5A:f-1       Appendix of Forms
•  vscr-5A:6-f           Notice of Appeal From Trial Court (Rule 5A:6)
• vscr-5A:f-1.1        Bond for Costs Alone - Appeal of Right From Circuit Court to Court of Appeals including further appeal to the Supreme Court)
• vscr-5A:f-2           Bond for Costs and Suspension - Appeal From Circuit Court to Appellate Court
• vscr-5A:f-3           Bond for Costs Alone Required by Appellate Court on Appeal From Circuit Court
• vscr-5A:f-4           Bond for Suspension Alone Required by Appellate Court on Appeal From Circuit Court
• vscr-5A:f-5           Bond for Costs and Suspension Required by Appellate Court on Appeal From Circuit Court
• vscr-5A:f-6           Additional Bond Required by Appellate Court on Appeal From Circuit Court
• vscr-5A:f-7           Bond for Costs Alone - Appeal of Right From Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission to Court of Appeals (including further appeal to the Supreme Court)
• vscr-5A:f-8           Bond for Costs Alone - Required by Supreme Court on Appeal of Right From State Corporation Commission
• vscr-5A:f-9           Bond for Costs and Suspension - Required by Supreme court on Appeal of Right From State Corporation Commission
• vscr-5A:f-10         Form for Execution and Acknowledgment of All Bonds
• vscr-5A:f-11         Irrevocable Letters of Credit... (1)

            _________________________________________________

• vscr-7A:1             PART SEVEN A.   GENERAL DISTRICT COURTS -- IN GENERAL

• vscr-7A:1.1           Scope.
• vscr-7A:2              Computation of Time
• vscr-7A:3              Counsel
• vscr-7A:4              Reporters and Transcripts of Proceedings in Court
• vscr-7A:5              Discretion of Court
• vscr-7A:6              Preservation of the Record.
• vscr-7A:7              Size of Paper
• vscr-7A:8              General Provisions as to Pleadings
• vscr-7A:9              Amendments
• vscr-7A:10            Copies of Pleadings and Requests for Subpoenas Duces Tecum to be Furnished
• vscr-7A:11            Endorsements
• vscr-7A:12            Requests for Subpoenas for Witnesses and Records
• vscr-7A:13            What Constitutes Noting an Appeal
• vscr-7A:14            Continuances
• vscr-7A:15            General Information Relating to Each Court

_________________________________________________

• vscr-7B:1              PART SEVEN B.    GENERAL DISTRICT COURTS -- CIVIL  

• vscr-7B:1.1            Scope
• vscr-7B:2               Specific Rule for Pleadings in General District Courts
• vscr-7B:3               General Provisions as to Pleadings
• vscr-7B:4               Trial of Action
• vscr-7B:5               Production of Written Agreement
• vscr-7B:6               Verification
• vscr-7B:7               Appearance by Plaintiff
• vscr-7B:8               Failure of Plaintiff to Appear
• vscr-7B:9               Failure of Defendant to Appear
• vscr-7B:10             Third-Party Practice and Consolidation of Actions
• vscr-7B:11             Motions to Transfer

________________________________________________

• vscr-7C:1               PART SEVEN C.   GENERAL DISTRICT COURTS -- CRIMINAL

• vscr-7C:1.1            Scope
• vscr-7C:2               Venue
• vscr-7C:3               The Complaint, Warrant, Summons and Capias
• vscr-7C:4               Trial Together of More Than One Accused or More Than One Offense and Joint Preliminary Hearings
• vscr-7C:5               Discovery
• vscr-7C:6               Pleas

_________________________________________________

• vscr-8:1                  PART EIGHT.    JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURTS

• vscr-8:1.1               Scope.
• vscr-8:2                  Definitions
• vscr-8:3                  Contents of Petitions in Certain Proceedings
• vscr-8:4                  Service of Process - Motion to Reduce Support Arrearages to Judgment
• vscr-8:5                  Court-Ordered Reports
• vscr-8:6                  The Roles of Counsel and of Guardians Ad Litem When Representing Children
• vscr-8:7                  Size of Paper
• vscr-8:8                  Pleadings
• vscr-8:9                  Discretion of Court
• vscr-8:10                Motions to Transfer Venue
• vscr-8:11                Reporters and Transcripts of Proceedings in Court
• vscr-8:12                Preservation of the Record
• vscr-8:13                Requests for Subpoenas for Witnesses and Records
• vscr-8:14                Continuances
• vscr-8:15                Discovery
• vscr-8:16                Arraignment in Juvenile Delinquency Cases
• vscr-8:17                Notification and Waiver of Trial Rights of Parties
• vscr-8:18                Pleas
• vscr-8:19                Endorsements of Orders
• vscr-8:20                Appeals
• vscr-8:21                Violations of Court Orders
• vscr-8:22                Judicial Consent

_________________________________________________

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