The Court of Appeals of Virginia is an intermediate appellate court, a lower level appellate court which reviews certain trial court decisions. This Court has the authority to hear cases as a matter of right (which the Court is required to hear) and on a petition for appeal.
For example, decisions of the Circuit Courts in traffic infractions, criminal cases, and domestic relations cases are heard on appeal in the Court of Appeals. Circuit Court decisions involving state administrative agencies and decisions of the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission are heard on appeal as well.
The Court of Appeals also has original jurisdiction to issue writs of mandamus, prohibition, and habeas corpus in any case over which the court would have appellate jurisdiction.
The Court of Appeals is composed of eleven judges who are elected by the General Assembly to serve eight-year terms. The chief judge is elected by a majority vote of the Court of Appeals judges to serve a four-year term.
| Under certain conditions, eight to eleven of the judges gather en banc (as a whole) and consider a case. |
The Court of Appeals sits in panels of at least three judges. Each panel hears and determines petitions of appeal.
Some decisions of the Court of Appeals are final, and without appeal to the Supreme Court. With the exception of those cases, a decision of the Court of Appeals may be appealed to the Supreme Court.
View Route of Appeal.
