The Supreme Court of Virginia, the highest appellate court in the state, has both original and appellate jurisdiction. Its primary function is to review the decisions of lower courts from which appeals have been granted.

The Court's original jurisdiction is limited to cases of habeas corpus (ordering one holding custody to produce the detained person before the Court for the purpose of determining whether such custody is proper), mandamus (ordering the holder of an office to perform his duty), prohibition (ordering a public official to stop an action), and actual innocence (based on biological testing).

The Supreme Court also has original jurisdiction in matters filed by the Judicial Inquiry and Review Commission relating to judicial censure, retirement, and removal of judges.

The Supreme Court of Virginia is composed of seven justices who are elected by the General Assembly to twelve-year terms. The Chief Justice is chosen by a majority vote of the Supreme Court Justices to serve a four year term.

The Supreme Court holds weeklong court sessions every seventh week from September to June. During the year, the Justices consider petitions for appeal. After a review process, some of the petitions are granted. If the appeal is granted, the case is set for oral arguments. One Justice prepares an opinion reflecting the views of the majority of the court. Opinions are released on the last day of each court session. 

Virginia does not allow an appeal to the Supreme Court as a matter of right except in cases involving the State Corporation Commission, the disbarment of an attorney, and review of the death penalty.