What happens during a civil or criminal trial? Do you have to be an attorney or judge to understand what goes on in court? To many people, trials seem both mysterious and scary. Want to know more?

Within this section several civil or criminal cases that have been tried and appealed in the Virginia courts are explored in detail. Some of the cases may even have been appealed to the U. S. Supreme Court! Explore these cases step by step. Select a case and take a walk through the Virginia court system.