A rotation system is used to designate which justices will prepare the opinions of the Court. Prior to each session of the Court, a lottery system is used to assign cases to each justice.
The Clerk of the Court prepares seven slips of paper with one slip bearing the number "1" and the remainder being blank. The slips are placed in a hat, and the member of the Court (or a proxy) drawing the marked paper writes opinions in the first case on the docket. The remaining cases are assigned in order of seniority
until all cases are assigned.
This discussion and debate provide the opinion writer guidance in preparing an opinion reflecting the views of a majority of the justices. |
The member responsible for writing the opinion directs discussion of the case by asking the justice seated at the conference table to the right for comments on the case. The justices then proceed to comment in turn with the member designated to write the opinion speaking last.
Once a justice has completed a draft of his opinion, copies are circulated to the other members of the Court and the Court Reporter. Opinion conferences are held prior to the beginning of each session. At this time, the justices conclude their review of the cases and the draft opinions receive final approval.
Opinions are made public on the last day of each session of the Court and are published in Virginia Reports and on the Supreme Court of Virginia website. |
“When a judgment or decree is reversed, modified, or affirmed by the Supreme Court, or when original cases are resolved on their merits, the reasons for the Court's action shall be stated in writing and preserved with the record of the case….”
Constitution of Virginia
Article VI, Section 6
