Virginia Court System Overview

Mr. Malinowski explains the Virginia court system, starting with the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court for minors and families, followed by the General District Court for misdemeanors and small civil cases. He then covers the Virginia Circuit Court, which handles felonies and appeals, and the Virginia Court of Appeals, which reviews lower court decisions. Finally, he discusses the Virginia Supreme Court, the highest state court, which reviews constitutional matters.

What type of cases does the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court primarily handle?

• Traffic violations

• Cases involving minors and families

• Felonies involving minors

• Civil cases over $15,000

Where do individuals aged 18 or older typically start their legal proceedings for misdemeanors?

• General District Court

• Virginia Circuit Court

• Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court

• Virginia Supreme Court

What is the maximum amount for civil cases handled by the General District Court?

• $15,000

• $10,000

• $25,000

• $20,000

Which court has original jurisdiction over felonies in Virginia?

• Virginia Court of Appeals

• Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court

• Virginia Circuit Court

• General District Court

What type of jurisdiction does the Virginia Circuit Court have over misdemeanors?

• Concurrent jurisdiction

• Original jurisdiction

• Exclusive jurisdiction

• Appellate jurisdiction

What is the primary function of the Virginia Court of Appeals?

• To handle family law cases

• To handle civil cases over $15,000

• To review decisions from lower courts

• To decide on traffic violations

If a decision from the Circuit Court is deemed unfair, what can the Virginia Court of Appeals do?

• Refer the case to the Supreme Court

• Dismiss the case

• Order a new trial

• Increase the sentence

What is the highest court in the Virginia court system?

• United States Supreme Court

• Virginia Circuit Court

• Virginia Court of Appeals

• Virginia Supreme Court

What is one of the roles of the Virginia Supreme Court?

• To handle traffic violations

• To manage small claims

• To determine the constitutionality of laws

• To oversee family law cases

How many judges are there in the Virginia Supreme Court?

• Eleven

• Nine

• Seven

• Five