Overview

• The Virginia Judiciary is both a state and locally funded court system.  The state pays the salaries of the judges and most clerical staff.  Virginia’s appropriation was increased from $365.2 million in FY11 to $367.4 million in FY12.  Its FY11 budget had been increased during the fiscal year.  Virginia is increasing the number of judicial officers while maintaining the same number of staff positions and the amount spent on operating costs.
• To reduce spending, Virginia has imposed staff layoffs and has delayed filling judicial and vacancies in the clerks’ offices.  The Virginia courts currently have 20 unfilled judicial vacancies which is causing delay in the affected courts.  They have frozen the salaries of judges and staff.  They have cancelled judicial, clerk and magistrate conferences, restricted out of state travel, renegotiated contracts, reduced IT spending, and reduced printed materials.  They eliminated a small department with the Administrative Office.
• Technology initiatives include e-filing, an electronic document management system, e-payment of fees and fines and videoconferencing of hearings.  They have also expanded access to existing online services to the public. 
  

Reports and Articles

• Steven Butler. "Funding Needed for Judge Replacement." Star Exponent.com. January 27, 2012.
• Julian Walker. "Money in Revised Va. Budget Will Help Hire Judges."  The Virginian-Pilot. March 15, 2011
• Larry O'Dell. "Va. State Bar Opposes Transfer of Dues to Budget."  Bloomberg Businessweek. January 31, 2011
• "Virginia Beach Court Forced to Lay Off 11 After Major Budget Cuts."  WTKR.com.
• Helderman.  "Senate Passes Increase in Court Fees as Legislators Struggle for Funding Alternatives."  The Washington Post.
• "VA Proposed Bill Would Increase Lawsuit Fees."  WVVA. Februrary 28, 2010.

Gavel to Gavel

• Database. Search the Gavel to Gavel legislation database based on state, year, legislation category, or any combination.

State Links

• Strategic Planning