What does a magistrate do in Virginia?
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What does a magistrate do in Virginia?
The main job of the magistrate is to provide an independent, unbiased review of complaints brought to the office by police officers, sheriffs, deputies, and citizens and determine whether there is probable cause for a warrant or summons to be issued.
How many circuit courts are there in Virginia?
31 judicial circuits
What are the three types of local government in Virginia?
The units of local government in Virginia are counties, towns, and cities. Local governments exercise legislative, executive, and judicial powers. Each Virginia county has an elected board of supervisors, which exercises legislative powers, enacting ordinances (local laws) and adopting an annual budget.
How many justices sit on the Virginia Supreme Court?
seven justices
Who is the chief justice of Virginia?
Donald Wayne Lemons
Which court uses a jury?
NSW District Court
What type of cases are heard by a grand jury?
The grand jury plays an important role in the criminal process, but not one that involves a finding of guilt or punishment of a party. Instead, a prosecutor will work with a grand jury to decide whether to bring criminal charges or an indictment against a potential defendant — usually reserved for serious felonies.
Can a person be forced to testify?
As a general rule, a court can force you to testify after sending you a subpoena informing you what testimony they need. Criminal defendants can never be forced to testify. The witness is married to someone involved in the case: Communication between two spouses is considered privileged by courts.
What crimes require a grand jury?
The federal government is required to use grand juries for all felonies, though not misdemeanors, by the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Can a person be forced to testify at their own trial?
Testifying in a Legal Proceeding At trial, the Fifth Amendment gives a criminal defendant the right not to testify. This means that the prosecutor, the judge, and even the defendant’s own lawyer cannot force the defendant to take the witness stand against their will.
