Virginia House Bill HJR152

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/22
• Engrossed: 1/24/22
• Enrolled: 1/24/22
• Passed: 1/24/22

Caption

Judges; election in Court of Appeals of Virginia, Circuit Court, General District Court, etc.

Impact

The implications of HJR152 on state law include a more structured approach to judicial appointments, potentially reducing vacancies within the judicial system. By specifying the terms and commencement dates for judges, the resolution seeks to facilitate the timely replacement of judges, which can lead to an increased efficiency in the court proceedings. This approach may also alleviate concerns regarding the backlog of cases that can arise from prolonged vacancies, thereby improving access to justice for Virginia residents.

Summary

HJR152 addresses the process for electing judges within the Court of Appeals, Circuit Courts, and General District Courts of Virginia. This joint resolution permits the General Assembly to conduct elections for judges with terms spanning eight to six years based on their respective courts. The resolution specifies various commencement dates for the new judges, clearly outlining the schedule for judicial appointments across multiple circuits and districts. This effort aims to ensure that judicial vacancies are filled timely and systematically, thereby enhancing the stability and effectiveness of the court system.

Contention

Despite the potential benefits of HJR152, there may be contention surrounding this resolution, particularly regarding the political implications of judicial elections. Some legislators may view this proposal as a means to influence the judiciary's independence, raising concerns among opponents who fear that such elections may result in the appointment of judges based more on political affiliation than merit. Additionally, discussions may arise around the appropriate frequency of these elections and the overall impact on the impartiality of the court system.