Virginia RULES Teens Learn & Live the Law Introduction to a Virginia Courtroom

Lesson Goal: To introduce students to the roles and responsibilities of persons typically found in a Virginia courtroom. To introduce students to the roles and responsibilities of persons typically found in a Virginia courtroom.

Students Will Learn: Persons who are typically found in a Virginia courtroom Persons who are typically found in a Virginia courtroom Roles and responsibilities of persons who are part of Virginia’s judicial system Roles and responsibilities of persons who are part of Virginia’s judicial system About courtrooms in their locality About courtrooms in their locality

Courts in Virginia Courts are part of the judicial branch of government and are responsible for interpreting laws when a law is broken or there is a dispute. Four levels of courts in Virginia: Supreme Court of Virginia Court of Appeals Circuit Court District Courts

Circuit Courts Circuit Courts hear criminal cases involving serious offenses, called felonies, civil actions involving larger claims, and appeals from District Courts.

District Courts Two types of District Courts: General District Courts and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts. General District Courts hear traffic cases, criminal cases involving minor offenses, and civil cases involving smaller monetary claims. Juvenile and Domestic Relations (“J & DR”) District Courts have authority in matters related to juveniles and to domestic, or family, matters.

A Virginia Courtroom Judge A judge is in charge of the courtroom. In a General District Court and a juvenile court, the judge makes all the decisions. Judges in Virginia are appointed by the Virginia General Assembly.

A Virginia Courtroom Clerk of Court A clerk of court is responsible for keeping a court’s official records. The clerk of court for a Circuit Court is elected by the voters of his or her city or county.

A Virginia Courtroom Bailiff A bailiff is responsible for keeping order in a court. In Virginia, bailiffs are usually deputy sheriffs.

A Virginia Courtroom Defendant In a criminal case, the defendant is the person who has been accused of committing a crime. In a civil case, the defendant is the person being sued by another party.

A Virginia Courtroom Plaintiff The plaintiff is the party making the complaint. In a criminal case, the plaintiff is the government (represented by the Commonwealth’s Attorney) because committing a crime violates the rules of society.

A Virginia Courtroom Attorney An attorney is an individual who has studied the law, passed an examination, and is licensed to practice law. Attorneys are often referred to as lawyers.

A Virginia Courtroom Commonwealth’s Attorney A Commonwealth’s Attorney represents the Commonwealth of Virginia in criminal cases. The Commonwealth’s Attorney presents evidence to prove that a defendant is guilty of a crime or crimes. In Virginia, Commonwealth’s Attorneys are elected by the voters in the city or county.

A Virginia Courtroom Defense Attorney A defense attorney is responsible for representing a defendant and defending a defendant against the complaints and the evidence presented by the plaintiff.

A Virginia Courtroom Plaintiff’s Attorney In a civil case, the plaintiff’s attorney represents the party making a complaint and presents evidence that the defendant injured or harmed the plaintiff in some way.

A Virginia Courtroom Witness A witness is a person who testifies about what he or she has seen or heard. If a witness fails to tell the truth, he or she can be charged with the crime of perjury.

A Virginia Courtroom Jury A jury is a group of citizens who listen to testimony, determine the facts, and apply the law. In a criminal case, the jury determines whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty and, if the defendant is found guilty, recommends the sentence to be imposed. In a civil case, the jury determines whether the defendant has caused harm to the plaintiff and, if so, what damages are to be paid. In a juvenile court, there is no jury.

Review Activity Refer students to the Activity Handout, A Virginia Courtroom: Who Does What? Refer students to the Activity Handout, A Virginia Courtroom: Who Does What?

Review and Recap You have learned: People who are typically found in a Virginia courtroom. Different levels of courts in Virginia and the types of cases they handle. Courts that operate locally, the titles of people in courtrooms and the important roles and responsibilities they have as part of Virginia’s judicial system.