VA Bar Civil Procedure

Question 1

What is the minimum amount in controversy required for original jurisdiction in Virginia circuit courts over civil claims?

Accepted Answer

Claims exceeding $25,000

Answer

Claims exceeding $4,500

Answer

Claims exceeding $10,000

Answer

Claims exceeding $50,000

Question 2

Under Virginia's long-arm statute (Va. Code § 8.01-328.1), a Virginia court may exercise personal jurisdiction over a nonresident defendant who:

Accepted Answer

Transacts business in Virginia or causes tortious injury in Virginia

Answer

Once visited Virginia as a tourist

Answer

Has family members who are Virginia residents

Answer

Advertises nationally, including in Virginia publications

Question 3

Under Virginia's venue rules, a civil plaintiff may properly file suit in the county or city where:

Accepted Answer

The defendant resides, has a principal office, or where the cause of action arose

Answer

The plaintiff resides

Answer

The plaintiff's attorney maintains an office

Answer

The majority of witnesses reside

Question 4

Under Virginia Supreme Court Rule 3:8, a defendant must file an answer or other responsive pleading within how many days after service of process?

Accepted Answer

21 days

Answer

14 days

Answer

28 days

Answer

30 days

Question 5

Under Va. Code § 8.01-380, a Virginia plaintiff may take a nonsuit as a matter of right (without leave of court) until:

Accepted Answer

Before the jury retires to deliberate or before the judge renders a decision in a bench trial

Answer

Any time, even after the jury returns a verdict

Answer

Only within 30 days of filing the complaint

Answer

Only with the defendant's consent after an answer is filed

Question 6

Which method constitutes valid substituted service of process on an individual defendant in Virginia under Va. Code § 8.01-296?

Accepted Answer

Posting on the front door of the defendant's usual place of abode and mailing a copy by first-class mail to that address

Answer

Email service with a read-receipt confirmation

Answer

Social media message with prior court approval

Answer

Leaving a copy with any adult present at the defendant's last known address

Question 7

Under Va. Code § 8.01-243, the statute of limitations for a personal injury action in Virginia is:

Accepted Answer

2 years from the date of injury

Answer

1 year from the date of injury

Answer

3 years from the date of injury

Answer

5 years from the date of injury