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

Virginia circuit courts have original jurisdiction over civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $25,000; general district courts handle cases up to $25,000.

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

Virginia's long-arm statute confers jurisdiction over nonresidents who transact business, contract to supply services, or cause tortious injury in Virginia, among other enumerated contacts.

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

Virginia venue rules generally allow suit where the defendant resides, has its principal office, or where the cause of action or any part thereof arose.

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

Virginia Rule 3:8 requires a defendant to file an answer or other responsive pleading within 21 days after service of process in circuit court civil cases.

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

Under Va. Code § 8.01-380, a plaintiff may take one nonsuit as a matter of right before the jury retires or before the judge acts in a bench trial; subsequent nonsuits require court approval.

(VA Bar) Virginia Bar Exam Practice Test

(VA Bar) Virginia Bar Exam Practice Test

VA Bar Civil Procedure