                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

SPECIAL COURT TO HEAR CERTAIN CASES (§ 15.2-3000)

Notwithstanding any contrary provision of law, whenever any matter provided for
in Chapters 32 (§ 15.2-3200 et seq.), 33 (§ 15.2-3300 et seq.), 34 (§
15.2-3400 et seq.), 35 (§ 15.2-3500 et seq.), 36 (§ 15.2-3600 et seq.), 38 (§
15.2-3800 et seq.), 39, (§ 15.2-3900 et seq.), 40 (§ 15.2-4000 et seq.) and 41
(§ 15.2-4100 et seq.) of this title, is required to be decided by a court, the
court, unless a different intent appears from the context, shall be composed of
three circuit court judges appointed by the Supreme Court of Virginia. Such
special court shall sit without a jury. The three judges shall be chosen from a
panel of fifteen judges selected to hear such matters by the Supreme Court. Such
judges shall remain on the panel for a period of time determined by the Chief
Justice of the Supreme Court unless otherwise provided by law. When any petition
or other matter required by the above-stated chapters to be decided by the
special court is filed in a circuit court, the chief circuit court judge shall
certify the filing to the Supreme Court and request the appointment of three
members from the panel to hear the matter. No judge may be appointed to hear a
matter involving jurisdictions in his own circuit.

HISTORY: 1979, c. 85, § 15.1-1168; 1983, c. 523; 1985, c. 66; 1988, c. 881;
1997, c. 587.