                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

INFORMAL HEARINGS; RULES OF EVIDENCE SUSPENDED (§ 16.1-122.5)

In trials before the small claims court, witnesses shall be sworn. The general
district court judge shall conduct the trial in an informal manner so as to do
substantial justice between the parties. The judge shall have the discretion to
admit all evidence which may be of probative value although not in accordance
with formal rules of practice, procedure, pleading or evidence, except that
privileged communications shall not be admissible. The object of such trials
shall be to determine the rights of the litigants on the merits and to dispense
expeditious justice between the parties.

HISTORY: 1988, c. 799.