                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

PRINCIPLES APPLICABLE TO TRIAL OF CASES (§ 16.1-93)

Every action or other proceeding in a court not of record shall be tried
according to the principles of law and equity, and when the same conflict the
principles of equity shall prevail. No warrant, motion or other pleading shall
be dismissed by reason of a mere defect, irregularity or omission in the
proceedings or in the form of the pleadings when the same may be corrected by an
order of the court. The court may direct such proceedings and enter such orders
as may be necessary to correct any such defects, irregularities and omissions,
and to bring about a trial of the merits of the controversy and promote
substantial justice to all parties. The court may make such provisions as to
costs and continuances as may be just.

HISTORY: 1956, c. 555.