Virginia Code § 18.2-451 defines 'barratry' as the crime of inciting or stirring up litigation, and outlines who can be considered a 'barrator.' It specifies what constitutes 'stirring up litigation' and explains when such actions are considered justified, including relationships, financial interests, or legal aid involvement. The law aims to prevent malicious or unjustified attempts to provoke legal disputes.
Barratry is the offense of stirring up or inciting others to initiate legal actions or lawsuits, often for improper or malicious reasons.
A barrator can be an individual, partnership, association, or corporation that stirs up litigation, regardless of their specific role.
It is justified if the instigator is related to the plaintiff, has a legal interest in the case, or is acting on behalf of a legal aid society approved by the Virginia State Bar.
The law classifies barratry as a criminal offense, which can lead to criminal charges, fines, and other legal consequences, depending on the circumstances.