This law section clarifies that references to justices of the peace in Virginia law now generally refer to magistrates unless specified otherwise. It establishes the office, authority, and duties of magistrates, replacing the traditional justice of the peace system, and specifies the number of magistrates needed for effective justice administration. The section also details the appointment process and the authority vested in magistrates.
In Virginia, references to justices of the peace now generally refer to magistrates, who have the same authority and duties as the former justices of the peace.
Magistrates are appointed as necessary for the effective administration of justice, with their positions authorized by the Committee on District Courts.
Yes, unless specific provisions in Chapter 3 of Title 19.2 specify otherwise, references to justices of the peace are deemed to apply to magistrates.
Magistrates in Virginia have all the authority, duties, and obligations previously vested in justices of the peace before 1974.