In one of two opinions issued today, the Supreme Court applies constitutional harmless error analysis to reinstate a second-degree murder conviction. More
Category Archives: SCV Opinions
Norfolk Southern Rwy. Co. v. SCC, Record No. 240869 (Va. May 22, 2025)
The Supreme Court of Virginia issues one published opinion today in which it strikes down a 2023 statute designed to accelerate broadband expansion. More
Schmidt v. Deel, Record No. 240264 (Va. Apr. 24, 2025) (unpub.)
The Supreme Court releases a single unpublished order today in which it rules that unpaid child support obligations can be pursued as contractual claims potentially reaching back years before any court petition for support is filed. More
Shaw v. Commonwealth, Record No. 240212 (Va. Apr. 17, 2025)
The Supreme Court of Virginia releases one opinion today in which it finds that harmless error applies to a trial court’s decision to exclude expert testimony. More
Commonwealth v. Castillo Canales, Record No. 230829 / Castillo Canales v. Commonwealth, Record No. 230934 (Va. Apr. 10, 2025)
In this, one of two opinions released today, the Supreme Court of Virginia case addresses the interpretation of Virginia Code § 19.2-306.1, which governs how courts may sentence individuals who violate probation terms. More
Poulson v. Commonwealth, Record No. 240081 (Va. Apr. 10, 2025)
The Supreme Court of Virginia releases two opinions today, both criminal cases. In this case, the Court affirms warrantless arrests on home curtilage are constitutional when officers are lawfully present and have probable cause. More
West Virginia & Appalachian Laborers’ District Council v. State Corporation Commission, Record No. 240315 (Va. Mar. 27, 2025)
The Supreme Court of Virginia issues one opinion today in which it addresses an appeal by the West Virginia & Appalachian Laborers’ District Council challenging the State Corporation Commission’s approval of certificates of public convenience and necessity for Sycamore Cross Solar LLC’s proposed 240-megawatt solar facility. More
Welsh v. Commonwealth, Record No. 230800 (Va. Mar. 20, 2025)
In today’s sole opinion from the Supreme Court of Virginia, the Court reversed a defendant’s murder convictions, finding that the trial court improperly excluded critical expert testimony that could have influenced the jury’s decision. More
Amazon Logistics, Inc. v. Virginia Employment Commission, Record No. 230865 (Va. March 6, 2025)
The Supreme Court of Virginia issues only one published order today in which it affirms that Amazon Flex drivers are employees rather than independent contractors, though the ruling hinges entirely on procedural missteps rather than substantive worker classification principles. More
Commonwealth v. Wilkerson, Record No. 230914 (Va. Feb. 20, 2025)
The Supreme Court of Virginia releases one opinion today in which it reviews a conviction for possession of a controlled substance. More
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