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SCOTUS: Va. geofence warrant was Fourth Amendment search
The U.S. Supreme Court held that a Virginia geofence warrant constitutes a Fourth Amendment search, affirming privacy rights in cellphone location data.
Witness’s identification of suspect not tainted
The Court of Appeals of Virginia upheld a Richmond robbery suspect's photo lineup identification, rejecting claims of suggestive procedures.
Defamation lawsuit can proceed
The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled no personal jurisdiction over California co-worker but allowed vicarious liability claims against Gilead Sciences.
ABA releases ethics opinion on engagement agreement provisions
The American Bar Association issues Formal Opinion 523 clarifying lawyer withdrawal rights under engagement agreements, with context on Virginia rules.
COA reverses judgment for lack of service
The Court of Appeals of Virginia reversed a civil contempt order due to failure to demonstrate diligent efforts for personal service on an ex-husband residing in India.
COA affirms planning commission’s authority
The Court of Appeals of Virginia affirmed the Roanoke Planning Commission’s authority to continue a rezoning hearing and recommend approval of ABoone Real Estate’s application.
Virginia State Bar takes next steps toward annual dues increase
Virginia State Bar proposes rule amendment to align with new statutory cap, paving way for $50 dues increase amid financial concerns.
Va. Supreme Court reverses ‘Tiger King’ star’s conviction for buying lion cubs
The Supreme Court of Virginia reversed Bhagavan Antle's conviction for illegally purchasing lion cubs, ruling the relevant statute prohibits sale but not purchase.
Nonparty execs cannot enforce arbitration clause
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia ruled that nonparty executives cannot enforce an arbitration agreement against the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Robbery statute decision creates circuit split
The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a Virginia robbery conviction does not qualify as a crime of violence under federal sentencing guidelines.
After judges threaten action, Richmond moves to assess aging court building
Richmond Circuit Court judges threaten legal action over courthouse conditions, prompting city council to form panel for possible $300 million replacement.
Horse rider’s negligence claim not barred
The Court of Appeals of Virginia ruled that a signed waiver does not bar a horse rider's negligence claim against The Pines Horse Farm for faulty tack.
Verdicts & Settlements
- Motor Vehicle-Negligence Unicycle rider dies after being hit by car
- Premises Liability – Delivery driver injured by porch decking collapse
- Premises Liability – Fall down stairs at resort results in injuries, death
- Medical Malpractice – Jurors side with doctor in suit over rescue surgery
- Workers’ Compensation- Seasonal worker paralyzed in tobacco baler accident
- Medical Malpractice- Death from cancer followed stomach pain misdiagnosis
- Workers’ Compensation – Struck in face by forklift, woman suffers brain injury
- Negligence and Tort – Group home resident falls, sustaining femur fracture
- Medical Malpractice – Nursing facility patient dies after fracturing ankle in fall
- Medical Malpractice- Patient has bladder injury during colostomy reversal
- Premises Liability- Apartment guest burned by gas grill spewing fire
Opinion Digests
- The Most Important Opinions, January-June 2026
- Criminal – Court of Appeals wrongly vacated murder conviction
- Tort – U.Va. prevails on former professor’s claims
- Constitutional – Company’s due process claim against county is dismissed
- Administrative – Plaintiffs’ effort to enjoin ITC proceeding fails
- Patent and trademark – Amazon patent infringement suit transferred to New Jersey
- Tort – Chesterfield County dismissed from wrongful death suit
- Consumer Protection – Lawsuit over kratom survives motion to dismiss
- Criminal – Defendant convicted of attempted sexual exploitation of a child
- Evidence – Motion to exclude transmission expert is rejected
- Damages – Court awards pre-judgment interest following parties’ acquiescence
- Employment – Court approves overtime wage collective action settlement
