Virginia cases are reported in the South Eastern Reporter series (S.E., S.E.2d). Virginia still publishes official reporters — Virginia Reports (Va.) for the Supreme Court and Virginia Court of Appeals Reports (Va. App.). Under Bluebook Table T1, cite Virginia cases to the South Eastern Reporter.
The Supreme Court of Virginia is the court of last resort. The Court of Appeals of Virginia handles intermediate appeals. Use "Va." for the Supreme Court and "Va. Ct. App." for the Court of Appeals. Virginia expanded the Court of Appeals' jurisdiction significantly in 2022, making it a court of right for most civil and criminal appeals.
Virginia's legal system retains many distinctive features, including its own procedural rules and a historically strong distinction between law and equity courts. Many nationally significant Fourth Circuit cases originate in Virginia federal courts.
| Court | Bluebook Abbreviation | Reporter |
|---|---|---|
| Supreme Court of Virginia | Va. | S.E.2d (S.E.) |
| Court of Appeals | Va. Ct. App. | S.E.2d |
Supreme Court of Virginia
Auer v. Commonwealth, 621 S.E.2d 140 (Va. 2005)
Court of Appeals
Commonwealth v. White, 753 S.E.2d 580 (Va. Ct. App. 2014)
Supreme Court (Landmark)
Loving v. Virginia, 147 S.E.2d 78 (Va. 1966)
Cite to the South Eastern Reporter (S.E.2d for modern cases) under Bluebook rules.
Use "Va. Ct. App." in the date parenthetical.
The 2022 reform expanded the Court of Appeals' jurisdiction but did not change Bluebook citation format. The abbreviations remain "Va." and "Va. Ct. App."
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