16.1-122.5 - Informal hearings; rules of evidence suspended. - Virginia Statutes

§ 16.1-122.5. Informal hearings; rules of evidence suspended.

In trials before the small claims court, witnesses shall be sworn. Thegeneral district court judge shall conduct the trial in an informal manner soas to do substantial justice between the parties. The judge shall have thediscretion to admit all evidence which may be of probative value although notin accordance with formal rules of practice, procedure, pleading or evidence,except that privileged communications shall not be admissible. The object ofsuch trials shall be to determine the rights of the litigants on the meritsand to dispense expeditious justice between the parties.

(1988, c. 799.)