8.01-576.3 - Procedures; verdict not binding unless otherwise agreed. - Virginia Statutes

§ 8.01-576.3. Procedures; verdict not binding unless otherwise agreed.

A judge of the court having jurisdiction over the case shall preside over asummary jury trial. Counsel for the parties or, if a party is not representedby counsel, a party shall verbally present a summary of the issues in thecase and the evidence on behalf of each party. Evidence for the plaintiffshall be presented first. Each party shall be given the opportunity to rebutthe evidence of another party upon request. The testimony of witnesses andthe submission of documentary evidence shall not be allowed except asstipulated or agreed to by the parties.

Upon conclusion of the presentations of the summary evidence, the court shallinstruct the jury on the law applicable to the cause. The jury shall advisethe court of its verdict upon conclusion of the deliberations.

Unless otherwise agreed by the parties in writing submitted to the courtprior to a jury being impanelled pursuant to this chapter, the verdict of asummary jury shall not be binding on either party and shall not be admissibleon any subsequent trial of the case. If the parties have agreed to be boundby the verdict, judgment shall be entered by the court in accordance with theverdict.

(1988, c. 759.)