08/13/2026
Sometimes, we get curious looks from prospective clients about how things go in court, especially in a Virginia General District Court, because each different type of action has its own name: Warrant in Debt, Warrant in Detinue, Unlawful Detainer, Tenant's Assertion, etc. It matters.
Confusing? It's what we inherited from the people who settled Jamestown 400 years ago. Here's why:
Code of Virginia § 1-200. The common law.
The common law of England, insofar as it is not repugnant to the principles of the Bill of Rights and Constitution of this Commonwealth, shall continue in full force within the same, and be the rule of decision, except as altered by the General Assembly.
Need a hand with that? We can help.