Category: Judicial
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Staunton Opens New Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court — A Needed Upgrade With Real Costs for Taxpayers
Staunton has inaugurated its own Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, a significant step following the closure of a shared, non-compliant facility. While the $20-$25 million project enhances security and dignity for legal cases, concerns arise over taxpayer burdens and Virginia’s practice of unfunded local mandates.
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Fairfax County Schools Settle Jane Doe Lawsuit: What the $50 Judgment Really Means
A lawsuit challenging Fairfax County Public Schools’ transgender-related policies ended with a modest settlement accepting $50 in damages and covering attorney’s fees. The case highlighted tensions between gender-identity policies and religious freedoms, indicating ongoing legal uncertainty as courts navigate diverging federal and state rulings on such issues.
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Fairfax County’s Immigration Policies Under Scrutiny After Deadly Release
A deadly Reston shooting has placed Fairfax County’s justice and immigration policies under intense scrutiny after an illegal immigrant with a lengthy local criminal record was released from custody—despite an ICE detainer—only to be charged with homicide the next day. Federal officials say the tragedy was preventable, while county leaders defend their decisions as lawful…
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This Memorial Day, Let’s Remember All the Battles — Including the Ones Fought at Home
Memorial Day serves to honor service members who sacrificed their lives, yet many veterans face a hidden battle within the family court system, where biases often jeopardize their parental rights and mental health. Advocating for reform can help prevent the tragic losses of veterans navigating these disputes, ensuring their dignity and rights are upheld.
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Weaponizing Allegations: Why Governor Youngkin Must Address False Domestic Violence Claims in Family Court
The article by Michael Phillips highlights the serious issue of false domestic violence allegations in Virginia’s family court, impacting many parents, particularly fathers. It discusses how these allegations are often used as manipulation tactics during custody battles, with dire consequences for the accused. The author calls for legal reforms to hold false accusers accountable.
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Governor Youngkin’s Veto of HB2613: Upholding Child Safety in Custody Decisions
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed House Bill 2613, which aimed to restrict courts from considering a parent’s legal substance use in custody cases. He expressed concerns about potential risks to child safety, particularly regarding access to cannabis products. The veto underscores that child welfare must remain paramount in custody decisions.
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Broken Bench Series 1: The Silent Crisis of Judicial Appointments
The judicial reappointment hearings in Virginia present a facade of public accountability, allowing only three minutes for citizens to speak, with their testimonies largely ignored. Despite personal stories of judicial misconduct, the process operates as a formality, contributing to a loss of trust in the judicial system and necessitating comprehensive reforms for genuine accountability.
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Could a ‘Three Strikes’ Law for Custody Interference Pass in Maryland or Virginia?
The Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 2794, enhancing penalties for repeated child custody interference, potentially categorizing the third offense as a felony. Discussion arises regarding the feasibility of similar laws in states like Maryland, with its progressive but lenient family court system, and Virginia, where bipartisan support for child protection is growing.
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Florida Launches First Office of Parental Rights — Will Maryland, Virginia, or D.C. Follow Its Lead?
In a bold move that could ripple far beyond state lines, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has announced the launch of the Office of Parental Rights (OPR) — a first-of-its-kind initiative that puts parents at the center of state-level justice and oversight. Touted as a tool to “empower parents and protect children,” the OPR is…
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Kemler the Quitter: When Judges Walk Away From the Damage They’ve Done
Judge Lisa B. Kemler’s upcoming retirement in 2025 is viewed by some in Virginia’s legal community as graceful, but many families feel abandoned by her decisions. Her tenure contributed to a failing system, leaving victims unprotected and families fractured. Her exit symbolizes a troubling trend of judges avoiding accountability, prioritizing profit over justice.
Virginia Bay News 