Tag: Law

Justice Matters with Bryan Porter: English common law in Virginia’s code

One of my favorite sections of the Virginia Code is §1-200, which states in pertinent part, that “the common law of England, insofar that...

Justice Matters with Bryan Porter: New laws taking effect in Virginia

Every year, in January and February, Virginia’s General Assembly meets to debate and enact changes to the Code of Virginia. Any bills that are...

Interim City Attorney Joanna Anderson receives the job permanently

Interim City Attorney Joanna C. Anderson has received the job permanently after a council vote at Tuesday’s legislative meeting. Anderson was most recently chief deputy...

Justice Matters with Bryan Porter: A needed ‘Rule’ change

By Bryan Porter The process by which prosecutors and defense attorneys exchange information about a pending criminal case is called discovery. Criminal discovery is governed by the Rules...

Justice Matters with Bryan Porter: Dillon authored limits on local authority

By Bryan Porter In 1853, John Forrest Dillon was elected District Attorney for Scott County, Iowa. He then ascended to the bench, serving on the...

Justice Matters: Opioid addiction and the criminal justice system

By Bryan Porter One of the many unfortunate responsibilities that falls upon my office is that of receiving and reviewing the reports of the Office of...

Local couple on front lines of Stolen Valor law

Doug and Pam Sterner don’t want the notoriety that comes with exposing people posing as military heroes, but with the Supreme Court weighing the...