3.1 Introduction

• Library: A Guide to Legal Research in Virginia (Virginia CLE) (2021 Ed.)

3.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter describes the sources of law created by the legislative branch of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The materials include the laws enacted by the Virginia General Assembly, the publications in which those laws are found, and the resources available to assist in interpreting the legislative enactments.

The cardinal rule in Virginia statutory construction is that the statute expresses the intention of the lawmakers.¹ Therefore, it falls upon the courts to ascertain the General Assembly's intent where that intent becomes important in the application of statutory materials. When researching Virginia statutes, certain principles...