VIRGIN ISLANDS RULES OF FAMILY DIVISION PROCEDURE Rule 59. Adjudicatory Hearing

• Jurisdiction: United States

Rule 59. Adjudicatory Hearing

(a) Scheduling. An adjudicatory hearing will be scheduled as provided in Rule 53, within 30 days has been removed from their home and taken into custody.

(b) Nature of Proceedings. All hearings as provided for in this Rule and 5 V.I.C. § 2548 will be heard by the court without a jury. All hearings and proceedings must be recorded either by stenographic notes, or by electric, mechanical, or other appropriate means.

(c) Conduct of Proceedings. The court will proceed to hear evidence on the complaint or petition. The court must record its findings. If the court finds the allegations in the complaint or petition have not been established, it must dismiss the complaint or petition and order the child discharged from any shelter care or...