The University of Richmond Law Review proudly presents the thirty-first issue of the Annual Survey of Virginia Law 2016. The Annual Survey is the only legal publication that provides an update to practitioners regarding recent developments in Virginia law. Since 1985, the Annual Survey has been a guiding tool for practitioners and students to stay abreast of the recent legislative, judicial, and administrative developments in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
In this edition, the Law Review is proud to commemorate the memory of Justice Antonin Scalia. We are saddened by his loss and remain extremely thankful for his lasting impact on our nation and in the lives of the many that knew him.
This Annual Survey further includes six articles regarding recent updates in substantive areas of the law including: Civil Practice and Procedure; Corporate and Business Law; Criminal Law and Procedure; Family Law; Taxation; and Wills, Trusts, and Estates. This book also contains three essays about recent developments in Virginia regarding foreclosure, workers’ compensation, and the legal battle to save Sweet Briar College. Additionally, the Law Review is proud to include two comments written by two of its own staff members about Virginia’s filial responsibility law and lack of post-conviction relief.
The Annual Survey is traditionally the largest and most popular publication of the University of Richmond Law Review. The publication of the Annual Survey is made possible because of the generous contributions of scholarly articles written by truly intelligent and experienced practitioners and experts in these fields. I would like to thank each of them for their countless hours and efforts in putting together, writing, and reviewing such valuable contributions to the Commonwealth of Virginia. I personally enjoyed working with and speaking to them all throughout the publication process, and I am grateful for their extensive commitments.
I would like to thank John Hogan and Thomas DiStanislao for their mentorship in planning for this book during the early phases. I also thank the entire Law Review staff for their hard work, and especially Chelsea Shrader, for her constant understanding and assistance throughout the publication process. Thank you as well to the entire Executive Board for their concerted effort in fine-tuning all the details and putting this book together. I extend my sincerest appreciation to our Editor-in-Chief, Rachel Willer, for her unwavering work ethic and dedication to this book. Her collaborative and problem-solving personality has transformed several of our processes this year for the better.
Thank you as well to Glenice Coombs whose advice and expertise has not only been essential throughout the publication process, but shines every day in her willingness to produce an exceptional work product.
To my family, you have made me who I am, and I thank you for your unconditional love and guidance all throughout. Derek Molyneaux, your perpetual support and encouragement continue to guide me every step of the way, and I thank you for being my rock and my greatest blessing.
It has been an honor and pleasure to serve as Editor of the Annual Survey of Virginia Law 2016. Thank you for your continued patronage and readership.
Stephanie Serhan
Annual Survey Editor