Preface

The University of Richmond Law Review proudly presents the thirty-sixth issue of the Annual Survey of 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. Today, the Annual Survey is the most widely read publication of the Law Review, reaching lawyers, judges, legislators, and students in every corner of the Commonwealth.

In this issue, the Law Review is proud to commemorate the memory of Clint Nichols, the Symposium Editor for Law Review Volume 47. We are saddened by his loss and remain extremely thankful for his service and dedication to the Law Review and to the Richmond legal community.

This issue of the Annual Survey of Virginia Law contains six articles, each providing summaries of changes in the last year to substantive areas of the law. The topics of these thorough and well-written updates include Civil Practice and Procedure; Criminal Law and Procedure; Family Law; Juvenile Justice; Taxation; and Wills, Trusts, and Estates. Additionally, this issue contains a groundbreaking Essay which provides an overview and history of the abolition of the death penalty, and a thoughtful student Comment written by a University of Richmond Law Review staff member, which suggests an expansion to the boundaries of consumer protection in Virginia.

The enduring Annual Survey tradition is made possible only by the thoughtfulness and talent of our authors, many of whom contribute to the Annual Survey every year. Each piece is the culmination of expertise and sacrificed time in the name of legal scholarship. I am so grateful for these authors’ continued kindness and commitment to our publication. I cannot give enough thanks to Glenice Coombs for her never-ending dedication and kindness to the Law Review’s publication and staff. Glenice, your commitment, guidance, and generosity have been instrumental in getting us through the publication process, both emotionally and practically. I cannot imagine the Law Review without you, and we are forever in your debt.

I would also like to extend sincerest thanks to the Law Review staff for their careful editing and hard work. This summer and fall, in addition to continuing to work through a pandemic, legal internships, and other responsibilities, the Law Review staff poured over the following Articles for no compensation or academic credit to perfect the already incredible pieces.

To my fellow Executive Board members, thank you for your concerted effort in fine-tuning the details and putting this book together. I could not list one without the others, so to Chris Sullivan, thank you for your leadership and patience. To Mary Grace Whitten, thank you for your attention to detail and thoughtfulness. To Ren Warden, thank you for your editing expertise and your knowledge of Emperor Honorius’ bird. To Caroline Jaques, thank you for your humor, and for always finding the right word. To Maya Ravindran, thank you for your care and unwavering moral support. To Emily Fahey, thank you for your diligence and empathy. To Tesia Kempski, thank you for your infinite kindness and consideration. I am so grateful to have you all on my team.

Finally, thank you to my friends and family for helping to keep me (mostly) sane throughout this process. Your support and compassion has been such a blessing.

It has been an honor and pleasure to serve as Editor of the Annual Survey of Virginia Law. We hope this issue can serve as a valuable resource in your legal practice. Thank you for your continued readership and patronage. 

Andy V. O’Connell

Annual Survey Editor