Virginia Constitution
Coverage of Virginia Constitution in the Nexus archive.
- Virginia judge blocks assault weapons ban six days before implementation
A Virginia judge blocked the state's impending assault weapons ban, ruling it likely violates the Virginia Constitution's right to bear arms. The decision, issued six days before the law's July 1 implementation, grants a preliminary injunction to gun rights groups and a resident challenging the law.
- Virginia judge rejects militia-based argument against assault weapons ban
A Virginia judge rejected a challenge to a statewide assault weapons ban, with plaintiffs arguing the state constitution's militia clause protects their right to own such firearms. The decision upholds a law banning the sale of high-capacity semiautomatic rifles and pistols, signed by Governor Abigail Spanberger.
- Lessons from Virginia’s redistricting wars: Supreme Court nullification and options for November
More than 1.6 million Virginians voted to amend the Virginia Constitution to redraw congressional districts ahead of the 2022 midterm elections, but the Virginia Supreme Court nullified the referendum on May 8, and the U.S. Supreme Court declined to intervene on May 15. The decision maintains current district maps, with Virginia's Supreme Court, selected by the legislature, being perceived as increasingly political, as three of the four justices who struck down the referendum were chosen under Republican legislative control.
- JONATHAN TURLEY: Virginia Democrats' map scheme faces judgment at the high court
Virginia's Supreme Court is set to review a controversial redistricting map that effectively eliminated most GOP congressional districts. The resolution, criticized for misleading language and rushed approval, faces legal challenges over constitutional concerns, with Attorney General Jay Jones defending it despite accusations of gerrymandering.
- KEN CUCCINELLI: Virginia voted yes, will the courts vote the same way?
Virginia voters narrowly approved a referendum allowing the Democrat-controlled General Assembly to redraw congressional maps, but three lawsuits challenge the process under the Virginia Constitution. Legal disputes focus on whether the amendment's first passage in 2025 violated procedural rules, particularly regarding the use of a special session convened for budget matters and the absence of an intervening election.
- Virginia Dems accused of illegally ‘steamrolling’ state law that could upend redistricting crusade
Virginia Democrats face legal challenges over an extended legislative session used to pass a redistricting amendment, which critics argue violates the state constitution. The amendment, set for a voter referendum, could shift the congressional map to a 10-1 Democratic advantage, sparking accusations of legislative overreach.