Superior Court of the Virgin Islands
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Welcome to the
Superior Court of the Virgin Islands
Welcome to the home page of the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands' website (formerly the Territorial Court of the Virgin Islands). Since it was established in 1977, the Superior Court has served as the trial court of general jurisdiction for the Virgin Islands. Click here to see the historical overview.

***RECENT NEWS IN THE JUDICIARY***

Mission of the Superior Court
It is the mission of the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands to protect the rights and liberties of all, interpret and uphold the law, and resolve disputes promptly peacefully, fairly and effectively in the United States Virgin Islands. The Superior Court meets this mandate by providing an optimum level of service to all while maintaining the highest level of integrity, confidentiality, and public trust in the administration of justice regardless of race, sex, nationality, or creed.

Who's Who at the Superior Court
Presiding Judge Darryl Dean Donohue is the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court. Presently, there are nine Superior Court Judges, serving the St. Croix and St. Thomas & St. John areas. Bridget Hodge, PHR is the Court Administrator who supervises the administration and operations of the Court. The Clerk of the Court is Venetia H. Velazquez Esquire, the custodian of records for all judicial matters brought before the Superior Court.

Magistrate Application Deadline Extended
The Superior Court of the Virgin Islands has extended the application period for persons interested in applying for the position of Magistrate Judge, according to Presiding Judge Darryl Dean Donohue, Sr. Applications may now be submitted on or before October 3, 2008. The extended application deadline was made possible by legislative amendment also extending the mandated period for the Court to implement its new Magistrate Division, noted Presiding Judge Donohue. In accordance with statutory mandate, the Superior Court is identifying four candidates to fill the positions of magistrate, of which two will be assigned to each judicial district. Magistrates will be recommended by a selection panel and appointed by the presiding judge, at a salary of $129,200 plus fringe benefits.

Persons interested in serving as magistrates of the Superior Court must complete the official Magistrate Application Form and accompanying Waiver, which are available on the court's website, "visuperiorcourt.org". The application form and waiver, along with any supporting documents, should be returned, no later than FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2008, to the Clerk of the Court, Venetia H. Velázquez, Esq., at: Superior Court of the Virgin Islands Alexander A. Farrelly Justice Center P.O. Box 70, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands 00804 or Superior Court of the Virgin Islands R.H. Amphlett Leader Justice Complex P.O. Box 929, Christiansted, St. Croix, Virgin Islands 00821-0929

How Does the Court Work?
The Superior Court has broad jurisdiction in addressing the legal needs of the Virgin Islands community. The Court hears all local trial matters including civil, criminal, family, probate, landlord-tenant, small claims and traffic. It also acts as a court of appeals for decisions of all governmental officers and agencies.

Decisions of the Superior Court were previously reviewed by a panel of the Appellate Division of the District Court of the Virgin Islands, consisting of panels of two federal District Court Judges, and a Superior Court Judge. However, on October 29, 2004, Act No. 6687, established a Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands as the local appellate court and which now has authority to review decisions of the Superior Court. Parties may seek further review by the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, with final review resting in the United States Supreme Court.

Improving Our Website
This website is intended for the convenience of the public so that all may better understand the Court and how it functions. We hope that you find a wealth of knowledge on the services, programs and activities that the Superior Court provides.

We encourage you to comment on ways the site can be improved by sending your suggestions to our webmaster at web.master@visuperiorcourt.org. Thank you for visiting!