REQUESTS FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

Pursuant to Article VIII § 3 of the West Virginia Constitution, the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia "shall have power to promulgate rules for all cases and proceedings, civil and criminal, for all the courts of the State relating to writs, warrants, process, practice and procedure, which shall have the force and effect of law." See also W. Va. Code § 51-1-4. The Court exercises this authority by issuing rules orders at various times throughout the year. Comments from the public, the bench, and the bar are important to the judicial rule making process. This page lists matters that are currently placed for public comment.

How to File Public Comments

Public comments on proposed rules must be in writing and filed with the Clerk of Court on or before the deadline set forth in the order. Comments may be filed through the Court's e-filing system, by email to scawv.filing@courtswv.gov, or by letter addressed to the Clerk of Court. The comment must clearly identify the rule proposal. The Court encourages interest groups to submit joint comments where appropriate. Email comments are not encouraged and receipt of email comments will not be acknowledged.

Current Requests for Public Comment

Request for Public Comment on proposed amendments to Rule 17 of the West Virginia Trial Court Rules.
Public comments are sought on proposed amendments to Rule 17 of the West Virginia Trial Court Rules. All comments must be filed in writing with the Clerk of Court no later than April 28, 2025.

Request for Public Comment on proposed amendments to Rules 2 and 27 of the Rules of Practice and Procedure for Domestic Violence Civil Proceedings
Public comments are sought on proposed amendments to Rules 2 and 27 of the Rules of Practice and Procedure for Domestic Violence Civil Proceedings. All comments must be filed in writing with the Clerk of Court no later than May 5, 2025. 

Request for Public Comment on proposed amendments to Rules 3 and 15 of the Rules of Procedure for Child Abuse and Neglect Proceedings.
Public comments are sought on proposed amendments to Rules 3 and 15 of the Rules of Procedure for Child Abuse and Neglect Proceedings. All comments must be filed in writing with the Clerk of Court no later than May 26, 2025.