The report of a commissioner in chancery shall not have the weight given to the verdict of a jury on conflicting evidence, but the court shall confirm or reject such report in whole or in part, according to the view which it entertains of the law and the evidence.
§ 8.01-610.Weight to be given commissioner's report.
Chapter 23. Commissioners in Chancery · Last amended 1977 · Last verified July 16, 2026
In one sentenceThis section clarifies that a commissioner in chancery's report does not carry the deference given a jury verdict on conflicting evidence, leaving the court free to confirm or reject the report, in whole or in part, based on its own view of the law and the evidence.
Full Text of § 8.01-610
Plain-English Summary
A commissioner's report might look like a factfinder's verdict, but this section makes clear it does not get treated as one. The report of a commissioner in chancery is not given the weight given to the verdict of a jury on conflicting evidence.
Instead, the court retains full control over the outcome. It must confirm or reject the report, in whole or in part, according to the view it entertains of the law and the evidence — meaning the commissioner's factual findings and conclusions are the court's to accept, modify, or discard, not a binding determination the court must defer to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a commissioner's report treated like a jury verdict?
No, it is not given the weight given to the verdict of a jury on conflicting evidence.
Who ultimately decides whether to accept a commissioner's report?
The court.
Can the court accept only part of a commissioner's report?
Yes, the court may confirm or reject the report in whole or in part.
What standard does the court use in reviewing the report?
Its own view of the law and the evidence.
Which section sets deadlines for objecting to a commissioner's report before the court reviews it?
Section 8.01-615.
Amendment History
Code 1950, § 8-250; 1977, c. 617.
Source & verification. Section text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Code of Virginia, published by the
Code of Virginia, Virginia Division of Legislative Automated Systems. Last verified July 16, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: weight of a commissioner in chancery report virginiacourt reject commissioner's report virginiacommissioner report versus jury verdict