When a case is decided by an appellate court the clerk shall furnish a copy of the opinion rendered by the court thereon to each counsel of record without making any charge therefor.
§ 8.01-684.Copies of Court's opinions to be furnished to counsel.
Chapter 26.2. Appeals Generally · Article 3. Limitations; Hearing and Decision · Last amended 1984 · Last verified July 16, 2026
In one sentenceSection 8.01-684 requires the clerk of any appellate court to furnish each attorney of record a copy of the court's opinion, free of charge, as soon as the case in which they appeared has been decided.
Full Text of § 8.01-684
Plain-English Summary
Section 8.01-684 makes sure counsel do not have to pay to learn the reasoning behind an appellate ruling. When a case is decided by an appellate court, the clerk furnishes a copy of the opinion rendered by the court to each counsel of record, without making any charge for it.
The rule is simple in scope but useful in effect: it puts the court's reasoning directly in the hands of the lawyers who argued the case, without added cost or delay standing in the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay for a copy of the appellate court's opinion in my case?
No. The clerk furnishes it to counsel of record without making any charge.
Who receives the free copy of the opinion?
Each counsel of record.
Which courts does this section apply to?
Any appellate court — the section refers broadly to a case "decided by an appellate court."
When does the clerk provide the copy?
When the case is decided.
Does a self-represented litigant receive a free copy under this section?
The text specifies "each counsel of record," addressing attorneys rather than self-represented parties.
Amendment History
Code 1950, § 8-497.1; 1977, c. 617; 1984, c. 703.
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
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