This article may be cited as the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act.
§ 8.01-412.8.Short title.
Chapter 14. Evidence · Article 6.2. Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act · Last amended 2009 · Last verified July 16, 2026
In one sentenceThis section names Article 6.2 the “Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act,” the label under which Virginia adopted a model law streamlining how out-of-state litigants obtain Virginia-issued subpoenas for depositions, document production, and premises inspection tied to lawsuits pending in other states.
Full Text of § 8.01-412.8
Plain-English Summary
This section supplies the name for the article that follows: the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act. Like other uniform acts, it reflects Virginia’s decision to adopt a model law drafted to work consistently across states, rather than crafting its own bespoke rules for out-of-state discovery requests.
The practical problem the act solves is real. Before uniform acts like this one existed, a party litigating in one state who needed a deposition or documents from a witness in Virginia often had to open a separate ancillary lawsuit here just to get a Virginia court’s help compelling the witness. This article, and the short title this section gives it, replaces that cumbersome process with a streamlined one built around submitting the foreign subpoena to a Virginia clerk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official short title of this article?
This article may be cited as the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act.
What kind of law does this article implement?
A uniform act — a model law drafted for consistent adoption across states — governing how out-of-state subpoenas get honored for discovery conducted in Virginia.
Does this section itself explain how the act works?
No, it only establishes the short title; the substantive procedures appear in the sections that follow within the same article.
Why would a state adopt a uniform act for interstate depositions rather than its own separate law?
Adopting the uniform act promotes consistency with other states that enact it, which simplifies out-of-state discovery requests for litigants and courts alike.
Does this article apply to discovery within Virginia only, or does it cover Virginia parties seeking discovery elsewhere?
This section only sets the short title; the article’s substantive provisions address the procedure for a party to obtain a Virginia-issued subpoena based on a foreign subpoena from another state’s court.
Amendment History
2009, c. 701.
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: uniform interstate depositions and discovery act virginiava code 8.01-412.8virginia out of state subpoena actinterstate discovery act virginia short title