In applying and construing this uniform act, consideration must be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact it.
§ 8.01-465.13:9.Uniformity of interpretation.
Chapter 17.2. Uniform Foreign-country Money Judgments Recognition Act · Last amended 2014 · Last verified July 16, 2026
In one sentenceThis section instructs Virginia courts interpreting Chapter 17.2 to weigh the goal of keeping Virginia's reading of this uniform act consistent with how other states that adopted the same law interpret it.
Full Text of § 8.01-465.13:9
Plain-English Summary
Uniform acts work best when the states that adopt them read them the same way. This section captures that goal directly: in applying and construing this chapter, a court must give consideration to the need to promote uniformity of the law among the states that enact it.
The instruction is interpretive rather than substantive — it does not add a recognition standard or change any of the tests in § 8.01-465.13:3 or elsewhere. It tells a court how to approach ambiguity or a novel question under the chapter: by looking toward consistency with the broader body of law other adopting states have built around the same uniform act.
A similar directive appears in Chapter 17.4's § 8.01-465.32, reflecting that both chapters began as uniform acts meant to travel across state lines with a shared meaning intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What must a court consider when interpreting this chapter?
The need to promote uniformity of the law among the states that have enacted this uniform act.
Does this section create a specific recognition standard?
No, it is an interpretive instruction rather than a substantive recognition rule.
Why would uniformity matter for a chapter like this one?
Because the chapter is drawn from a uniform act adopted by multiple states, so consistent interpretation helps courts and litigants predict outcomes across jurisdictions.
Does another chapter covered in this batch contain a similar uniformity clause?
Yes, § 8.01-465.32 in Chapter 17.4 contains a comparable instruction for that uniform act.
Does this section bind courts outside Virginia?
No, it directs Virginia courts construing this Virginia statute; it does not control other states' courts.
Amendment History
2014, c. 462.
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: uniformity of interpretation foreign judgment recognition act virginiauniform law construction clause virginiahow virginia courts interpret the uniform foreign country judgments actconsistent interpretation uniform act among states