waiver of sovereign immunity (Virginia) · Go Syfert
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waiver of sovereign immunity in Virginia

24 Virginia opinions name it 5 courts 2001–2026 11 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Virginia courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (15)

CaseFollowedCited
cluster 495022green
ca4 · 1987 · cited in 3 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2024–2025
2 sentences

2025See McConnell v. Adams, 829 F.2d 1319 (4th Cir. 1987), cert. denied, 486 U.S. 1006 (1988); Creed v. Virginia, 596 F. Supp .2d 930, 934 (E.D.

2024See McConnell v. Adams, 829 F.2d 1319 (4th Cir. 1987), cert. denied, 486 U.S. 1006 (1988); Creed v. Virginia, 596 F. Supp .2d 930, 934 (E.D.

33
Demenno/Kerdoon v. United Statesgreen
scotus · 1988 · cited in 3 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2024–2025
2 sentences

2025See McConnell v. Adams, 829 F.2d 1319 (4th Cir. 1987), cert. denied, 486 U.S. 1006 (1988); Creed v. Virginia, 596 F. Supp .2d 930, 934 (E.D.

2024See McConnell v. Adams, 829 F.2d 1319 (4th Cir. 1987), cert. denied, 486 U.S. 1006 (1988); Creed v. Virginia, 596 F. Supp .2d 930, 934 (E.D.

33
Rector & Visitors of the University v. Cartergreen
va · 2004 · cited in 3 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2005–2011
2 sentences

2011Rector & Visitors of the Univ. of Va. v. Carter, 267 Va. 242, 244-45 , 591 S.E.2d 76, 78 (2004). *126 A waiver of sovereign immunity may not be inferred from general statutory language, but must be expressly and explicitly stated.

2011Rector & Visitors of the Univ. of Va. v. Carter, 267 Va. 242, 244-45 , 591 S.E.2d 76, 78 (2004). *126 A waiver of sovereign immunity may not be inferred from general statutory language, but must be expressly and explicitly stated.

33
Afzall ex rel. Afzall v. Com.green
va · 2007 · cited in 5 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2010–2024
2 sentences

2024In Afzall v. Commonwealth, 273 Va. 226 (2007), we similarly concluded that a statute governing Medicaid liens did not provide a waiver of sovereign immunity that would permit a court to entertain a declaratory judgment action against the Commonwealth and, therefore, sovereign immunity barred the action.

2024In Afzall v. Commonwealth, 273 Va. 226 (2007), we similarly concluded that a statute governing Medicaid liens did not provide a waiver of sovereign immunity that would permit a court to entertain a declaratory judgment action against the Commonwealth and, therefore, sovereign immunity barred the action.

25
Gray v. VIRGINIA SECRETARY OF TRANS.green
va · 2008 · cited in 4 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2010–2026
2 sentences

2026Thus, Petersen’s preferred reading of these statutes cannot be harmonized to produce a waiver of sovereign immunity as such a result is inconsistent with the prerequisite that “[a] waiver of sovereign immunity will not be implied from general statutory language but must be explicitly and expressly stated in the statute.” Gray, 276 Va. at 102 (quoting All. to Save the Mattaponi v. Commonwealth Dep’t of Env’t Quality ex rel.

2024The scope of a declaratory judgment proceeding is defined by statute in the first portion of Code § 8.01-184, which provides: 40 However, when dealing with a statute, the Supreme Court has clearly held that a waiver of sovereign immunity “must be explicitly and expressly stated in the statute.” Gray, 276 Va. at 102 .

24
Hinchey v. Ogdengreen
va · 1983 · cited in 6 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2005–2023
2 sentences

2008"A waiver of sovereign immunity will not be implied from general statutory language but must be explicitly and expressly stated in the statute." Alliance, 270 Va. at 455 , 621 S.E.2d at 96 (citing Hinchey, 226 Va. at 241 , 307 S.E.2d at 895 ).

2008"A waiver of sovereign immunity will not be implied from general statutory language but must be explicitly and expressly stated in the statute." Alliance, 270 Va. at 455 , 621 S.E.2d at 96 (citing Hinchey, 226 Va. at 241 , 307 S.E.2d at 895 ).

16
Elizabeth River Tunnel District v. Beechergreen
va · 1961 · cited in 3 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2005–2010
2 sentences

2010See Gray, 276 Va. at 102 , 662 S.E.2d at 71 ; Afzall, 273 Va. at 230, 639 S.E.2d at 281; Hinchey, 226 Va. at 241 , 307 S.E.2d at 895 ; Beecher, 202 Va. at 457 , 117 S.E.2d at 689 .

2010See Gray, 276 Va. at 102 , 662 S.E.2d at 71 ; Afzall, 273 Va. at 230, 639 S.E.2d at 281; Hinchey, 226 Va. at 241 , 307 S.E.2d at 895 ; Beecher, 202 Va. at 457 , 117 S.E.2d at 689 .

13
Ligon v. COUNTY OF GOOCHLANDgreen
va · 2010 · cited in 2 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2011–2023
2 sentences

2011There, the Supreme Court held that “a waiver of sovereign immunity cannot be implied from general statutory language.” Ligón, 279 Va. at 319 , 689 S.E.2d at 670 (citations omitted).

2011There, the Supreme Court held that “a waiver of sovereign immunity cannot be implied from general statutory language.” Ligón, 279 Va. at 319 , 689 S.E.2d at 670 (citations omitted).

12
AFZALL EX REL. AFZALL v. Com.green
va · 2007 · cited in 2 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2010–2011
2 sentences

2011Afzall v. Commonwealth, 273 Va. 226 , 230, 639 S.E.2d 279 , 281 (2007).

2010See Gray, 276 Va. at 102 , 662 S.E.2d at 71 ; Afzall, 273 Va. at 230, 639 S.E.2d at 281; Hinchey, 226 Va. at 241 , 307 S.E.2d at 895 ; Beecher, 202 Va. at 457 , 117 S.E.2d at 689 .

12
Chaffinch v. Chesapeake & Potomac Telephone Co. of Virginia, Inc.green
va · 1984 · cited in 2 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2007–2011
2 sentences

2011It also held that the just-compensation clause of Article I, § 11, constitutes a waiver of sovereign immunity, and acknowledged that § 8.01-187 1 creates a statutory mechanism for the enforcement of such claims. 227 Va. at 71 , 313 S.E.2d at 378 .

2011It also held that the just-compensation clause of Article I, § 11, constitutes a waiver of sovereign immunity, and acknowledged that § 8.01-187 1 creates a statutory mechanism for the enforcement of such claims. 227 Va. at 71 , 313 S.E.2d at 378 .

12
Bratton v. Selective Ins. Co. of Am.green
va · 2015 · cited in 1 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
1 sentence

2024Co. of Am., 290 Va. 314, 331 (2015).

11
Commonwealth v. Luzikgreen
va · 2000 · cited in 1 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
1 sentence

2024Owing to the fact that the decision of whether to waive the protections of sovereign immunity belongs to the General Assembly, an individual employee of the Commonwealth cannot waive those protections, Commonwealth v. Luzik, 259 Va. 198, 206-07 (2000), nor may they be waived “by agreement or inaction of the parties.” Afzall, 273 Va. at 230.

11
Linhart v. Lawsongreen
va · 2001 · cited in 1 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
1 sentence

2024This feature distinguishes this case from Linhart v. Lawson, 261 Va. 30, 34 (2001), where the evidence showed that the defendant school board had insurance coverage.

11
Commonwealth Ex Rel. Pross v. Board of Supervisorsgreen
va · 1983 · cited in 1 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2023–2023
1 sentence

2023Pross v. Bd. of Supervisors of Spotsylvania Cnty., 225 Va. 492, 494 (1983)); see also Gray, 276 Va. at 102 (“A waiver of sovereign immunity will not be implied from general statutory language but must be explicitly and expressly stated in the statute.” (quoting Alliance, 270 Va. at 455)).

11
City of Lynchburg v. Petersgreen
va · 1931 · cited in 1 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2012–2012
2 sentences

2012Rather, they contend that Shartzer, Lambert, and City of Lynchburg v. Peters, 156 Va. 40, 49 , 157 S.E. 769, 772 (1931), all stand for the principle that the "damage" clause of Article I, Section 11 is 8 merely a waiver of sovereign immunity which subjects the Commonwealth, or others authorized to exercise the Commonwealth's power of eminent domain, to be "liable in the same manner as a private party under common law." Byler and the Wolfes concede that Shartzer, Lambert, and Peters all included a requirement that "the common law at [that] time restricted actions for damages [against private pa

2012Rather, they contend that Shartzer, Lambert, and City of Lynchburg v. Peters, 156 Va. 40, 49 , 157 S.E. 769, 772 (1931), all stand for the principle that the "damage" clause of Article I, Section 11 is 8 merely a waiver of sovereign immunity which subjects the Commonwealth, or others authorized to exercise the Commonwealth's power of eminent domain, to be "liable in the same manner as a private party under common law." Byler and the Wolfes concede that Shartzer, Lambert, and Peters all included a requirement that "the common law at [that] time restricted actions for damages [against private pa

11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Virginia. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (6)

CaseCitedYears
Hechler Chevrolet, Inc. v. General Motors Corp. green
va · 1985
1 sentence

2024In addition, “a court considering a demurrer may ignore a party’s factual allegations contradicted by the terms of authentic, unambiguous documents that properly are a part of the pleadings.” Id. - 16 - Finally, we cannot say that the circuit court erred in sustaining Durham’s plea in bar based on Code § 22.1-194, on the theory that Durham (as an agent of RCPS) “is amenable to suit under Code § 22.1-194 as a waiver of sovereign immunity up to the limits of its insurance.” By the plain text of the statute, it abrogates sovereign immunity only for “the locality or school board” under qualifying

12024–2024
Foley v. Harris green
va · 1982
2 sentences

2012Rather, they contend that Shartzer, Lambert, and City of Lynchburg v. Peters, 156 Va. 40, 49 , 157 S.E. 769, 772 (1931), all stand for the principle that the "damage" clause of Article I, Section 11 is 8 merely a waiver of sovereign immunity which subjects the Commonwealth, or others authorized to exercise the Commonwealth's power of eminent domain, to be "liable in the same manner as a private party under common law." Byler and the Wolfes concede that Shartzer, Lambert, and Peters all included a requirement that "the common law at [that] time restricted actions for damages [against private pa

2012Rather, they contend that Shartzer, Lambert, and City of Lynchburg v. Peters, 156 Va. 40, 49 , 157 S.E. 769, 772 (1931), all stand for the principle that the "damage" clause of Article I, Section 11 is 8 merely a waiver of sovereign immunity which subjects the Commonwealth, or others authorized to exercise the Commonwealth's power of eminent domain, to be "liable in the same manner as a private party under common law." Byler and the Wolfes concede that Shartzer, Lambert, and Peters all included a requirement that "the common law at [that] time restricted actions for damages [against private pa

12012–2012
Virginia Board of Medicine v. Virginia Physical Therapy Ass'n green
vactapp · 1991
2 sentences

2012If Code § 2.2-4026 is a waiver of sovereign immunity permitting suit against an agency of the Commonwealth in a judicial court, see id. at 465-66, 413 S.E.2d at 63-64 , such a review action, or suit against an agency, cannot be the continuation of a prior judicial proceeding.

2012If Code § 2.2-4026 is a waiver of sovereign immunity permitting suit against an agency of the Commonwealth in a judicial court, see id. at 465-66, 413 S.E.2d at 63-64 , such a review action, or suit against an agency, cannot be the continuation of a prior judicial proceeding.

12012–2012
Alliance v. Com., Dept. of Environ. Quality green
va · 2005
1 sentence

2008"A waiver of sovereign immunity will not be implied from general statutory language but must be explicitly and expressly stated in the statute." Alliance, 270 Va. at 455 , 621 S.E.2d at 96 (citing Hinchey, 226 Va. at 241 , 307 S.E.2d at 895 ).

12008–2008
Wiecking v. Allied Medical Supply Corp. green
va · 1990
2 sentences

2006The requisite contractual foundation is a “valid contracto entered into by duly authorized agents of the government.” Id. at 551 , 391 S.E.2d at 260 .

2006The requisite contractual foundation is a “valid contracto entered into by duly authorized agents of the government.” Id. at 551 , 391 S.E.2d at 260 .

12006–2006
Alliance to Save the Mattaponi v. Commonwealth green
vactapp · 1999
2 sentences

2001Alliance to Save the Mattaponi, 30 Va. App. at 696-701 , 519 S.E.2d at 415-18 .

2001Alliance to Save the Mattaponi, 30 Va. App. at 696-701 , 519 S.E.2d at 415-18 .

12001–2001

Statutes the citing opinions construe

VA § Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-195.3 (7) VA § Va. Code Ann. § 17.1-413 (4) VA § Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-187 (4) VA § Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-195.6 (4) VA § Va. Code Ann. § 53.1-1 (3) VA § Va. Code Ann. § 53.1-202.3 (3) VA § Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-184 (3) VA § Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-195.5 (3) VA § Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-195.7 (3) VA § Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-2 (3) VA § Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-216.8 (3) VA § Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-243.2 (3)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

TX 468 (1977–2026) GA 238 (1975–2026) FL 104 (1975–2026) MO 68 (1981–2025) NE 40 (1985–2024) CT 34 (1981–2024) NC 33 (1979–2026) NY 31 (1952–2025) MD 26 (1976–2026) NJ 26 (1961–2026) VA 24 (2001–2026) KY 24 (1989–2025) HI 24 (1964–2025) PA 20 (1946–2024) CA 19 (1981–2020) OK 19 (1979–2020) MA 17 (1981–2025) CO 16 (1992–2025) WA 16 (1979–2025) NM 16 (1994–2022) MS 15 (1993–2016) TN 14 (1998–2026) IL 14 (1992–2025) LA 13 (1990–2023) IA 13 (1986–2024) AK 10 (1972–2009) DE 10 (1972–2025) VT 10 (1987–2025) RI 9 (1992–2017) MT 9 (1979–2023) MN 9 (1994–2024) AR 9 (1997–2017) NH 8 (1977–2025) WI 8 (1985–2021) OH 7 (1974–2015) SC 7 (1959–2021) ID 6 (1992–2019) ME 6 (2005–2017) IN 5 (2006–2020) DC 4 (1986–2010) NV 3 (1950–1988) AZ 3 (1985–2020) SD 3 (1990–1998) KS 2 (1975–1994) AL 2 (2014–2017) UT 2 (2005–2014) VI 2 (2004–2013)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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