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Notwithstanding any contrary provision of law, whenever any matter provided for in Chapters 32 (§ 15.2-3200 et seq.), 33 (§ 15.2-3200 et seq.), 34 (§ 15.2-3200 et seq.), 35 (§ 15.2-3200 et seq.), 36 (§ 15.2-3200 et seq.), 38 (§ 15.2-3200 et seq.), 39, (§ 15.2-3200 et seq.), 40 (§ 15.2-3200 et seq.) and 41 (§ 15.2-3200 et seq.) of this title, is required to be decided by a court, the court, unless a different intent appears from the context, shall be composed of three circuit court judges appointed by the Supreme Court of Virginia. Such special court shall sit without a jury. The three judges shall be chosen from a panel of fifteen judges selected to hear such matters by the Supreme Court. Such judges shall remain on the panel for a period of time determined by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court unless otherwise provided by law. When any petition or other matter required by the above-stated chapters to be decided by the special court is filed in a circuit court, the chief circuit court judge shall certify the filing to the Supreme Court and request the appointment of three members from the panel to hear the matter. No judge may be appointed to hear a matter involving jurisdictions in his own circuit. 1979, c. 85, § 15.1-1168; 1983, c. 523; 1985, c. 66; 1988, c. 881; 1997, c. 587.
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