Overview
The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia has adopted a process for efficiently managing and resolving mass litigation that includes the establishment of a Mass Litigation Panel. The procedure for referral of cases to the Mass Litigation Panel is set forth in West Virginia Trial Court Rule 26.
The Mass Litigation Panel consists of seven active or senior status circuit court judges appointed by the Chief Justice, with the approval of the Supreme Court of Appeals. Each appointment is for a term of three years and there is no prohibition against serving successive terms. The Chief Justice annually designates a panel member to serve as its chairman to preside over the activities of the panel and report to the Supreme Court of Appeals. West Virginia Trial Court Rule 26.02.
Approval of Amendment to West Virginia Trial Court Rule 26.08, Powers of Presiding Judge, entered April 15, 2010.