Abstract

Virginia Justice: If You Can't Get the Law, Get the Lawyer

One afternoon last fall, three deputies from the Norfolk City Sergeant's office appeared at the cheerless offices of a local Negro law firm, Jordan, Dawley and Holt. The deputies bore a writ of attachment issued by the Norfolk Circuit Court clerk at the request of the Virginia General Assembly Committee on offenses Against the Administration of Justice. The writ called upon Holt to turn over all paper used as a means for violating the common and statutory laws of Virginia which prohibit champerty, maintenance, barratry, running and capping, and the promotion or support of litigation by those who are not parties thereto. Specifically, the committee wanted records and correspondence relating to the U.S. Congress of Racial, Equality, Southern Christian Leadership Conference Inc., Virginia Christian Leadership Conference and certain Negro improvement associations in the state's larger cities.