Virginia legal term
Governing body in Virginia Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Virginia legislative session
In Virginia criminal law, “Governing body” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Virginia criminal code.
What does “Governing body” mean in Virginia criminal law?
"Governing body" means the board of supervisors of a county, council of a city, or council of a town, as context may require. (Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-100)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Assault and battery
- Burial or cremation of animals or fowls which have died
- Disorderly conduct in public places
- Malicious bodily injury to law-enforcement officers, firefighters, search and rescue personnel, or emergency medical services personnel
- Serious or Habitual Offender Comprehensive Action Program
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.