§51-11-8. Administration of court.

(a) In accordance with section three, article VIII of the Constitution of West Virginia, the Intermediate Court of Appeals is subject to the administrative control, supervision, and oversight of the Supreme Court of Appeals. Under those same provisions, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Appeals is the “administrative head” of all West Virginia courts, empowering the Chief Justice to exercise supervisory control over an intermediate court of appeals.

(b) The Administrative Director of the Supreme Court shall provide for the requisite physical facilities, furniture, fixtures, and equipment necessary for the efficient operation of the Intermediate Court of Appeals.

(c) (1) In order to minimize any costs associated with the necessary facilities for the Intermediate Court of Appeals, the Administrative Director of the Supreme Court shall make existing courtrooms throughout the state, including the courtroom of the Supreme Court of Appeals, available for use by the Intermediate Court of Appeals at times convenient both to the Intermediate Court of Appeals and the local court.

(2) The Administrative Director of the Supreme Court may also contract with the Department of Administration, county commissions, and private parties to provide for space that is suitable for the Intermediate Court of Appeals. Facilities may include, but are not limited to, courtrooms in county courthouses, courtrooms in federal courthouses, county commission rooms in county courthouses, rooms, or facilities at institutions of higher education, other suitable physical spaces in federal, state, county, or municipal buildings throughout the state, or a virtual platform.

(d) Chief Judge. — One Judge of the Intermediate Court of Appeals shall be chosen Chief Judge. The manner of choosing the Chief Judge and providing for periodic rotation of the position of Chief Judge shall be determined by rules to be established by the Supreme Court.

(e) Staff. — The Administrative Director of the Supreme Court of Appeals shall provide administrative support and may employ additional staff, as necessary, for the efficient operation of the Intermediate Court of Appeals. The budget for the payment of compensation and expenses of the Intermediate Court of Appeals staff shall be included in the appropriation to the Supreme Court of Appeals.

(f) The budget for the payment of the salaries and benefits for the Intermediate Court of Appeals Judges and staff, facilities, furniture, fixtures, and equipment shall be included in the appropriation for the Supreme Court. To the extent possible, the Supreme Court shall designate existing facilities and existing staff members for use by the Intermediate Court of Appeals to minimize the costs for establishing and operating the Intermediate Court of Appeals.