Rule 37 Rules.

(a) The Supreme Court, by order of the Chief Justice or Promulgation Order of the Court, may from time to time make and amend Rules governing its practice after giving appropriate public notice and an opportunity for comment from the local Bench, the public, and the local bar.

(b) Advisory Committee on Rules.

(1) Composition. The Chief Justice shall appoint a special committee to be known as the Advisory Committee on Rules. It shall consist of nine or more members, of which no less than two shall be judges of the Superior Court and no less than two shall be members of the Virgin Islands Bar Association. The Chief Justice shall appoint the members to three-year staggered terms, or such other terms as the Chief Justice may determine and shall designate one of the members as Chair of the Advisory Committee. A Justice of the Supreme Court may be designated by the Chief Justice as liaison to the Advisory Committee.

(2) Responsibilities. The Advisory Committee shall have the following responsibilities:

(A) Study and continuously monitor all rules governing appellate procedure, civil and criminal procedure, evidence, judicial discipline, disability, ethics, admission to and governance of the bar of the Virgin Islands, the administration of the judiciary and the practice and procedure in the courts of the Judicial Branch of the Virgin Islands;

(B) Suggest amendments or other changes to any rules, practices, or procedures;

(C) Solicit and receive comments from the bench, the bar, and the public on suggested rule changes;

(D) Consider the impact of existing statutes, pending legislation, or new case law on current rules or proposed rule changes, and submit its views on the subject to the Supreme Court; and

(E) Any other matter referred to it by the Chief Justice or the Supreme Court.

(3) Meetings and Report. The Advisory Committee shall meet no less than quarterly, and shall make an annual report to the Supreme Court concerning the status of its work no later than April 1 of the following year.

(4) Subcommittees. The Advisory Committee may establish subcommittees to assist it in performing its advisory functions. With the approval of the Chief Justice, the Chair of the Advisory Committee may appoint an individual who is not a member of the Advisory Board to serve on a subcommittee if the appointee possesses significant experience, leadership, or perspective that will assist the subcommittee in meeting its charge.

(5) Judicial Branch Facilities and Staff. The Administrator of Courts shall ensure that the facilities of the Virgin Islands Judiciary are available for use by the Advisory Committee for meetings and other functions. The Chief Justice may assign employees of the Supreme Court or of the Administrative Office to assist the Advisory Committee in the discharge of its duties.