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Vermont Judiciary

From dKosopedia

The Vermont court system consists of seven State courts:

  1. The Supreme Court, the state's highest court, consists of a chief justice and four associate justices. For the most part, it hears appeals of cases that have been decided by the other courts. No evidence is presented during an appeal; the attorneys argue in writing and in the courtroom as to why they think the decision made in the lower court should be changed or remain the same. If the Supreme Court overrules the decision of the trial court, it is done solely on issues of law. The Supreme Court rarely reviews the jury's decision on the facts. The Supreme Court also has overall administrative control of the court system and makes administrative and procedural rules for all courts.
  2. The Superior Court hears predominantly civil cases including small claims cases in which people sue for $3,500 or less. On occasion, it hears criminal cases. Each county has two assistant judges who sit with one of the Superior Court judges in most cases. The assistant judges (who need not be attorneys) are elected county officials who are responsible for county affairs in addition to their responsibilities in court.
  3. The District Court hears predominantly criminal cases. Assistant judges do not sit in the District Court.
  4. The Family Court hears divorces, juvenile, domestic abuse, and child support cases. The District and Superior Court judges as well as assistant judges are assigned to the Family Court
  5. The Probate Court handles the probate of wills, the settlement of estates, adoptions, guardianships, name changes and uniform gifts to minors. There are 18 Probate Court judges who are elected for four-year terms. There is no requirement that the judges of probate be attorneys.
  6. The Environmental Court hears appeals of Act 250 enforcement orders issued by the executive branch and also hears appeals of zoning decisions made by cities and towns.
  7. The Vermont Judicial Bureau hears traffic ticket cases and violations of municipal ordinances, and some fish and wildlife violations, and others including: hazing and minors possessing alcohol.

There is trial by jury only in Superior and District Courts. Most jury work in Superior Court is civil. Most jury work in District Court is criminal. [1]


External Links

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This page was last modified 19:35, 13 April 2006 by dKosopedia user Allamakee Democrat. Based on work by dKosopedia user(s) Jbet777. Content is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License.


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