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Home/State Laws/Vermont

Vermont Mock Trial Rules

Northeast

VT · Capital: Montpelier

Evidence Rules

Vermont Rules of Evidence

Citation: V.R.E. [rule number]

Key Differences from Federal Rules of Evidence

  • V.R.E. 702 applies the Daubert standard with a flexible approach following State v. Brooks
  • Vermont Rule 404(b) requires a specific finding of non-propensity purpose and balancing before admitting other acts evidence
  • V.R.E. 803(24) retains a residual hearsay exception with slightly different notice requirements than FRE 807
  • Vermont interprets the excited utterance exception under Rule 803(2) more conservatively regarding time elapsed

Notable Rules

RuleDescription
V.R.E. 702Expert testimony governed by Daubert with a flexible, non-mechanical application following State v. Brooks (2006)
V.R.E. 404(b)Other acts evidence requires pretrial notice, specific permitted purpose, and Rule 403 balancing before admission
V.R.E. 501Privileges governed by Vermont statutes and common law, including a broader victim-counselor privilege than federal courts

Trial Procedure

Civil Procedure

Vermont Rules of Civil Procedure (V.R.C.P.)

Criminal Procedure

Vermont Rules of Criminal Procedure (V.R.Cr.P.)

Key Features

  • Vermont uses a unified Superior Court system with Civil, Criminal, Family, Environmental, and Probate Divisions
  • The state employs a case manager system for early intervention and scheduling in complex matters
  • Vermont allows for judicial settlement conferences at any stage of civil proceedings

Jury Rules

6

Civil Jury Size

12

Criminal Jury Size

Yes

Unanimity Required

  • Civil juries of 6 require unanimous agreement for a valid verdict
  • Criminal juries of 12 require unanimous verdicts for all felony and serious misdemeanor cases
  • Vermont guarantees jury trial rights broadly under Chapter I, Article 12 of the Vermont Constitution

Special Features

Unified Superior Court System

Vermont restructured its court system in 2010 into a unified Superior Court with specialized divisions, simplifying trial procedures and case management

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Other Northeast States

CT — ConnecticutME — MaineMA — MassachusettsNH — New HampshireNJ — New JerseyNY — New YorkPA — PennsylvaniaRI — Rhode Island
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