Vermont Supreme Court – Montpelier, VT

Vermont Supreme Court

The Highest Court in Vermont

The Vermont Supreme Court, situated at 111 State Street, serves as the state’s court of last resort. Established by the Vermont Constitution in 1777, the five-justice panel is responsible for the final interpretation of the state’s laws and constitution. The Court occupies a historic Beaux-Arts building, constructed in 1918, located directly adjacent to the Vermont State House and the Pavilion Building.

Jurisdiction and Responsibilities

As the pinnacle of the Vermont Judiciary, the Supreme Court functions primarily as an appellate body. Its key duties include:

• Appellate Review: Hearing appeals from the Superior Court divisions (Civil, Criminal, Family, Environmental, Probate) and certain administrative agencies.
• Administrative Control: overseeing the budget, rules, and operations of the entire state court system.
• Legal Oversight: regulating the admission of attorneys to the bar and disciplining judges and lawyers.

Visitor Information

The building houses the Supreme Court Gallery, which displays rotating art exhibits open to the public during business hours. The court holds oral arguments during scheduled terms, which are generally open to the public. Visitors must undergo security screening upon entry. This institution stands as the guardian of legal rights and the final arbiter of justice for the people of Vermont.