Vermont
Vermont’s highest court is the Vermont Supreme Court. The court has four associate justices and one chief justice. The chief justice is chosen according to the same procedures as the associate justices. (Source: Vermont Constitution)
Judicial Selection
The governor nominates Vermont Supreme Court justices from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The nominee must be confirmed by a majority of the state senate. An appointed justice serves a six-year term. Justices may seek additional terms, in which a case a vote of the general assembly is held and the justice is retained unless a majority of the votes are against retention. To fill an interim vacancy, the governor nominates a candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The nominee must be confirmed by a majority of the state senate. An appointed justice serves a six-year term. There are no term limits. The mandatory retirement age is 90.
State Constitution
Vermont has had three state constitutions adopted between 1777 and 1793. As of January 1, 2024, it had 56 amendments. (Source: John Dinan, 2024)
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What We Learned From State Ballot Measures
The results of 2024's state ballot measures reveal mixed voter opinions on abortion, workers’ rights, and direct democracy.
A Rallying Cry Against Lockstepping
When state supreme courts peg their constitutions to federal interpretations, they erode the rule of law, undermine federalism, and limit rights protection.
To Prevent Chaos and Confusion, Judges Must Prepare for Election Emergencies
In advance of the election, judges should educate themselves on election administration and develop emergency response procedures that will enable creation of effective remedies.
When Does the U.S. Supreme Court Review State Supreme Court Decisions?
State courts have the final word on state law, but when federal law is involved, it can be complicated.
All Law Students Should be Educated About State Constitutions
Law professors planning lessons for the new academic year should consider incorporating state constitutions into the first-year constitutional law course.
Scholarship Roundup: September 2024 Back to School Edition
New articles and books cover a wide range of topics related to state constitutions, judiciaries, state-level democracy, and more.
Where Abortion Rights Will Be on the Ballot in 2024
Ten states will have abortion-related measures on the November ballot; most would amend their state constitutions to either affirm or expand protection for abortion care.
States Grapple with Problematic Rule from Federal Voting Cases
The Purcell principle, which holds that federal courts should not change voting rules too close to an election, is increasingly being raised in state litigation.