Media Registration and Use of Recording and Transmitting Devices

There are specific rules governing the possession and use of recording and transmitting devices (defined broadly to include cell phones, tablets, and laptops) in courthouses and courtrooms. 

To record or transmit judicial proceedings, media must register in advance of the hearing.

Participants and observers can use devices in limited ways in a courtroom.

About the Vermont Judiciary

The Vermont judicial branch of government protects the rights of all Vermonters. It does this by ruling on every case in a way that is fair, impartial and timely. The role of the courts is to protect individual rights and to ensure everyone a day in court.

Boards and Committees

The Supreme Court has established many boards and committees to assist the court with:

  • Disciplinary oversight of judges and lawyers
  • Rules governing practice and procedure in the courts
  • Access to court records
  • Rules that regulate the introduction of evidence
  • Procedures in civil, criminal, family, and probate case
Court Divisions

The Vermont Judiciary consists of an appellate court which is the Supreme Court. It also has a trial court known as the Vermont Superior Court. There are 14 units of the Superior Court, one corresponding to each county. The Superior Court has five divisions: civil, criminal, environmental, family, and probate. The Superior Court also has a Judicial Bureau, which has statewide jurisdiction. Each of these courts has a distinct role in providing justice.

Opinions and Decisions

Browse opinions and decisions of the Vermont Supreme Court, Civil Division, and Environmental Division.

Professional Responsibility Board

The Vermont Supreme Court has the power under the Vermont Constitution to oversee the professional conduct of all attorneys practicing in Vermont. The court formed the Vermont Professional Responsibility Board to administer the professional responsibility program, which regulates the legal profession.

Records Requests

Vermont's Public Records Act, 1 V.S.A. sec 315-320, provides a broad right of access to public records, but it also upholds citizens' personal privacy as well as legitimate government interests. Rules such as the Rules for Public Access to Court Records and the Rules Governing Dissemination of Electronic Case Records help protect privacy rights and governmental interests. You may be denied access to certain court records if reviewing the document(s) would be in violation of those rules.

Supreme Court Justices

Learn about the justices of the Vermont Supreme Court.