Code of Vermont Rules Agency 90 - JUDICIARY
Agency 90 of the Code of Vermont Rules is specifically designated for the Judiciary. This title contains the administrative rules, procedural guidelines, and ethical codes that govern the operation of Vermont's court system, as well as the conduct of judges and attorneys.
In Vermont, the Supreme Court holds significant authority over the administration of all state courts and has the power to make rules concerning court procedures, the admission of lawyers to the bar, and the discipline of lawyers and judges. Therefore, many of the regulations within Agency 90 are promulgated by the Supreme Court.
Here's a breakdown of the types of rules and codes you would find under Agency 90:
Vermont Rules of Civil Procedure (V.R.C.P.): These rules govern the conduct of civil lawsuits in Vermont's Superior Courts and other trial courts. They cover everything from filing a complaint, serving summons, discovery, motions, trials, and judgments.
Vermont Rules of Criminal Procedure (V.R.Cr.P.): These rules dictate the procedures for criminal cases, from arrest and initial appearance to arraignment, discovery, pre-trial motions, trials, sentencing, and appeals.
Vermont Rules of Appellate Procedure (V.R.A.P.): These rules govern the process for appealing cases from the trial courts to the Vermont Supreme Court. They cover filing notices of appeal, briefs, arguments, and dispositions.
Vermont Rules of Evidence (V.R.E.): These rules determine what evidence is admissible in court proceedings and how it can be presented.
Vermont Rules for Family Proceedings (V.R.F.P.): Specific rules tailored to the unique aspects of family law cases, such as divorce, child custody, child support, and domestic violence.
Vermont Rules for Environmental Proceedings (V.R.E.P.): Rules governing cases heard in the Environmental Division of the Superior Court.
Vermont Rules for Small Claims: Simplified procedures for disputes involving smaller monetary amounts.
Vermont Rules for Probate Proceedings: Rules specific to wills, estates, guardianships, and adoptions in the Probate Courts.
Vermont Rules of Professional Conduct: These are the ethical rules that all attorneys licensed to practice in Vermont must follow. They cover duties to clients, the court, and the public, as well as advertising and conflicts of interest.
Vermont Code of Judicial Conduct: This code sets forth the ethical standards for judges in Vermont, ensuring impartiality, integrity, and independence of the judiciary. It includes rules on avoiding impropriety, performing judicial duties competially, and refraining from inappropriate political activity.
Rules for Attorney Licensing, Discipline, and Continuing Legal Education (MCLE): These rules outline the requirements for becoming a licensed attorney in Vermont, the process for license renewal, mandatory continuing legal education, and the procedures for investigating and disciplining attorney misconduct (often involving the Professional Responsibility Board).
Rules for Judicial Conduct Board: Regulations establishing and governing the Judicial Conduct Board, which investigates complaints against judges.
Administrative Orders of the Supreme Court: The Supreme Court also issues administrative orders that cover various aspects of court administration, personnel policy for judicial branch employees, and other operational matters.
Rules of the Judicial Bureau: Specific rules governing the operation of the Judicial Bureau, which handles civil violations like traffic tickets and municipal ordinance violations.
In essence, Agency 90 comprises the foundational legal and administrative framework for the entire judicial system in Vermont, ensuring that justice is administered fairly, efficiently, and ethically. These rules are crucial for anyone involved in the legal process in Vermont, from lawyers and judges to litigants and citizens.
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