Judicial Selection in the States: Vermont
Overview
The Vermont judiciary is composed of the supreme court; the trial courts, including the superior court which hears predominantly civil cases, the district court which hears primarily criminal cases, and the family court; and courts of special jurisdiction, including the probate court, the environmental court, and the judicial bureau. Vermont judges are appointed by the governor from a list of candidates submitted by the judicial nominating board. Judges serve six-year terms and must then be retained by a majority vote of the general assembly.