[1] The state constitution provides for the creation of lower courts that may have original and appellate jurisdiction and be divided into geographical and functional divisions, "as provided by law or by judicial rules adopted by the Supreme Court not inconsistent with law."
The courts are based in shire towns (County seats), where the courthouses are located.
[2] Superior Courts exercise exclusive jurisdiction over most civil cases, including torts and lawsuits over small claims of $5000 or less.
District Courts hear almost all criminal cases and a few civil cases, including civil suspension of driver's licenses and fish and wildlife, traffic ticket, and municipal ordinance violations.
Family courts hear family law matters, including marriage (divorce, annulment, desertion, and separation); child support; parentage; domestic violence and orders of protection for domestic abuse victims; juveniles (delinquency, abuse and neglect) and commitments to the Vermont State Hospital, the state psychiatric hospital.
The Court hears appeals from municipal boards and commissions and appeals from Act 250 decisions as well as cases from the Agency of Natural Resources, Natural Resource Board, and municipal enforcement.
Appeals from the Judicial Bureau are heard by the Criminal Division of the Vermont Superior Court.
Civil violations include an array of decriminalized conduct involving operation of motor vehicles (traffic), hunting/fishing/trapping, possession of alcohol/tobacco/marijuana, hazing, lead paint abatement, unreasonable noise, animal cruelty, etc.
Pre-trial motions and discovery are not allowed, unless permission has been granted by a judicial officer.
The burden of proof is on the State or municipality to prove the alleged violation by clear and convincing evidence, meaning the truth of the facts asserted is highly probable.
Hearing Officers also sit in the Vermont Superior Court by special assignment.
Hearing Officers are members of the Vermont Bar appointed by the Chief Superior Court Judge.
The Clerk supervises the Court Operations Manager and a statewide administrative staff at the courthouse in White River Junction.