Vermont Supreme Court
Coverage of Vermont Supreme Court in the Nexus archive.
- Judge blocks attorney from raising police misconduct as a defense in chase that killed Rutland officer
A Rutland judge blocked the defense from using an internal affairs report detailing police misconduct during a chase that killed Officer Jessica Ebbighausen in a trial against Tate Rheaume, who faces murder charges. The defense plans to appeal the decision, arguing it infringes on constitutional rights to present a defense.
- Drunken driving case may linger for Addison state’s attorney due to new disciplinary action
Addison County State’s Attorney Eva Vekos pleaded no contest to a DUI charge in December 2025, with her conviction struck from her record after completing probation. Prosecutors oppose expunging her record to avoid jeopardizing a disciplinary action by the Professional Responsibility Board against her in Vermont Supreme Court.
- State and employees’ union butt heads over telework in Vermont’s highest court
The Vermont Supreme Court heard arguments over whether the state violated labor laws by implementing a three-day-per-week back-to-office policy without union negotiations. The Vermont State Employees Association argues the policy change required collective bargaining, while the state appeals a previous labor board ruling in favor of the union.
- Top court rules in favor of Green Mountain Power in lawsuit over child injured at substation
The Vermont Supreme Court ruled that Green Mountain Power was not liable for injuries suffered by a child who entered a locked substation with warning signs in 2013. The decision upheld precedents protecting landowners from liability involving trespassers, stating the child's entry despite visible warnings and locks negated negligence claims.