On Your Own; Your Legal Right @ Eighteen On Your Own formatted final version | Page 36

in New York City. Circuit Court decisions may be appealed to the United
States Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. (but the Supreme Court can
decide whether or not to accept the case, and it hears very few cases per
year).
At the state level, there are several different courts in Vermont, each with
the power to hear different kinds of cases:
The Civil Division of the Superior Court has general civil jurisdiction. It
handles cases in which one person sues another for money damages or
“equitable” relief like injunctions. The Civil Division also handles evictions,
foreclosures, large collection actions, and a variety of other non-criminal
cases. Decisions of the Civil Division can be appealed to the Vermont
Supreme Court. The Small Claims Court is housed within the Civil Division
and is usually located in the same place as the Civil Division. Small claims
cases are typically heard by acting judges, who are often lawyers who
practice in the community. The small claims court only has the power to
award money damages, and only up to $5,000. Small claims decisions can
be appealed to the Civil Division.
The Judicial Bureau hears civil violations like speeding tickets and some
minor drug and alcohol offenses. Judicial Bureau cases are often heard by
acting judges and the decisions of the Judicial Bureau can also be appealed
to the Civil Division.
The Criminal Division of the Superior Court has jurisdiction over criminal
matters like serious drug possession cases, DUIs, and domestic assault. It
also has jurisdiction over certain civil proceedings related to criminal
cases, such as DUI license suspension hearings and drug forfeiture
proceedings. Decisions of the Criminal Division can be appealed to the
Vermont Supreme Court.
The Family Division of the Superior Court has jurisdiction over divorce,
custody, paternity, child support, relief from abuse orders, and juvenile
court issues such as abused and neglected children. Decisions of the
Family Division can be appealed to the Vermont Supreme Court.
The Probate Court has jurisdiction over guardianships, estates, and
adoptions, and decisions of the Probate Court are appealed to the Civil
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