About the Committee

The Supreme Court adopts the rules of practice and procedure for all state courts. The Supreme Court appoints advisory committees to assist in keeping the rules up-to-date. The tasks of the Advisory Committee on the Rules of Evidence include:

  • Reviewing the operation and effectiveness of the evidence rules
  • Receiving proposals to change rules or adopt new rules
  • Making proposals to change rules or adopt new rules and sending these proposals to the Supreme Court
  • Sending proposed rules to the bar and public for comment and, when required, holding public hearings on proposed rules or rule changes
  • Receiving comments

Once a proposal has been sent out for comment, the committee may make further changes or may recommend that the Supreme Court adopt the change. The Supreme Court is responsible for promulgating any amendment

The committee includes:

  • Two superior judges
  • The chair of the Vermont Bar Association’s corresponding standing committee
  • Seven other members appointed by the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court designates the chair of the committee. The Supreme Court also appoints a reporter for the committee. The reporter revises or drafts rules at the request of the committee or the Supreme Court. The reporter's notes, which are published in the rules, explain the history and application of the rules.

Committee Members

Honorable H. Dickson Corbett Superior Judge, Chair
Honorable Harold E. Eaton, Jr.Associate Justice, Liaison from Supreme Court
Professor Jennifer K. RushlowReporter
Pamela A. Marsh, Esq.VBA Member
Honorable Elizabeth NovotnySuperior Judge
Ian C. Sullivan, Esq.Member 
John F. Evers, Esq.Member
Mimi Brill, Esq.Member
Claudine Safar, Esq.Member
Karen McAndrew, Esq.Member
Elizabeth H. Miller, Esq.Member
Marshall Pahl, Esq.Member
Benjamin Chater, Esq.Member
Michelle Donnelley, Esq.Member
Cristina Mansfield, Esq.Member

Contact Information

Honorable H. Dickson Corbett, Chair