Judges must be independent, fair, and competent. The Vermont Supreme Court sets standards for the behavior of judges in the Code of Judicial Conduct. The Judicial Conduct Board investigates complaints about judges and recommends any needed action to the court.

About the Board

The Supreme Court appoints the nine members of the Judicial Conduct Board. The board consists of

  • Three judges, active or retired, but not active Supreme Court Justices
  • Three lawyers admitted to practice law in Vermont
  • Three members of the public who are not judges and are not admitted to practice law in Vermont

The board generally meets every other month.

Basis for Complaints

The Judicial Conduct Board investigates complaints against judges. This includes, among other things, claims that a judge has:

  • Violated the Code of Judicial Conduct
  • Violated the Rules of Professional Conduct
  • Committed an offense of moral turpitude (fraud or breach of trust)
  • Been convicted of a felony
  • Consistently failed to perform judicial duties
  • A physical or mental disability that permanently impairs judicial duties
  • Committed sexual harassment

The term "judge" means an officer of the court. This includes Supreme Court justices, superior judges, assistant judges, and probate judges. The term also refers to anyone who acts as a judge, such as commissioners, magistrates, hearing officers, masters, referees, and acting judges.

Board Investigation

The Judicial Conduct Board will review your complaint and the judge’s actions. If warranted, the board will conduct its own investigation into the matter. The board may hire a special counsel to investigate. Generally, the board’s records and proceedings are confidential.

The board will notify you if it has further questions about your complaint. When the investigation into your complaint is over, you will receive a written explanation of the outcome.

Board Members

Barbara Blackman, Esq.

Chair, Attorney Member

Merrill E. Bent, Esq.

Vice-Chair, Attorney Member

Honorable Harold E. Eaton, Jr.

Associate Justice, Liaison from Supreme Court

Honorable Cortland Corsones

Superior Judge

Honorable Laurel Mackin

Assistant Judge

Honorable Mary Miles Teachout

Superior Judge

K. Heather Devine, Esq.

Attorney Member

Susan Solari

Public Member

Daniel Ryan

Public Member

Jeffrey Monder

Public Member

 

Closure Reports

View Judicial Conduct Board closure reports by year.

Contact Information

Barbara Blackman, Esq.
Judicial Conduct Board
PO Box 310
Rutland, VT 05702-0310

(802) 786-1063

Discipline

If the board finds that a judge has committed judicial misconduct, the board can enter a deferred discipline agreement with the judge. The board may limit or condition the judge’s performance of judicial duties. The board may reprimand the judge or suspend the judge for a part or the rest of the judge’s term in office.

If the board files a formal complaint against the judge, its proceedings become public.

Public Discipline and Formal Complaints by Year

2023

Docket 22.040 In re Hon. William Cobb

 

Docket 22.042 In re Hon. Patricia Duff

 

2022

Docket 19.019 In re: Hon. Charles Delaney

 

2021

Docket 19.019 In re Hon. Ramsey

 

Docket 20.005 In re Hon. William Cobb

 

2019

Docket 18.008 In re Hon. Bernard Lewis

 

Docket 18.019 In re Hon. Roy Vance

 

Docket 18.024 In re Hon. Gregory Glennon

Limits of Board Action
  • The board will not overrule or overturn a judicial officer’s decision. Only an appellate court can review a court order. If you have questions about how to appeal an order of the court, contact that court or consult with a lawyer.
  • The board will not interpret, explain, or justify the meaning of a judicial officer’s decision. If you have questions about this, consult with a lawyer.
  • The board will not provide you with any guidance or legal advice regarding a pending legal proceeding or other legal matters. If you have questions of this nature, you should consult with a lawyer.
  • The board does not impeach judges. Only the General Assembly has the power to impeach.
  • The board does not investigate or discipline lawyers. To file a complaint against a lawyer, contact the Professional Responsibility Board.
Making a Complaint

If you want to file a complaint against a judge, you must submit your complaint in writing. You may use the Judicial Complaint form. 

It is helpful to include:

  • Your name and mailing address
  • A daytime telephone number
  • The name of the judge
  • A summary of your complaint, including the facts you believe show misconduct by the judge
  • The name of the court where the conduct happened and the docket number, if available
  • The dates when the possible misconduct took place
  • Any documents, letters, or other materials related to your complaint
  • The section of the code that you believe the judge has violated, if applicable

Send your complaint to:

Barbara Blackman, Esq., Chair
Judicial Conduct Board
PO Box 310
Rutland, VT 05702-0310

Phone: 802-786-1063
Fax: 802-786-1161

Vermont Code of Judicial Conduct

The Vermont Code of Judicial Conduct 2019 was adopted effective October 7, 2019. The Code is a set of principles about the proper conduct for judges.

Annual Financial Disclosure Statement

Pursuant to Rule 3.15 of the Vermont Code of Judicial Conduct 2019, judges are required to make an annual financial disclosure statement. This applies to full-time judges, which includes Supreme Court Justices, Superior Judges, Magistrates, and Hearing Officers. It also applies to continuing part-time judges, which includes probate judges and assistant judges.