The Death Penalty in Vermont
How Vermont law treats death penalty, from the state code and official state agencies.
Short answer: Vermont's homicide statutes do not provide a death sentence. The most serious penalty is for aggravated murder (murder with a listed circumstance, such as killing a law enforcement officer, firefighter or corrections worker on duty, murder for hire, multiple murders, or murder during a… 13 V.S.A. §§ 2303, 2311
| Death penalty | Vermont's homicide statutes do not provide a death sentence. The most serious penalty is for aggravated murder (murder with a listed circumstance, such as killing a law enforcement officer, firefighter or corrections worker on duty, murder for hire, multiple murders, or murder during a sexual assault): life imprisonment with no lesser term, no parole, and no probation or suspended sentence. First degree murder carries a minimum of 35 years (adjustable by the jury to between 15 years and life without parole) and a maximum of life; second degree murder a minimum of 20 years and a maximum of life. Reviewed 13 V.S.A. chapter 53 (Homicide) on 2026-10-28; no death-penalty provision found. Source: 13 V.S.A. §§ 2303, 2311 |
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FAQ
Does Vermont have the death penalty?
Vermont's homicide statutes do not provide a death sentence. The most serious penalty is for aggravated murder (murder with a listed circumstance, such as killing a law enforcement officer, firefighter or corrections worker on duty, murder for hire, multiple murders, or murder during a sexual assault): life imprisonment with no lesser term, no parole, and no probation or suspended sentence. First degree murder carries a minimum of 35 years (adjustable by the jury to between 15 years and life without parole) and a maximum of life; second degree murder a minimum of 20 years and a maximum of life.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.