Murder in Vermont law


Murder in Vermont law constitutes the intentional killing, under circumstances defined by law, of people within or under the jurisdiction of the U.S. state of Vermont.
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that in the year 2020, the state had the lowest murder rate in the country, in a near tie with New Hampshire.

Felony murder rule

In the state of Vermont the common law felony murder rule is codified at 13 V.S.A. § 2301. This rule provides that anyone who kills another person while committing or attempting to commit an arson, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, robbery or burglary, shall be guilty of first degree murder. Every other factor not provided in this statute is murder in the second degree.

Penalties

Source:
OffenseMandatory sentencing
Manslaughter1 to 10 years in prison
Second degree murder if mitigating factors outweigh any aggravating factorsLife
Second degree murderLife
Second degree murder if aggravating factors outweigh any mitigating factorsLife without parole or life
First degree murder if mitigating factors outweigh any aggravating factorsLife
First degree murderLife
First degree murder if aggravating factors outweigh any mitigating factorsLife without parole or life
Aggravated murderLife without parole