Stories about 'law' from the Welcome to the VPR Archive

Bennett case sparks debate over how to reduce sexual violence

By Bob Kinzel | July 10, 2008

The kidnapping and murder of a 12 year old Braintree girl last week has sparked a debate among Vermont’s political leaders about ways to reduce the incidence of sexual violence in the state.

Some question whether tougher penalties actually make public safer

By John Dillon | July 10, 2008

Some prosecutors and advocates for victims question whether tougher penalties actually work to make the public safer from sexual predators.

Critics say OMYA permit is illegal

By John Dillon | July 9, 2008

A federal judge has ruled that chemicals leaking from Omya’s landfills in Pittsford could threaten human health. But the state is close to granting Omya a permit that would allow the company to keep operating the waste site for two more years.

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New law aimed at preventing lead poisoning

By Neal Charnoff | July 1, 2008

New provisions go into effect today that are designed to strengthen Vermont’s existing law to prevent lead poisoning.

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Evidence thrown out in child porn case

By VPR | April 17, 2008

A major child pornography case appears to be falling victim to faulty police work. Judge William Sessions of the U.S. District Court for Vermont has ruled that agents acted illegally when they seized evidence during their search of a Braintree home.

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House bill raises penalties for violating environmental laws

By John Dillon | April 3, 2008

The Vermont House has passed legislation that raises penalties for violating Vermont’s environmental laws. But lawmakers weakened provisions that would have given the public a greater role in enforcement cases.

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Interview: Kenji Yoshino, author of “The Hidden Assault on Our Civil Rights”

By Neal Charnoff | March 27, 2008

The University of Vermont and the Vermont Law School are teaming up to sponsor a series of events featuring author Kenji Yoshino. In his book "Covering – The Hidden Assault On Our Civil Rights", Yoshino calls for a redefinition of civil rights in our law and culture.

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Mental health parity legislation gets preliminary approval

By Bob Kinzel | March 20, 2008

The Senate has given its preliminary approval to legislation that strengthens Vermont’s mental health parity law. But Windham senator Jeannette White says the actual implementation of the law hasn’t resulted in parity.

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Lawmakers work to strengthen environmental enforcement

By John Dillon | March 13, 2008

Lawmakers are working to strengthen Vermont’s environmental enforcement law.The legislation would allow the public to have a say before the state settles cases with polluters.

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House set to debate “two-vote” school budget law

By Bob Kinzel | February 27, 2008

The Vermont House is set to have a heated debate about a controversial law that was passed last year. The law calls on towns that spend a lot on education to hold two votes on their school budgets. Democratic leaders who supported the law last spring, now say the plan is too confusing and should be replaced.