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.[1]

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.[2] Every other factor not provided in this statute is murder in the second degree.

Penalties

Source:[3]

Offense	Mandatory sentencing
Manslaughter	1 to 10 years in prison
Second-degree murder	10 years in prison to life-without-parole
First-degree murder	15 years in prison to life-without-parole
Aggravated murder	Life imprisonment without the possibility of parole

References

1. "National Center for Health Statistics: Homicide Mortality by State". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February 16, 2021. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
2. "13 V.S.A. § 2301". Retrieved March 8, 2012.
3. "§ 2303. — Penalties for first and second degree murder :: Chapter 53 — HOMICIDE (contains §§ 2301 – 2311) :: Title 13 — Crimes and Criminal Procedure :: 2005 Vermont Code :: Vermont Code :: US Codes and Statutes :: US Law :: Justia". Law.justia.com. Retrieved August 2, 2012.