Terms Used In Vermont Statutes Title 2 Sec. 22

  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • Subpoena: A command to a witness to appear and give testimony.
  • Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.

§ 22. Complaint filed in the Superior Court to compel testimony or production of evidence

(a) If a person does not comply with a legislative subpoena, a Superior Court may compel the attendance of the person, the giving of testimony, and the production of papers or other evidence, as required by the subpoena.

(b) A person may refuse to comply with a legislative subpoena on the grounds of a valid privilege.

(c) The General Assembly, by a majority vote of those present in either house, or any committee of the General Assembly having subpoena authority by a majority vote of its membership, may initiate proceedings under this section by filing a complaint with the court asking that the witness be so compelled.

(d) The failure of any witness to comply with an order of the court issued under this section shall constitute contempt of court. (Added 1993, No. 161 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)