Legal Resources
Free sources for problem-solving and research
Brooks Memorial has self-help legal books for checkout in the 300 section of the mezzanine, and Vermont Statutes Annotated for use in the library. A librarian at the Help Desk can assist with basic legal information and connections to legal resources in the community and the state. This page lists resources for independent research.
Core Law Resources for Vermonters
Tools and guidance for legal questions
*Gale LegalForms Access a wide selection of Vermont-specific (and multi-state) interactive pdf forms for frequently-needed legal topics. Funded with support from the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
Vermont Law Help General civil legal information to help with legal problem-solving on many topics, such as housing, money issues, healthcare, family concerns, and more. Also includes help finding free and low-cost civil legal aid in Vermont.
The Community Legal Information Center (CLIC) at the Vermont Law School in South Royalton serves all Vermonters, in person and through the Ask A Law Librarian Line: (802)-831-1313, reference@vermontlaw.edu. Walk-In Services include legal research databases (including Westlaw and Lexis Advance), legal self-help books, and Vermont-specific legal materials.
Vermont Bar Association “for the Public” page is full of useful links, including self-help resources, information on pro-bono legal help, and more.
Know Your Rights, from the ACLU Handy overviews that address the rights of many different groups and legal situations, from the American Civil Liberties Union.
Vermont Laws
Vermont Statutes Searchable, unofficial database of VT Statutes for reference and research.
Vermont Statutes Annotated is a multi-volume print set that is kept up to date in the reference section at the library. The print set is the official publication of the statutes, including case law annotations.
Vermont Courts
Remote Hearings
Participating in Remote Hearings is a practical guide from Vermont Judiciary. It answers many questions about how to participate in court through videoconferencing.
Brooks Memorial Library has private conference rooms and laptops that can be used for remote hearings. We also provide basic technical support when possible, based on library staffing.
Guides and Resources for Wider Research
Vermont Law Research Guide from Vermont Law School. Use this guide to understand how legal information is organized and accessed in Vermont.
Legal Information Institute at the Cornell Law School. Reliable online research tools free to all.
Larger Law Libraries in the Area
The Franklin Law Library in Greenfield, MA welcomes all visitors
The Community Legal Information Center (CLIC) at the Vermont Law School in South Royalton serves all Vermonters, in person and through the Ask A Law Librarian Line: (802)-831-1313; reference@vermontlaw.edu. Walk-In Services include legal research databases (including Westlaw and Lexis Advance), legal self-help books, and Vermont-specific legal materials.
*Resources with an asterisk are accessible remotely with a Brooks Memorial Library card, and on-site at the library for all visitors.
