Disputes Vt.’s

Kind of Justice

I first became introduced to Vermont’s system of law and justice in 1982. That was the year my wife and I moved to Randolph from New Jersey, with two vehicles bought and taxed in New Jersey years before. Being unable to prove the taxes had been paid, we were forced to pay again in order to register the cars in Vermont.

We were not alone. Many other voices were raised over double taxation; many letters to editors, state officials, lawyers. Eventually to the Vermont Supreme Court. That august body decided the petitioners had no case.

The United States Supreme Court thought otherwise. We got our tax back, without interest, after a long fight.

More examples of Vermont "justice" include a slap on the wrist punishment for those guilty of vandalism such as destruction of golf club vehicles, damage to the gazebo, not to mention the frustration of the police over their efforts to maintain order thwarted by "turn ‘em loose Bruce" judges who don’t seem to care.

Increasingly we read "arrested for DUI, third offense, driving with license suspended second time" and so on. More "revolving door justice."

The recent tragedy—the death of 12-year-old Brooke Bennett—should never have happened. And would not have, had the prime suspect still been in custody. There are some in law enforcement who say he should not have been released despite whatever passed for "rehabilitation."

We are sowing the seeds of our own destruction with the current concept of justice in this state.

Lewis Whitaker

Randolph

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