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In a move aimed at improving efficiency and streamlining the appellate process, the Vermont Appellate Court announced today the implementation of a new system for expedited appeals. The new system, which will go into effect on November 1st, 2025, is designed to reduce the amount of time it takes for cases to be heard and decided upon by the court.Under the new system, parties seeking an expedited appeal will be required to file a motion with the court outlining the reasons why their case should be expedited. The court will then review the motion and determine whether to grant the request for expedited review. If the request is granted, the court will establish an expedited briefing schedule and expedite the hearing of the case.Chief Justice of the Vermont Appellate Court, Sarah Stevens, explained the reasoning behind the implementation of the new system, saying, "We have seen an increasing backlog of cases in our appellate court system, and it has become clear that we need to take action to ensure that cases are heard and decided upon in a timely manner. The expedited appeals system will help us to prioritize cases that require immediate attention and provide a quicker resolution for litigants."The new system has been met with mixed reactions from legal professionals in Vermont. Some have praised the move as a step in the right direction towards improving access to justice, while others have expressed concerns about the potential for expedited appeals to compromise the fairness and thoroughness of the appellate process.Despite the differing opinions, Chief Justice Stevens remains confident that the new system will ultimately benefit all parties involved. "We understand the concerns raised by some members of the legal community, but we believe that the expedited appeals process will allow us to more effectively manage our caseload and provide swift and efficient resolutions for litigants," she said.The Vermont Appellate Court will closely monitor the implementation of the new system and assess its effectiveness in the coming months. As the first cases are heard under the expedited appeals process, legal professionals and litigants alike will be watching closely to see how the new system impacts the appellate practice in Vermont.