VT BAR Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield VT BAR facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. An act performed by a corporation outside the scope of its stated purposes in the articles of incorporation is known as: → Ultra vires
2. Under the Vermont Constitution, which branch has the power to grant pardons? → The Governor
3. FRE 407 provides that evidence of subsequent remedial measures is generally inadmissible to prove which of the following? → Negligence, culpable conduct, or a product defect
4. The best evidence rule (FRE 1002) generally requires which of the following to prove the contents of a document? → The original document itself
5. The Takings Clause requires the government to pay just compensation when it takes private property for which purpose? → Public use only
6. An easement appurtenant benefits which party? → The owner of the dominant estate
7. Which Vermont law governs the disclosure obligations of residential real estate sellers to buyers? → Vermont Residential Property Disclosure Act (27 V.S.A. § 1154)
8. Vermont Rule of Evidence 502 (mirroring FRE 502) addresses inadvertent disclosure of which type of privileged information? → Attorney-client communications and work product
9. In Vermont divorce proceedings, which ground is required — Vermont being a no-fault divorce state? → A 6-month separation with no likelihood of reconciliation
10. The Confrontation Clause of the Sixth Amendment requires that testimonial hearsay may only be admitted against a criminal defendant when which condition is met? → The declarant is unavailable AND the defendant had a prior opportunity to cross-examine
11. Under the First Amendment as applied to Vermont, which level of scrutiny applies to content-neutral time, place, and manner restrictions on speech? → Intermediate scrutiny
12. What is the legal standard for determining whether a confession is admissible in court? → The confession must be made voluntarily and not coerced
13. Under the 'eggshell plaintiff' rule, a defendant is liable for what extent of harm to an unusually vulnerable plaintiff? → The full extent of harm, even if unforeseeable due to the plaintiff's vulnerability
14. Which Vermont statute provides immunity to landowners who open their land for recreational use without charge? → Vermont Recreational Use Statute (12 V.S.A. § 5791)
15. The Free Exercise Clause protects individuals from government burdens on religion unless the law is which of the following? → A law of general applicability and neutrality toward religion
16. Under Vermont's homestead exemption, a debtor may exempt how much equity in their primary residence from creditors? → $125,000
17. Authentication of a document under FRE 901 requires the proponent to produce evidence sufficient to support a finding that the item is what? → What the proponent claims it to be
18. Under the physician-patient privilege in Vermont, which of the following is NOT protected? → Medical information reported to public health authorities as required by law
19. Under Vermont law, can the state legislature amend the Vermont Constitution without a referendum? → No, constitutional amendments require approval by the voters
20. Under the Fourth Amendment, which standard must police satisfy to obtain a search warrant? → Probable cause
21. Vermont's child support guidelines are based on which model? → Income shares model combining both parents' incomes
22. Which privilege protects confidential communications between an attorney and their client from compelled disclosure? → Attorney-client privilege
23. Under substantive due process, which right has the U.S. Supreme Court recognized as a fundamental right requiring strict scrutiny? → The right to interstate travel
24. Which constitutional provision prevents a state from impairing the obligation of contracts? → The Contracts Clause
25. Under Vermont's parentage law, which of the following may establish legal parentage of a child? → Biological connection, marriage presumption, acknowledgment of parentage, or court order
26. Vermont's Constitution was first adopted in which year, making it one of the earliest state constitutions? → 1777
27. In Vermont, which comparative fault system is used to apportion damages in negligence cases? → Modified comparative fault (50% bar rule)
28. What is the primary purpose of a motion to dismiss in civil procedure? → To challenge the legal sufficiency of the complaint
29. Under Vermont law, which of the following is classified as marital property subject to division upon divorce? → Property acquired by either spouse during the marriage
30. Under Vermont's Constitution, how long is the term of a Vermont Supreme Court Justice? → 10 years, subject to legislative approval