When there is more than one state, or more than one jurisdiction (state court, federal court) with a significant relationship to the parties and circumstances involved in a lawsuit or dispute, the question may arise as to which state or jurisdiction’s laws will govern the lawsuit or dispute. The body of law that determines what law governs a dispute is called conflict of laws and consists of legal principles courts use to determine which state or jurisdiction’s law applies—unless the parties to a dispute have agreed (usually in a contract) on what law will apply.

In Vermont, as in other states, the issue of which jurisdiction's laws apply to a lawsuit or dispute is governed by the principles of conflict of laws, also known as choice of law. Vermont courts will analyze the connections that the parties and the circumstances of the case have with different jurisdictions to determine which state's laws should apply. Factors that may influence this decision include the location where a contract was signed or where a tort occurred, the residency or place of business of the parties involved, and the jurisdictions' interests in the dispute. Vermont courts may also consider any choice of law provisions in a contract, where the parties have agreed in advance to the application of a particular jurisdiction's laws. In cases involving federal law or where jurisdiction is based on federal question or diversity of citizenship, federal courts may apply a different set of conflict of law rules. It's important to note that conflict of laws is a complex area, and the specific facts of a case will greatly influence the determination of applicable law. An attorney can provide guidance on how these principles may apply to a particular case in Vermont.