Remittitur is generally an order by a court for a new trial, or alternatively, for an amount of damages less than that awarded by the jury, and requires the plaintiff to choose between the two. The term remittitur is also used to refer to the written and signed document that a party who was awarded damages in a trial (the plaintiff) may file with the clerk if it agrees to remit or accept the court’s suggestion of lesser damages than were awarded.

In Vermont, remittitur is a legal concept where a judge may reduce the amount of damages awarded by a jury if the judge finds that the award is excessive and not supported by the evidence presented during the trial. The judge can offer the plaintiff the choice between accepting a lower, court-determined award or undergoing a new trial. This process is intended to correct a jury's award that appears to be influenced by passion, prejudice, or another improper factor. If the plaintiff agrees to the reduced amount, they may file a remittitur, which is a formal acknowledgment of their acceptance of the lower damages. This process allows the court to ensure that the award of damages is in line with what is considered reasonable and just under the law. If the plaintiff does not accept the remittitur, then the case may be retried to determine a new damages award. Vermont state statutes and case law govern the application of remittitur, and the specific procedures and standards may vary based on the jurisdiction and the unique circumstances of each case.