Vermont Public is independent, community-supported media, serving Vermont with trusted, relevant and essential information. We share stories that bring people together, from every corner of our region. New to Vermont Public? Start here.

© 2024 Vermont Public | 365 Troy Ave. Colchester, VT 05446

Public Files:
WVTI · WOXM · WVBA · WVNK · WVTQ · WVTX
WVPR · WRVT · WOXR · WNCH · WVPA
WVPS · WVXR · WETK · WVTB · WVER
WVER-FM · WVLR-FM · WBTN-FM

For assistance accessing our public files, please contact hello@vermontpublic.org or call 802-655-9451.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Explore our coverage of government and politics.

Vermont Supreme Court Dismisses Case Against Jailhouse Lawyer

The Vermont Supreme Court has dismissed a case against a person acting as a jailhouse lawyer. The state was pursuing criminal charges against Serendipity Morales, who helped fellow inmates draft court motions.  

Morales is an inmate at the Marble Valley Regional Correctional Center.

Morales received no compensation for her help but the state argued that her actions amounted to practicing law without a license.  

The court said it did not find probable cause that Morales had committed the unauthorized practice of law.  

Emily Tredeau, who represented Morales, ssys the court’s dismissal of the case is significant.

It protects jailhouse lawyering, which is how hundreds if not thousands of people in the state of Vermont first access the courts," Tredeau said. "What’s really important to the court in this case is that Ms. Morales was acting for free."

Tredeau says her client is thrilled that she can continue her work and that her name is on a case that represents a victory for jailhouse lawyers.

In dismissing the case, the court cited a number of considerations, including the fact that jailhouse lawyers are “a well-established fixture in the justice system.”

The court also said that inmates face challenges accessing legal advice. “Many important prisoners’ rights cases were initially filed by prisoners who were not represented by lawyers,” the court said.

Steve has been with VPR since 1994, first serving as host of VPR’s public affairs program and then as a reporter, based in Central Vermont. Many VPR listeners recognize Steve for his special reports from Iran, providing a glimpse of this country that is usually hidden from the rest of the world. Prior to working with VPR, Steve served as program director for WNCS for 17 years, and also worked as news director for WCVR in Randolph. A graduate of Northern Arizona University, Steve also worked for stations in Phoenix and Tucson before moving to Vermont in 1972. Steve has been honored multiple times with national and regional Edward R. Murrow Awards for his VPR reporting, including a 2011 win for best documentary for his report, Afghanistan's Other War.
Latest Stories