Vermont Statutes > Title 3 > Chapter 27 – State Employees Labor Relations Act

		Sections
Subchapter 1	Generally	901 – 911
Subchapter 2	Labor Relations Board	921 – 929
Subchapter 3	Certification Procedure	941 – 942
Subchapter 4	Unfair Labor Practices	961 – 966
Subchapter 4A	Whistleblower Protection	971 – 978
Subchapter 5	Agreements; Generally	981 – 982
Subchapter 6	Miscellaneous Provisions	1001 – 1008

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Terms Used In Vermont Statutes > Title 3 > Chapter 27 - State Employees Labor Relations Act

Accident: means any occurrence with a motor vehicle involving the applicant, insured, or any operator of a private passenger type motor vehicle currently a resident in the same household that results in physical contact between the motor vehicle owned or operated by the insured or applicant, and a person or another object. See
Account: means a demand deposit or share draft (checking) account, savings account, or other comparable consumer asset account (other than an occasional or incidental credit balance in a credit plan) regularly maintained by the consumer at a financial institution or at a credit union. See
Account: means either of the two accounts created under section 4176 of this chapter. See
Account verification service: means any person who, for monetary fees, dues, or on a cooperative nonprofit basis, regularly engages in whole or in part in the practice of:
Adjourn: A motion to adjourn a legislative chamber or a committee, if passed, ends that day's session.
Adjuster: means any person who investigates claims or negotiates settlement of claims arising under policies of insurance in behalf of insurers under such policies, or who advertises or solicits business from insurers as an adjuster. See
Admitted insurer: means an insurer licensed to transact business in this State. See
Advice and consent: Under the Constitution, presidential nominations for executive and judicial posts take effect only when confirmed by the Senate, and international treaties become effective only when the Senate approves them by a two-thirds vote.
Advisory or service organization: means any person or organization that assists insurers as authorized by section 4690 of this title, but such an organization shall not include joint underwriting organizations, actuarial or legal consultants, a single insurer, any employees of an insurer, or insurers under common control or management or their employees or managers. See
Affidavit: A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.
Affiliate: means affiliate as defined in section 3681 of this title. See
Affiliated company: means any company in the same corporate system as a parent, an industrial insured, or a member organization by virtue of common ownership, control, operation, or management. See
Affiliated reinsurance company: means a company licensed by the Commissioner pursuant to this subchapter to reinsure risks ceded by one or more ceding insurers that are affiliated companies. See
Affirmed: In the practice of the appellate courts, the decree or order is declared valid and will stand as rendered in the lower court.
Agency: means the Agency of Transportation. See
Agency captive insurance company: means a captive insurance company that is owned or directly or indirectly controlled by one or more insurance agencies or brokerages licensed under the laws of any state and that only insures risks of policies that are placed by or through such agency or agencies, or brokerage or brokerages, as applicable. See
Aircraft: means a contrivance used or designed for navigation of or flight in the air and specifically includes ultralight aircraft. See
Airport: means any area of land or water set aside by the Agency, any political subdivision, or person, except a restricted landing area, that is designed for the landing and take-off of aircraft, and used or to be used in the interest of the general public whether or not facilities are provided for the shelter, servicing, or repair of aircraft, or for receiving or discharging passengers or cargo, and all appurtenant areas used or suitable for airport buildings or other airport facilities, including all appurtenant rights-of-way. See
Alien captive insurance company: means any insurance company formed to write insurance business for its parents and affiliates and licensed pursuant to the laws of an alien jurisdiction that imposes statutory or regulatory standards in a form acceptable to the Commissioner on companies transacting the business of insurance in such jurisdiction. See
Allegation: something that someone says happened.
Amendment: A proposal to alter the text of a pending bill or other measure by striking out some of it, by inserting new language, or both. Before an amendment becomes part of the measure, thelegislature must agree to it.
Amortization: Paying off a loan by regular installments.
Annual meeting: when applied to towns shall mean the annual town meeting in March or an adjournment thereof. See
Annual percentage rate: The cost of credit at a yearly rate. It is calculated in a standard way, taking the average compound interest rate over the term of the loan so borrowers can compare loans. Lenders are required by law to disclose a card account's APR. ^{Source: FDIC}
Annuity: A periodic (usually annual) payment of a fixed sum of money for either the life of the recipient or for a fixed number of years. A series of payments under a contract from an insurance company, a trust company, or an individual. Annuity payments are made at regular intervals over a period of more than one full year.
Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
Appellate: About appeals; an appellate court has the power to review the judgement of another lower court or tribunal.
Appraisal: A determination of property value.
Appraiser: means any person who, for compensation, appraises the loss or damage under policies of automobile insurance on the behalf of the insurers under such policies. See
Assets: (1) The property comprising the estate of a deceased person, or (2) the property in a trust account.
Association: means the Vermont Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association created under section 4176 of this chapter. See
Association: means a joint underwriting association established pursuant to this chapter. See
Association: means any legal association of individuals, corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, associations, or other entities, the member organizations of which or which does itself, whether or not in conjunction with some or all of the member organizations:
Association captive insurance company: means any company that insures risks of the member organizations of the association and that also may insure the risks of affiliated companies of the member organizations and the risks of the association itself. See
Attachment: A procedure by which a person's property is seized to pay judgments levied by the court.
Attorney: means the attorney-in-fact of a reciprocal insurer. See
Attorney-at-law: A person who is legally qualified and licensed to practice law, and to represent and act for clients in legal proceedings.
Attorney-in-fact: A person who, acting as an agent, is given written authorization by another person to transact business for him (her) out of court.
authorized: when used in the context of assessments means a resolution by the Board of Directors has been passed whereby an assessment will be called immediately or in the future from member insurers for a specified amount. See
Bail: Security given for the release of a criminal defendant or witness from legal custody (usually in the form of money) to secure his/her appearance on the day and time appointed.
Bankruptcy: Refers to statutes and judicial proceedings involving persons or businesses that cannot pay their debts and seek the assistance of the court in getting a fresh start. Under the protection of the bankruptcy court, debtors may discharge their debts, perhaps by paying a portion of each debt. Bankruptcy judges preside over these proceedings.
bargaining collectively: means the process of negotiating terms, tenure, or conditions of employment between the State of Vermont, the Vermont State Colleges, the University of Vermont, or the Department of State's Attorneys and Sheriffs and representatives of employees with the intent to arrive at an agreement that, when reached, shall be reduced to writing. See
Benefit plan: means a specific employee, union, or association of natural persons benefit plan. See
biennially: shall mean the year in which a regular session of the General Assembly is held. See
Board: means the State Labor Relations Board established under section 921 of this title. See
Branch business: means any insurance business transacted by a branch captive insurance company in this State. See
Branch captive insurance company: means any alien captive insurance company licensed by the Commissioner to transact the business of insurance in this State through a business unit with a principal place of business in this State. See
Branch operations: means any business operations of a branch captive insurance company in this State. See
Business entity: means a corporation, association, partnership, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, or other legal entity. See
Business entity limited lines producer: means a business entity, as defined in subdivision (8) of this section, that is also a limited lines producer, as defined in subdivision (7) of this section. See
called: when used in the context of assessments means that a notice has been issued by the Association to member insurers requiring that an authorized assessment be paid within the time frame set forth within the notice. See
Captive insurance company: means any pure captive insurance company, association captive insurance company, sponsored captive insurance company, industrial insured captive insurance company, agency captive insurance company, risk retention group, affiliated reinsurance company, or special purpose financial insurance company formed or licensed under the provisions of this chapter. See
Ceding insurer: means an insurance company approved by the Commissioner and licensed or otherwise authorized to transact the business of insurance or reinsurance in its state or country of domicile, which cedes risk to a special purpose financial insurance company pursuant to a reinsurance contract. See
Ceding insurer: means an insurance company approved by the Commissioner and licensed or otherwise authorized to transact the business of insurance or reinsurance in its state or country of domicile, which cedes risk to an affiliated reinsurance company pursuant to a reinsurance contract. See
Chambers: A judge's office.
Charges: means the amount a consumer owes to a company in addition to the funded amount and includes an administrative fee, origination fee, underwriting fee, processing fee, and any other fee regardless of how the fee is denominated, including amounts denominated as interest or rate. See
Charity: An agency, institution, or organization in existence and operating for the benefit of an indefinite number of persons and conducted for educational, religious, scientific, medical, or other beneficent purposes.
classification: means a plan, system, or arrangement for recognizing differences in exposure to hazard among risks. See
Collective bargaining service fee: means a fee deducted by an employer from the salary or wages of an employee who is not a member of an employee organization, which is paid to the employee organization that is the exclusive bargaining agent for the bargaining unit of the employee. See
Collective bargaining unit: means the employees of an employer, being either all of the employees, the members of a department or agency, or such other unit or units as the Board may determine are most appropriate to best represent the interests of employees. See
Commercial risk insurance: means insurance within the scope of this chapter that is not:
Commissioner: means the Commissioner of Financial Regulation. See
Commissioner: means the Commissioner of Financial Regulation. See
Commissioner: means the Commissioner of Financial Regulation. See
Commissioner: means the Commissioner of Financial Regulation. See
Commissioner: means the Commissioner of Financial Regulation or a designee. See
Commissioner: means the Commissioner of Financial Regulation. See
Commissioner: means the Commissioner of Financial Regulation. See
Commissioner: means the Commissioner of Financial Regulation of this State, or the commissioner, director, or superintendent of insurance in any other state. See
Commissioner: means the Commissioner of Financial Regulation. See
Commissioner: means the Commissioner of Financial Regulation. See
Common law: The legal system that originated in England and is now in use in the United States. It is based on judicial decisions rather than legislative action.
Community Reinvestment Act: The Act is intended to encourage depository institutions to help meet the credit needs of the communities in which they operate, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. It was enacted by the Congress in 1977. ^{Source: OCC}
company: means a person that provides consumer litigation funding to a consumer. See
Company: means corporation or limited liability company. See
Competitive market: means a market that has not been found to be noncompetitive pursuant to section 4684 of this title. See
Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
Complaint: means an employee's, or group of employees', informal expression to the immediate supervisor of dissatisfaction with aspects of employment or working conditions under a collective bargaining agreement. See
Confidential employee: means an employee finally determined by the Board as having responsibility or knowledge or access to information relating to collective bargaining, personnel administration, or budgetary matters that would make membership in or representation by an employee organization incompatible with the employee's official duties. See
Consultant: means an individual, resident, or nonresident who, for a fee, holds himself or herself out to the public as engaged in the business of offering any advice, counsel, opinion, or service with respect to the benefits, advantages, or disadvantages promised under any policy of insurance that could be issued in this State. See
Consumer: means a natural person who is seeking or has obtained consumer litigation funding for a pending legal claim, provided:
Continuance: Putting off of a hearing ot trial until a later time.
Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
contract: means a contract between a company and a consumer for the provision of consumer litigation funding. See
Contractual obligation: means any obligation under a policy or contract, or certificate under a group policy or contract, or portion thereof, for which coverage is provided under section 4173 of this chapter. See
Controlled insurer: means a licensed insurer that is controlled, directly or indirectly, by a producer. See
Controlled unaffiliated business: means any person:
Controlling producer: means a producer who, directly or indirectly, controls an insurer. See
Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
Conviction: means a judicial determination of guilt by a court of competent jurisdiction regardless of whether a trial was held and regardless of whether a sentence was imposed. See
Counterclaim: A claim that a defendant makes against a plaintiff.
Covered individual: means an individual covered under a dental insurance plan or a health insurance plan. See
covered policy: means a policy or contract, or portion of a policy or contract, for which coverage is provided under section 4173 of this chapter. See
Credit accident and health insurance: means insurance on a debtor to provide indemnity for payments becoming due on a specific loan or other credit transaction while the debtor is disabled as defined in the policy. See
Credit bureau: An agency that collects individual credit information and sells it for a fee to creditors so they can make a decision on granting loans. Typical clients include banks, mortgage lenders, credit card companies, and other financing companies. (Also commonly referred to as consumer-reporting agency or credit-reporting agency.) ^{Source: OCC}
Credit life insurance: means insurance on the life of a debtor pursuant to or in connection with a specific loan or other credit transaction. See
Credit report: A detailed report of an individual's credit history prepared by a credit bureau and used by a lender in determining a loan applicant's creditworthiness. ^{Source: OCC}
Credit reporting agency: means any person who, for monetary fees, dues, or on a cooperative nonprofit basis, regularly engages in whole or in part in the practice of assembling or evaluating consumer credit information or other information on consumers for the purpose of reporting to third parties on the credit rating or creditworthiness of any consumer. See
Creditor: means the lender of money or vendor or lessor of goods, services, property, right, or privileges, for which payment is arranged through a credit transaction or any successor to the right, title, or interest of any such lender, vendor, or lessor, and an affiliate, associate, or subsidiary of any of them or any director, officer, or employee of any of them or any other person in any way associated with any of them. See
Creditor: is a person having any claim, whether matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, secured or unsecured, absolute, fixed, or contingent. See
Customer: means , for purposes of this subchapter, any person who deposits, borrows, or invests with a financial institution, including a surety or a guarantor on a loan. See
Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
debt adjustment: means making an agreement with a debtor whereby the debt adjuster agrees to distribute, supervise, coordinate, negotiate, or control the distribution of money or evidences thereof among one or more of the debtor's creditors in full or partial payment of obligations of the debtor and includes services as an intermediary between a debtor and one or more of the debtor's creditors for the purpose of obtaining concessions. See
Debtor: means a borrower of money or a purchaser or lessee of goods, services, property, rights, or privileges for which payment is arranged through a credit transaction. See
Deed: The legal instrument used to transfer title in real property from one person to another.
Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
Delinquency proceeding: means any proceeding instituted against an insurer for the purpose of liquidating, rehabilitating, reorganizing, or conserving such insurer, and any summary proceeding under sections 7041 and 7042 of this title. See
Dental insurance plan: means a stand-alone dental plan or policy that provides coverage for dental services separately from a health insurance plan. See
Dental insurer: means any health or dental insurance company, including a nonprofit dental service corporation, that offers a dental insurance plan for sale. See
Dentist: means an individual licensed to practice dentistry under 26 Vt. See
Department: means the Department of Financial Regulation. See
Department head: means a secretary of an agency, commissioner of a department, director of an office, or any other appointing authority in charge of an agency of State government. See
Discovery: Lawyers' examination, before trial, of facts and documents in possession of the opponents to help the lawyers prepare for trial.
Doing business: as used in this chapter only, includes any of the following acts, whether effected by mail or otherwise:
Domestic: when applied to a corporation, company, association, or copartnership shall mean organized under the laws of this State; "foreign" when so applied, shall mean organized under the laws of another state, government, or country. See
Domestic insurer: means any insurer that has been chartered by, incorporated, organized, or constituted within or under the laws of this State. See
Domestic risk: means a subject of insurance that is resident, located, or to be performed in this State. See
Domestic surplus lines insurer: means a domestic insurer with which insurance coverage may be placed under this chapter. See
Domiciliary state: means the state in which an insurer is incorporated or organized or, in the case of an alien insurer, its state of entry. See
Electronic funds transfer: The transfer of money between accounts by consumer electronic systems-such as automated teller machines (ATMs) and electronic payment of bills-rather than by check or cash. (Wire transfers, checks, drafts, and paper instruments do not fall into this category.) ^{Source: OCC}
Embezzlement: In most states, embezzlement is defined as theft/larceny of assets (money or property) by a person in a position of trust or responsibility over those assets. Embezzlement typically occurs in the employment and corporate settings. ^{Source: OCC}
Employee: means a State employee as defined by subdivision (5) of this section except as the context requires otherwise. See
Employee organization: means an organization of any kind in which employees participate and that exists for the purpose of representing its members, if certified by the Board as an exclusive representative for the purposes of collective bargaining. See
Employer: means the State of Vermont, excluding the Legislative and Judiciary Departments, represented by the Governor or designee, the Office of the Defender General represented by the Defender General or designee, Vermont State Colleges represented by the Chancellor or designee, and the University of Vermont represented by the President or designee. See
Equal Credit Opportunity Act: Prohibits creditors from discriminating against credit applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or because an applicant receives income from a public assistance program. ^{Source: OCC}
Equitable: Pertaining to civil suits in "equity" rather than in "law." In English legal history, the courts of "law" could order the payment of damages and could afford no other remedy. See damages. A separate court of "equity" could order someone to do something or to cease to do something. See, e.g., injunction. In American jurisprudence, the federal courts have both legal and equitable power, but the distinction is still an important one. For example, a trial by jury is normally available in "law" cases but not in "equity" cases. ^{Source: U.S. Courts}
Escheat: Reversion of real or personal property to the state when 1) a person dies without leaving a will and has no heirs, or 2) when the property (such as a bank account) has been inactive for a certain period of time. ^{Source: OCC}
Escrow: Money given to a third party to be held for payment until certain conditions are met.
Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
Evidence of coverage: means any certificate, agreement, or contract issued to a member setting out the coverage to which the member is entitled and the rates for that coverage. See
Ex officio: Literally, by virtue of one's office.
Executor: A male person named in a will to carry out the decedent
Expenses: means that portion of any rate attributable to acquisition, field supervision and collection expenses, general expenses, and taxes, licenses, and fees. See
Experience period: means the three years immediately preceding the date of application or the 39 months preceding the renewal date of the policy. See
Experience rating: means a rating procedure utilizing past insurance experience of the individual policyholder to forecast future losses by measuring the policyholder's loss experience to produce a prospective premium credit, debit, or unity modification. See
Fair Credit Reporting Act: A federal law, established in 1971 and revised in 1997, that gives consumers the right to see their credit records and correct any mistakes. ^{Source: OCC}
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation: A government corporation that insures the deposits of all national and state banks that are members of the Federal Reserve System. ^{Source: OCC}
Federal Reserve System: The central bank of the United States. The Fed, as it is commonly called, regulates the U.S. monetary and financial system. The Federal Reserve System is composed of a central governmental agency in Washington, D.C. (the Board of Governors) and twelve regional Federal Reserve Banks in major cities throughout the United States. ^{Source: OCC}
Fees: shall mean earnings due for official services, aside from salaries or per diem compensation. See
Fiduciary: A trustee, executor, or administrator.
Finance charge: The total cost of credit a customer must pay on a consumer loan, including interest. The Truth in Lending Act requires disclosure of the finance charge. ^{Source: OCC}
Financial information: means an original or copy of, or information derived from:
Financial institution: means an institution as defined in subdivision 11101(32) of this title. See
Financial institution: means a financial institution as defined in subdivision 11101(32) of this title, and a credit union, financial institution subsidiary, licensed lender, mortgage broker, or sales finance company organized or regulated under the laws of this State, the United States, or any other state or territory. See
Financial institution: means a financial institution as defined in subdivision 10202(5) of this chapter. See
Fiscal year: The fiscal year is the accounting period for the government. For the federal government, this begins on October 1 and ends on September 30. The fiscal year is designated by the calendar year in which it ends; for example, fiscal year 2006 begins on October 1, 2005 and ends on September 30, 2006.
Fixed Rate: Having a "fixed" rate means that the APR doesn't change based on fluctuations of some external rate (such as the "Prime Rate"). In other words, a fixed rate is a rate that is not a variable rate. A fixed APR can change over time, in several circumstances:
- You are late making a payment or commit some other default, triggering an increase to a penalty rate
- The bank changes the terms of your account and you do not reject the change.
- The rate expires (if the rate was fixed for only a certain period of time).
Forbearance: A means of handling a delinquent loan. A
Foreclosure: A legal process in which property that is collateral or security for a loan may be sold to help repay the loan when the loan is in default. ^{Source: OCC}
Foreign country: means any other jurisdiction not in any state. See
Foreign guaranty association: means any similar entities now in existence in or hereafter created by the legislature of any other state. See
Forgery: The fraudulent signing or alteration of another's name to an instrument such as a deed, mortgage, or check. The intent of the forgery is to deceive or defraud. ^{Source: OCC}
Fraud: Intentional deception resulting in injury to another.
Funded amount: means the amount of monies provided to, or on behalf of, the consumer pursuant to a litigation funding contract. See
funding: means a nonrecourse transaction in which a company purchases and a consumer assigns to the company a contingent right to receive an amount of the potential net proceeds of a settlement or judgment obtained from the consumer's legal claim. See
Garnishment: Generally, garnishment is a court proceeding in which a creditor asks a court to order a third party who owes money to the debtor or otherwise holds assets belonging to the debtor to turn over to the creditor any of the debtor
General account: means all assets and liabilities of the sponsored captive insurance company not attributable to a protected cell. See
general assets: include all such property or its proceeds in excess of the amount necessary to discharge the sum or sums secured thereby. See
Germane: On the subject of the pending bill or other business; a strict standard of relevance.
Gift: A voluntary transfer or conveyance of property without consideration, or for less than full and adequate consideration based on fair market value.
gift certificate: includes a record that contains a microprocessor chip, magnetic strip, or other means for the storage of information that is prefunded and for which the value is decremented upon each use; a gift card; an electronic gift card; a prepaid access card or certificate; a store card; or a similar record or card. See
Grace period: The number of days you'll have to pay your bill for purchases in full without triggering a finance charge. ^{Source: Federal Reserve}
Grand jury: agreement providing that a lender will delay exercising its rights (in the case of a mortgage,
Grievance: means a written complaint submitted to the Department or to the health maintenance organization in accordance with the health maintenance organization's formal grievance procedure by or on behalf of a member regarding any aspect of the health maintenance organization relative to the member. See
Grievance: means an employee's, group of employees', or the employee's collective bargaining representative's expressed dissatisfaction, presented in writing, with aspects of employment or working conditions under a collective bargaining agreement or the discriminatory application of a rule or regulation, that has not been resolved to a satisfactory result through informal discussion with immediate supervisors. See
Guarantor: A party who agrees to be responsible for the payment of another party's debts should that party default. ^{Source: OCC}
Guaranty association: means the Vermont Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association created in accordance with the provisions of chapter 101, subchapter 9 of this title, the Vermont Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association created in accordance with the provisions of chapter 112 of this title, and any other similar entity now or hereafter created by the General Assembly of this State for the payment of claims of insolvent insurers. See
Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
Health care services: means physician, hospitalization, laboratory, x-ray service, and medical equipment and supplies, which may include: medical, surgical, and dental care; psychological, obstetrical, osteopathic, optometric, optic, podiatric, chiropractic, nursing, physical therapy services, and pharmaceutical services; health education; preventive medical, rehabilitative, and home health services; inpatient and outpatient hospital services, extended care, nursing home care, convalescent institutional care, laboratory and ambulance services, appliances, drugs, medicines, and supplies; and any other care, service, or treatment of disease or conditions, or the maintenance of the physical and mental well-being of members. See
Health insurance plan: means any individual or group health insurance policy, any hospital or medical service corporation or health maintenance organization subscriber contract, or any other health benefit plan offered, issued, or renewed for any person in this State by a health insurer. See
Health maintenance organization: means any person who furnishes, either directly or through arrangements with others, comprehensive health care services to an enrolled member in return for periodic payments; the amounts of said payments are agreed upon prior to the time during which the health care services may be furnished; and who is obligated to the member to arrange for or to provide directly available and accessible health care services. See
Home state: means , with respect to an insured:
Home state: means the District of Columbia and any state or territory of the United States in which an insurance producer maintains his or her principal place of residence or principal place of business and is licensed to act as an insurance producer. See
hospital service corporation: includes any corporation organized under the provisions of this chapter and also any unincorporated association furnishing hospital, medical, surgical, or nursing services, or any combination of these, to subscribers or members, except as provided in section 4519 of this title. See
Illegal order: means a directive to violate, or to assist in violating, a federal, State, or local law. See
Impaired insurer: means a member insurer that, after the effective date of this chapter, is not an insolvent insurer and who is placed under an order of rehabilitation or conservation by a court of competent jurisdiction. See
Incorporated protected cell: means a protected cell that, subject to the approval of the Commissioner, is formed as any type of entity permissible under Vermont law, separate from the sponsored captive insurance company of which it is a part. See
Indebtedness: means the total amount payable by a debtor to a creditor in connection with a loan or other transaction. See
Indemnification: In general, a collateral contract or assurance under which one person agrees to secure another person against either anticipated financial losses or potential adverse legal consequences. ^{Source: FDIC}
Independent trust company: means a company formed in this or any other state, that is chartered to act as a fiduciary or engages in a trust business, but is neither a depository institution nor a foreign bank as defined in Section 1(b)(7) of the International Banking Act of 1978. See
Industrial insured: means an insured:
Industrial insured captive insurance company: means any company that insures risks of the industrial insureds that comprise the industrial insured group, and that may insure the risks of the affiliated companies of the industrial insureds and the risks of the controlled unaffiliated business of an industrial insured or its affiliated companies. See
Industrial insured group: means any group of industrial insureds that collectively:
inhabitants: shall mean the population of the political division referred to, as ascertained by the national census last completed before the time when such population is a material fact. See
Injunction: An order of the court prohibiting (or compelling) the performance of a specific act to prevent irreparable damage or injury.
insolvent: means :
Insolvent insurer: means a member insurer that, after the effective date of this chapter, is placed under an order of liquidation by a court of competent jurisdiction with a finding of insolvency. See
insurance contract: means any contract of insurance, indemnity, medical, dental, optometric, or hospital service, suretyship, or annuity issued, proposed for issuance, or intended for issuance by any person. See
Insurance policy: means a policy or contract covering any kind of insurance described in this title, including a contract or certificate issued by a fraternal benefit society under chapter 121 of this title or a subscriber contract issued by a medical or hospital service corporation under chapter 123 or 125 of this title. See
Insurance producer: means a person required to be licensed under the laws of this State to sell, solicit, or negotiate insurance. See
Insured: means a person owning a private passenger type automobile and includes a relative of an owner or a minor in the custody of an owner or relative, if the relative or minor resides in the same household as does an owner. See
Insurer: means any insurance company regulated by this title, including a fraternal benefit society or a medical or hospital service corporation. See
Insurer: means any person who has done, purports to do, is doing or is licensed to do an insurance business, and is or has been subject to the authority of, or to liquidation, rehabilitation, reorganization, supervision, or conservation by, any insurance commissioner. See
Insurer: means any person engaged in the business of insurance in this State. See
insurer: means any person, firm, association, or corporation duly licensed to transact an insurance business in this State. See
Interest rate: The amount paid by a borrower to a lender in exchange for the use of the lender's money for a certain period of time. Interest is paid on loans or on debt instruments, such as notes or bonds, either at regular intervals or as part of a lump sum payment when the issue matures. ^{Source: OCC}
Interrogatories: Written questions asked by one party of an opposing party, who must answer them in writing under oath; a discovery device in a lawsuit.
Joint underwriting: means a voluntary arrangement established on an ad hoc basis to provide insurance coverage pursuant to which two or more insurers separately contract with the insured at a price and under policy terms agreed upon between the insurers. See
Judgement: The official decision of a court finally determining the respective rights and claims of the parties to a suit.
Labor dispute: includes any controversy concerning terms, tenure, or conditions of employment, or concerning the association or representation of persons in negotiating, fixing, maintaining, changing, or seeking to arrange terms or conditions of employment, regardless of whether the disputants stand in the proximate relation of employer and employee. See
Lawsuit: A legal action started by a plaintiff against a defendant based on a complaint that the defendant failed to perform a legal duty, resulting in harm to the plaintiff.
Lead: means any information identifying a potential consumer of a loan. See
Lease: A contract transferring the use of property or occupancy of land, space, structures, or equipment in consideration of a payment (e.g., rent). ^{Source: OCC}
Liabilities: The aggregate of all debts and other legal obligations of a particular person or legal entity.
liabilities: includes reserves required by statute or by general regulations of the Department or specific requirements imposed by the Commissioner upon a subject company at the time of admission or subsequent to its admission. See
License: means a document issued by the Commissioner authorizing a person to act as an insurance producer for the lines of authority specified in the document. See
Lien: A claim against real or personal property in satisfaction of a debt.
Limited lines insurance: means travel accident or travel baggage insurance, or any other line of insurance that the Commissioner deems necessary to recognize for the purposes of complying with subsection 4813h(d) of this subchapter, or any other line of insurance the Commissioner, by regulation, shall deem essential for the transaction of business in this State and that does not require the professional competency demanded for an insurance producer's license. See
Limited lines producer: means a person authorized by the Commissioner to sell, solicit, or negotiate limited lines insurance as defined in subchapter 1A of this chapter. See
Litigation: A case, controversy, or lawsuit. Participants (plaintiffs and defendants) in lawsuits are called litigants.
Loan: means a residential mortgage loan. See
Loan processor or underwriter: means an individual who performs clerical or support duties as an employee at the direction and subject to the supervision and instruction of a person licensed, or exempt from licensing, under this chapter. See
Loan solicitation: means , for compensation or gain or with the expectation of compensation or gain, to:
Loss cost: means the actuarially developed portion of the rate needed to cover future losses and claims. See
Loss trending: means any procedure for projecting developed losses to the average date of loss for the period during which the policies are to be effective. See
Magistrate: shall mean any Supreme Court Justice, Superior judge, District judge, or Probate judge. See
Management: means the board of directors, managing board, or other individual or individuals vested with overall responsibility for the management of the affairs of the special purpose financial insurance company, including officers or other agents elected or appointed to act on behalf of the special purpose financial insurance company. See
Managerial employee: is a n individual finally determined by the Board as being in an exempt or classified position that requires the individual to function as an agency, department, or institution head, a major program or division director, a major section chief, or director of a district operation. See
Managing general agent: means any person who:
Managing general agent: means any person who:
Market: means the statewide interaction between buyers and sellers of a particular line of insurance or product market component. See
Member: means an insurer that is a member of an association. See
Member: means any individual who has entered into a contract with a health maintenance organization for health care services or for services related to but not limited to processing, administering, or the payment of claims for health care services or on whose behalf such an arrangement has been made. See
Member insurer: means any insurer or health maintenance organization licensed or that holds a certificate of authority to transact in this State any kind of insurance or health maintenance organization business for which coverage is provided under section 4173 of this chapter and includes an insurer or health maintenance organization whose license or certificate of authority in this State may have been suspended, revoked, not renewed, or voluntarily withdrawn, but does not include:
Member organization: means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association, or other entity that belongs to an association. See
Mercantile agency: means any person who, for monetary fees, dues, or on a cooperative nonprofit basis, regularly engages in whole or in part in the practice of assembling or evaluating business credit information or other information on businesses for the purpose of reporting to third parties on the credit rating or creditworthiness of any business. See
Month: shall mean a calendar month and "year" shall mean a calendar year and be equivalent to the expression "year of our Lord. See
Mortgage: The written agreement pledging property to a creditor as collateral for a loan.
Mortgage broker: means any person who for compensation or gain, or in the expectation of compensation or gain, directly or indirectly negotiates, places, assists in placement, or finds, or offers to negotiate, place, assist in placement, or find mortgage loans, other than commercial loans, on real property for others. See
Mortgage loan: A loan made by a lender to a borrower for the financing of real property. ^{Source: OCC}
Mortgage loan originator:
Mortgagee: The person to whom property is mortgaged and who has loaned the money.
Mortgagor: The person who pledges property to a creditor as collateral for a loan and who receives the money.
Mutual corporation: means a corporation organized without stockholders and includes a nonprofit corporation with members. See
NAIC: means the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. See
National Bank: A bank that is subject to the supervision of the Comptroller of the Currency. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency is a bureau of the U.S. Treasury Department. A national bank can be recognized because it must have "national" or "national association" in its name. ^{Source: OCC}
National Credit Union Administration: The federal regulatory agency that charters and supervises federal credit unions. (NCUA also administers the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund, which insures the deposits of federal credit unions.) ^{Source: OCC}
Negotiate: means the act of conferring directly with or offering advice directly to a purchaser or prospective purchaser of a particular contract of insurance concerning any of the substantive benefits, terms, or conditions of the contract, provided the person engaged in that act either sells insurance or obtains insurance from insurers for purchasers. See
Net proceeds: means the amount recovered by a consumer as a result of a legal claim less costs associated with the legal claim or the underlying events giving rise to the legal claim, including:
Nolo contendere: No contest-has the same effect as a plea of guilty, as far as the criminal sentence is concerned, but may not be considered as an admission of guilt for any other purpose.
Noncompetitive market: means a market for which there is a ruling in effect pursuant to section 4684 of this title that a reasonable degree of competition does not exist. See
Organizational documents: means the affiliated reinsurance company's articles of incorporation and bylaws and such other documents as shall be approved by the Commissioner. See
Paid value: means the value of any money or other thing of value given in exchange for a gift certificate. See
Parent: means a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, other entity, or individual, that directly or indirectly owns, controls, or holds with power to vote more than 50 percent of the outstanding voting:
Participant: means an entity as defined in section 6036 of this title, and any affiliates thereof, that are insured by a sponsored captive insurance company, where the losses of the participant are limited through a participant contract to such participant's pro rata share of the assets of one or more protected cells identified in such participant contract. See
Participant contract: means a contract by which a sponsored captive insurance company insures the risks of a participant and limits the losses of each such participant to its pro rata share of the assets of one or more protected cells identified in such participant contract. See
Partnership: A voluntary contract between two or more persons to pool some or all of their assets into a business, with the agreement that there will be a proportional sharing of profits and losses.
Person: means an individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association, joint stock association, or body politic, including a trustee, receiver, assignee, or other similar representative. See
Person: means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association, governmental body or entity, or voluntary organization. See
Person: means any individual, corporation, association, partnership, reciprocal exchange, interinsurer, Lloyds insurer, fraternal benefit society, and any other legal entity engaged in the business of insurance, including agents, brokers, appraisers, and adjusters. See
Person: includes individuals, partnerships, associations, trusts, and corporations. See
Person: includes one or more individuals, the State of Vermont, Vermont State Colleges, University of Vermont, Department of State's Attorneys and Sheriffs, employee organizations, labor organizations, partnerships, corporations, legal representatives, trustees, or any other natural or legal entity whatsoever. See
Person: means an individual or a business entity. See
Personal property: All property that is not real property.
Petit jury: A group of citizens who hear the evidence presented by both sides at trial and determine the facts in dispute. Federal criminal juries consist of 12 persons. Federal civil juries consist of six persons.
Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
Plan: means the plan of operation of the association approved or proposed by the Commissioner pursuant to this chapter. See
Plan of operation and feasibility study: means an analysis that presents the expected activities and results of a risk retention group as required by chapter 141 of this title. See
Plan sponsor: means :
Plea: In a criminal case, the defendant's statement pleading "guilty" or "not guilty" in answer to the charges, a declaration made in open court.
Pleadings: Written statements of the parties in a civil case of their positions. In the federal courts, the principal pleadings are the complaint and the answer.
Pool: means a voluntary arrangement other than a residual market mechanism, established on an ongoing basis, pursuant to which two or more insurers participate in the sharing of risks on a predetermined basis. See
Portable electronics: means electronic devices that are portable in nature, their accessories, and services related to the use of such devices. See
Portable electronics insurance: means insurance that may be offered on a month-to-month or other periodic basis as a group or master commercial inland marine policy that provides coverage for the repair or replacement of portable electronics against any one or more of the following causes of loss: loss, theft, inoperability due to mechanical failure, malfunction, damage, or other similar causes of loss. See
Portable electronics vendor: means a person in the business of selling or leasing portable electronics directly or indirectly. See
Power of attorney: A written instrument which authorizes one person to act as another's agent or attorney. The power of attorney may be for a definite, specific act, or it may be general in nature. The terms of the written power of attorney may specify when it will expire. If not, the power of attorney usually expires when the person granting it dies. ^{Source: OCC}
Precedent: A court decision in an earlier case with facts and law similar to a dispute currently before a court. Precedent will ordinarily govern the decision of a later similar case, unless a party can show that it was wrongly decided or that it differed in some significant way.
premiums: as used in this chapter means premiums, rates, or other required contributions by whatever name known. See
President pro tempore: A constitutionally recognized officer of the Senate who presides over the chamber in the absence of the Vice President. The President Pro Tempore (or, "president for a time") is elected by the Senate and is, by custom, the Senator of the majority party with the longest record of continuous service.
Probate: Proving a will
Producer: means an agent, broker, or reinsurance intermediary licensed pursuant to subchapter 1 of this chapter. See
Product liability: means liability for damages because of any personal injury, death, emotional harm, consequential economic damage, or property damage, including damages resulting from the loss of use of property, arising out of the manufacture, design, importation, distribution, packaging, labeling, lease, or sale of a product, but does not include the liability of any person for those damages if the product involved was in the possession of such a person when the incident giving rise to the claim occurred. See
Promotional value: means any value shown on a gift certificate in excess of the paid value of the gift certificate. See
Property and casualty insurance: means all insurance covered under chapter 128 of this title relating to property and casualty rate regulation. See
Prosecute: To charge someone with a crime. A prosecutor tries a criminal case on behalf of the government.
Protected cell: means a separate account established by a sponsored captive insurance company formed or licensed under the provisions of this chapter, in which assets are maintained for one or more participants in accordance with the terms of one or more participant contracts to fund the liability of the sponsored captive insurance company assumed on behalf of such participants as set forth in such participant contracts, and shall include an "incorporated protected cell" as defined in this section. See
Provider: means any physician, hospital, or other institution, organization, or other person who furnishes health care services. See
Public adjuster: means any person who investigates claims or negotiates settlement of claims arising under policies of insurance in behalf of the insured under such policies or who advertises or solicits business as such adjuster. See
Public body: means :
Pure captive insurance company: means any company that insures risks of its parent and affiliated companies or controlled unaffiliated business. See
Pure premium rate: means that portion of the rate that represents the loss cost per unit of exposure or loss cost per unit of insurance. See
Quorum: The number of legislators that must be present to do business.
Rate: means the cost of insurance per exposure base unit, or cost per unit of insurance, prior to the application of individual risk variations based upon loss or expense considerations, and does not include minimum premiums. See
Receiver: means receiver, liquidator, rehabilitator, or conservator as the context requires. See
Receivership court: means the court in the insolvent or impaired insurer's state having jurisdiction over the conservation, rehabilitation, or liquidation of the member insurer. See
Reciprocal state: means any state other than this State in which in substance and effect subsection 7057(a) and sections 7093, 7094, and 7096 through 7098 of this title are in force, and in which provisions are in force requiring that the commissioner or equivalent official be the receiver of a delinquent insurer, and in which some provision exists for the avoidance of fraudulent conveyances and preferential transfers. See
Recourse: An arrangement in which a bank retains, in form or in substance, any credit risk directly or indirectly associated with an asset it has sold (in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles) that exceeds a pro rata share of the bank's claim on the asset. If a bank has no claim on an asset it has sold, then the retention of any credit risk is recourse. ^{Source: FDIC}
Reinsurance contract: means a contract between a special purpose financial insurance company and a ceding insurer pursuant to which the special purpose financial insurance company agrees to provide reinsurance to the ceding insurer for risks associated with the ceding insurer's insurance or reinsurance business. See
Reinsurance contract: means a contract between an affiliated reinsurance company and a ceding insurer pursuant to which the affiliated reinsurance company agrees to provide reinsurance to the ceding insurer. See
Reinsurance intermediary: means a reinsurance intermediary-broker or a reinsurance intermediary-manager as defined in subdivisions (10) and (11) of this section. See
Reinsurance intermediary-broker: means any person, other than an officer or employee of the ceding insurer, who solicits, negotiates, or places reinsurance cessions or retrocessions on behalf of a ceding insurer without the authority or power to bind reinsurance on behalf of such insurer. See
Reinsurance intermediary-manager: means any person who has authority to bind or manages all or part of the assumed reinsurance business of a reinsurer, including the management of a separate division, department, or underwriting office, and acts as an agent for such reinsurer whether known as a reinsurance intermediary-manager, manager, or other similar term. See
Reinsurer: means any person, firm, association, or corporation duly licensed in this State pursuant to the applicable provisions of the insurance law as an insurer with the authority to assume reinsurance. See
Remainder: An interest in property that takes effect in the future at a specified time or after the occurrence of some event, such as the death of a life tenant.
Remand: When an appellate court sends a case back to a lower court for further proceedings.
Reporter: Makes a record of court proceedings and prepares a transcript, and also publishes the court's opinions or decisions (in the courts of appeals).
Representatives: includes any individual or individuals certified by the Board to represent employees or employee organizations in collective bargaining or grievance proceedings. See
Rescission: The cancellation of budget authority previously provided by Congress. The Impoundment Control Act of 1974 specifies that the President may propose to Congress that funds be rescinded. If both Houses have not approved a rescission proposal (by passing legislation) within 45 days of continuous session, any funds being withheld must be made available for obligation.
Resident: means any person to whom a contractual obligation is owed and who resides in Vermont on the date of entry of a court order that determines a member insurer to be an impaired insurer or a court order that determines a member insurer to be an insolvent insurer, whichever occurs first. See
Residential mortgage loan application: means a request, in any form, for an offer, or a response to a solicitation of an offer, of residential mortgage loan terms, and information about the borrower or prospective borrower that is customary or necessary in a decision on whether to make such an offer. See
Residual market mechanism: means an arrangement, either voluntary or mandated by law or regulation of the Commissioner, involving participation by insurers in the equitable apportionment among them of insurance that may be afforded applicants who are unable to obtain insurance through ordinary methods. See
Restitution: The court-ordered payment of money by the defendant to the victim for damages caused by the criminal action.
Retaliatory action: includes any adverse performance or disciplinary action, including discharge, suspension, reprimand, demotion, denial of promotion, imposition of a performance warning period, or involuntary transfer or reassignment that is given in retaliation for the State employee's involvement in a protected activity, as set forth in section 973 of this title. See
Reverse mortgage loan: means a loan that:
Right of rescission: Right to cancel, within three business days, a contract that uses the home of a person as collateral, except in the case of a first mortgage loan. There is no fee to the borrower, who receives a full refund of all fees paid. The right of rescission is guaranteed by the Truth in Lending Act (TILA). ^{Source: OCC}
Risk retention group: means a company referred to in section 6070 of this title domiciled in this State. See
Risk retention group: means a captive insurance company organized under the laws of this State pursuant to the Liability Risk Retention Act of 1986, 15 U. See
said: when used by way of reference to a person or thing shall apply to the same person or thing last mentioned. See
Sales finance company: means any person who has purchased one or more retail installment contracts, as defined in 9 V. See
School officers: shall include all persons, other than teachers, who have to do with matters pertaining to public schools. See
seal: shall include an impression of the official seal made upon paper alone or by means of a wafer or wax affixed thereto. See
Secretary: means the Secretary of Transportation. See
Secured claim: means any claim secured by mortgage, trust, deed, pledge, deposit as security, escrow, or otherwise, but not including special deposit claims or claims against general assets. See
Sell: means to exchange a contract of insurance by any means, for money or its equivalent, on behalf of an insurer. See
Service of process: The service of writs or summonses to the appropriate party.
Servicing: means receiving a scheduled periodic payment from a borrower pursuant to the terms of a loan, including amounts for escrow accounts, and making the payments to the owner of the loan or other third party of principal and interest and other payments with respect to the amounts received from the borrower as may be required pursuant to the terms of the servicing loan document or servicing contract. See
Settlement: Parties to a lawsuit resolve their difference without having a trial. Settlements often involve the payment of compensation by one party in satisfaction of the other party's claims.
Society: means a fraternal benefit society. See
Solicit: means attempting to sell insurance or asking or urging a person to apply for a particular kind of insurance from a particular insurer. See
Special purpose financial insurance company: means a captive insurance company that has received a license from the Commissioner to operate as a special purpose financial insurance company pursuant to this subchapter. See
Special purpose financial insurance company security: means :
Sponsor: means any entity that meets the requirements of section 6035 of this title and is approved by the Commissioner to provide all or part of the capital and surplus required by applicable law and to organize and operate a sponsored captive insurance company. See
Sponsored captive insurance company: means any captive insurance company:
State: means a state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and a U. See
State: means any state of the United States or the District of Columbia. See
State: means any state, district, or territory of the United States and the Panama Canal Zone. See
State employee: means any individual employed on a permanent or limited-status basis by the State of Vermont, the Vermont State Colleges, the University of Vermont, the State's Attorneys' offices, or as a full-time deputy sheriff paid by the State pursuant to 24 V. See
State employee: means an individual employed on a permanent or limited status basis by the State of Vermont. See
Statistical plan: means a plan, system, or arrangement used in collecting insurance or related data. See
Statute: A law passed by a legislature.
Statute of limitations: A law that sets the time within which parties must take action to enforce their rights.
Strike: means any concerted stoppage of work by employees and any concerted slowdown, interference, or interruption of operations or services by employees. See
Structured settlement annuity: means an annuity purchased in order to fund periodic payments for a plaintiff or other claimant in payment for or with respect to personal injury suffered by the plaintiff or other claimant. See
Subpoena: A command to a witness to appear and give testimony.
Summons: Another word for subpoena used by the criminal justice system.
Supplementary rate information: includes any manual, schedule, or plan of rates, classification system, rating schedule, minimum premium, policy fee, rating rule, rating plan, or any other similar information needed or used to determine the applicable premium in effect or to be in effect for an insured. See
Supporting information: means :
Surcharge: means any amount of premium charged to or paid by an applicant or insured based on experience or record that makes the amount of the premium greater than that imposed on or charged to other applicants or insureds having more favorable experience or records. See
Surplus lines broker: means an individual licensed under this chapter and chapter 131 of this title. See
Surplus lines insurance: means coverage not procurable from admitted insurers. See
Surplus lines insurance broker: means an individual who solicits, negotiates, or procures a policy of insurance in an insurance company not licensed to transact business in this State that cannot be procured from insurers licensed to do business in this State. See
Surplus lines insurer: means a non-admitted insurer with which insurance coverage may be placed under this chapter. See
Surplus note: means an unsecured subordinated debt obligation possessing characteristics consistent with paragraph 3 of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Statement of Statutory Accounting Principles No. See
sworn: shall include affirmed. See
Temporary restraining order: Prohibits a person from an action that is likely to cause irreparable harm. This differs from an injunction in that it may be granted immediately, without notice to the opposing party, and without a hearing. It is intended to last only until a hearing can be held.
Testify: Answer questions in court.
Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.
Transcript: A written, word-for-word record of what was said, either in a proceeding such as a trial or during some other conversation, as in a transcript of a hearing or oral deposition.
Transfer: shall include the sale and every other and different mode, direct or indirect, of disposing of or of parting with property or with an interest therein, or with the possession thereof or of fixing a lien upon property or upon an interest therein, absolutely or conditionally, voluntarily, by or without judicial proceedings. See
Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
Trust account: A general term that covers all types of accounts in a trust department, such as estates, guardianships, and agencies. ^{Source: OCC}
Trust business: means the holding out by a person to the public by advertising, solicitation or other means that the person is available to act as a fiduciary in this or another state for hire or compensation. See
Truth in Lending Act: The Truth in Lending Act is a federal law that requires lenders to provide standardized information so that borrowers can compare loan terms. In general, lenders must provide information on ^{Source: OCC}
Unallocated annuity contract: means any annuity contract or group annuity certificate that is not issued to and owned by an individual except to the extent of any annuity benefits guaranteed to an individual by an insurer under such contract or certificate. See
Underwrite: means the authority to accept or reject risk on behalf of the risk retention group. See
Underwrite: means the authority to accept or reject risk on behalf of the insurer. See
Uniform Application: means the current version of the NAIC Uniform Application for resident and nonresident producer licensing. See
Uniform Business Entity Application: means the current version of the NAIC Uniform Business Entity Application for resident and nonresident business entities. See
Uniform Commercial Code: A set of statutes enacted by the various states to provide consistency among the states' commercial laws. It includes negotiable instruments, sales, stock transfers, trust and warehouse receipts, and bills of lading. ^{Source: OCC}
Usury: Charging an illegally high interest rate on a loan. ^{Source: OCC}
Venue: The geographical location in which a case is tried.
Verdict: The decision of a petit jury or a judge.