Rule 21 - Extraordinary Relief(a) Procedure.(1) The Rules of Civil Procedure, as modified by this rule, govern an original action for extraordinary relief in the Supreme Court. (2) Parties may commence an action by filing a complaint with the Supreme Court or a single justice at any time where there is no adequate remedy under these rules or by appeal, or through proceedings for extraordinary relief in the superior court. (3) The complaint must contain an allegation verified or supported by affidavit and subject to the obligations set forth in V.R.C.P. 11. The complaint must concisely set forth the reasons why there is no adequate remedy under these rules or by appeal or through proceedings for extraordinary relief in the superior court. (4) The Court or a justice may issue any orders necessary to resolve the complaint promptly. (b) Writs Abolished. (1) Parties may no longer seek the extraordinary writs of certiorari, mandamus, prohibition, and quo warranto. (2) Any relief that would have been available through those writs by original action in the Supreme Court may be sought only as provided in this rule. (c) Costs. The Court may assess costs equitably for or against either party. Amended June 11, 2013, eff. 9/3/2013; amended July 13, 2021, eff. 8/17/2021.Reporter's Notes-2021 Amendment
Rule 21(a)(2) is revised to update its requirements consistent with current practice and the implementation of an electronic case management system and electronic filing. The amendment clarifies that these petitions are initiated by filing directly with the Supreme Court, whether by electronic or nonelectronic filing.