Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 13, § 6560

If a person is prosecuted by information or indictment for uttering and publishing a libel or for defaming the civil authority of the State, under a plea of not guilty, he or she may give evidence as to the truth of the words contained in such supposed libel, as set forth in the information or indictment. If he or she proves their truth to the satisfaction of the jury, it shall find the respondent not guilty in its verdict.