Sorrell was a proponent of the decriminalization of small amounts of marijuana. In 2013 he stated, “Among the reasons for [my] support are that Vermont has approved marijuana for medical usage and that Washington and Colorado have now legalized the drug. A criminal conviction for possession of a small amount of marijuana can have very harmful impacts on a person’s employability and eligibility for certain governmental benefits.”

Chittenden County state's attorney (1977-1978 and 1989-1992)

Sorrell served as the Chittenden County state's attorney from 1977 to 1978 and from 1989 to 1992.

Sorrell was first appointed as Vermont's attorney general by former Governor Howard Dean in 1997. He won re-election, without serious contest, from his initial appointment through 2014. Sorrell was the longest-serving attorney general in the state's history.

Randall v. Sorrell (2006)

In 1997, the Vermont State Legislature passed a campaign finance measure, Act 64, "which imposed strict limits both on expenditures by candidates for office during the election cycle and on the contributions of individuals, political groups, and parties." State legislator Neil Randall sued Attorney General Sorrell, arguing that the law was unconstitutional on the basis that it infringed on his First Amendment right to Freedom of Speech and thus should be struck down. Sorrell, on the other hand, insisted that "Vermont's interests in combating corruption and ensuring fair elections justified the contribution limits."

In a six-to-three decision delivered on June 26, 2006, the opinion of the U.S. Supreme Court, delivered by Justice Stephen G. Breyer, invalidated Act 64's expenditure limits. While admitting that some limits placed on how much in contributions political candidates can ultimately receive, the court "perceived 'danger signs' indicating that Vermont's exceptionally low limits could prevent candidates from campaigning effectively."

Marijuana

Sorrell was a proponent of the decriminalization of small amounts of marijuana. In 2013 he stated, “Among the reasons for [my] support are that Vermont has approved marijuana for medical usage and that Washington and Colorado have now legalized the drug. A criminal conviction for possession of a small amount of marijuana can have very harmful impacts on a person’s employability and eligibility for certain governmental benefits.”

Sorrell served as the Chittenden County state's attorney from 1977 to 1978 and from 1989 to 1992.

Sorrell served as the Chittenden County state's attorney from 1977 to 1978 and from 1989 to 1992.