Bribery is the offering, giving, soliciting, or receiving of something of value in order to influence the actions of a person who holds a public or legal duty (often someone in public office or government). To prove the crime of bribery, the prosecution must demonstrate that there was a quid pro quo exchange in which the recipient (public official) changed or altered his behavior in exchange for the gift (bribe). The quid pro quo relationship between the gift given and the action taken must be clear and direct. For this reason, campaign donations to political candidates generally do not constitute bribery.

In Vermont, bribery of public officials is addressed under Vermont Statutes Title 13, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, Chapter 65, Bribery and Corrupt Practices. The law prohibits anyone from offering, giving, or promising any benefit to a public servant with the intent to influence the public servant's vote, opinion, judgment, exercise of discretion, or other action in his or her official capacity. Similarly, it is illegal for a public servant to solicit, accept, or agree to receive any such benefit under the same conditions. The statutes make it clear that a quid pro quo arrangement, where there is a direct exchange of something of value for an official action, is necessary to establish the crime of bribery. Campaign contributions, as long as they are made in accordance with campaign finance laws and are not tied to an explicit promise of favorable official action, are not considered bribery. Violations of bribery statutes in Vermont can result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.