  We present VLT FORS1 and FORS2 spectra of 39 candidate high-redshift
supernovae that were discovered as part of a cosmological study using Type Ia
supernovae (SNe Ia) over a wide range of redshifts. From the spectra alone, 20
candidates are spectrally classified as SNe Ia with redshifts ranging from
z=0.212 to z=1.181. Of the remaining 19 candidates, 1 might be a Type II
supernova and 11 exhibit broad supernova-like spectral features and/or have
supernova-like light curves. The candidates were discovered in 8 separate
ground-based searches. In those searches in which SNe Ia at z ~ 0.5 were
targeted, over 80% of the observed candidates were spectrally classified as SNe
Ia. In those searches in which SNe Ia with z > 1 were targeted, 4 candidates
with z > 1 were spectrally classified as SNe Ia and later followed with ground
and space based observatories. We present the spectra of all candidates,
including those that could not be spectrally classified as supernova.
