Maine Court Information, Location and Rules

In the State of Maine, there are 4 kinds of courts and they differ in jurisdiction as well as the types of cases that they can hear. These courts are:

•    The Supreme Court
•    The Superior Court
•    The District Courts
•    The Court for Problem Solving

While the first 3 state courts are present in all other states in the U.S., the Problem Solving Court is quite a unique one. Other than this, there are of course federal courts in the state.

The Supreme Court

The website of the Supreme Court in the state is

http://www.courts.state.me.us/maine_courts/supreme/index.shtml

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This is the highest judicial body in the state and so it is often referred to as the ‘court of last resort’. When it works as an appellate court, this court is also known as a Law Court.

There are 7 judges in the Supreme Court and the Governor appoints them all. They need to also be confirmed by the Senate of Maine. Each judge serves for a term of 7 years, but they can be selected for multiple terms.

The Supreme Court of Maine stands out among all such other courts in the country because they can offer advisory opinions, which is quite unique. The constitution of the state allows this and these opinions are often requested by the legislature or the Governor of the state.

The Office of the Maine Supreme Court is located at 142 Federal Street, P.O. Box 368, Portland, Maine 04112-0368. You can also reach this office via phone at (207)822-4146.

Superior Court

The website of the Superior Court in Maine is

http://www.courts.state.me.us/maine_courts/superior/index.shtml

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This is a general jurisdiction trial court. There are 16 counties in the state, and you will find a Superior Court in all of them. Aroostook County has two of them. There are 17 judges who serve statewide, and they are responsible for traveling to the various counties to oversee sessions of the court. The state Governor appoints these justices for terms of 7 years.

District Courts

The website of the District Courts is

http://www.courts.state.me.us/maine_courts/district/index.shtml

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There are 36 judges in the District Court system that sit in 31 places in 13 districts in the state. There are no jury trials in these courts.

The District Courts are responsible for heating cases of criminal as well as civil matters, issues of domestic violence, separations and divorce, child custody and support, and property disputes. There is a Family Division that deals with all family matters.

Knowing More about Maine Court Procedures

The regulations, as issued by the state judiciary of Maine, recommend the deliverance of legal education and research studies to the concerned people of the state. The courts of Maine are to prepare and maintain legal reports on an annual basis.

The administrative wing of the legal system of Maine looks after the related functioning of the state courts. The prevalent laws also authorize the courts to establish committees, as and when required, for the settlement of the legal disputes at hand.