State of Maine Judicial Branch

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Latest News

January 22, 2015: SJC invites comments on new proposed Maine Bar Rule 11, regarding the period of limitations for disciplinary complaints. Comments due on or before February 5, 2015.
January 16, 2015: Maine Judicial Branch expands its records check to include all District and Superior Courts in the state.
January 9, 2015: In 2014, the Supreme Judicial Court said goodbye to two Justices and said a final farewell to "The Chief," Chief Justice Vincent McKusick.
January 6, 2015: Supreme Judicial Court invites amicus briefs on whether a petitioner seeking the release of a person found not criminally responsible by reason of insanity must prove a change in the mental disease or defect that formed the basis of the finding. Amicus briefs due February 3, 2015.
January 5, 2015: Child witness pilot project in Bangor
December 29, 2014: Due to the holiday schedule, Law Court opinions for the week of December 29, 2014, will be posted on Wednesday, December 31, rather than on Tuesday and Thursday.
December 19, 2014: Chief Justice announces limited court schedules for Friday, December 26, 2014.
December 1, 2014: Maine Judicial Branch expands its records check pilot program to Aroostook, Hancock, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Waldo and Washington Counties. New procedures regarding the processing of record searches are now in place.
November 21, 2014: Chief Justice announces 2014 Employee Awards.
November 18, 2014: Supreme Judicial Court invites final comments on the Report of the Family Division Task Force, the proposed Maine Bar Rules, and the proposed Maine Rules for Guardians Ad Litem. Comments due by December 1, 2014.
October 16, 2014: Supreme Judicial Court issues amendments to court rules on probate procedure, appellate procedure, the Maine Assistance Program for Lawyers, civil procedure, professional conduct, and bar admissions.
October 10, 2014: Millinocket District Court closed until further notice.
October 3, 2014: Supreme Judicial Court Recognizes Maine Attorneys and Law Students For Legal Aid to the Elderly and the Needy.
October 3, 2014: The Maine Judicial Branch will be expanding its records check pilot program to Penobscot and Piscataquis Counties. Beginning on October 15, 2014 new procedures regarding the processing of record searches will be in place. The remaining courts in the State will be incrementally brought into the pilot throughout the remainder of the year.
September 1, 2014: The Maine Judicial Branch expands a pilot program in York County to include Springvale District Courty and York County Superior Court, with new procedures regarding the processing of record searches. The remaining courts in the State will be incrementally brought into the pilot throughout the remainder of the year.
August 20, 2014: Supreme Judicial Court adopts amendment to the Maine Rules for the Maine Assistance Program for Lawyers, regarding University of Maine School of Law students and applicants to the Maine Bar.
August 18, 2014: Portrait unveiling of Judge Marilyn Stavros in Biddeford District Court on Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at 3:30 p.m.
August 1, 2014: Maine Court Issues New Scam Warning
July 1, 2014: The Maine Judicial Branch will launch a pilot program in the York County Superior Court, to begin implementing new procedures regarding the processing of record searches. The remaining courts in the State will be incrementally brought into the pilot throughout the remainder of the year
June 24, 2014: Supreme Judicial Court adopts amendments to court rules:
- Amendments to Maine Rules of Appellate Procedure, establishing a track for certain appeals in which briefing is expedited.
- Amendments to the Maine Bar Admission Rules governing reciprocal admission for attorneys admitted in other states.
- Amendments to the Maine Rules of Professional Conduct regarding advance and nonrefundable fees and retainers.
- Amendments to the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure establishing an expedited track and making amendments regarding post-judgment motions and appeals from government action.
- Amendments to the foreclosure provisions of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure.
- Amendments to the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure to establish specialized procedures for the Business and Consumer Docket.
April 25, 2014: Oath Administration and Robing Ceremony for Maine's New Judges - Friday, May 2, 2014, Kennebec County Courthouse
April 22, 2014: Judge Jeffrey Moskowitz Named Deputy Chief Judge of the Maine District Court
February 24, 2014: State of Judiciary scheduled for Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at 11:00 a.m.
February 19, 2014: FDP Announces Release of Annual Report
February 10, 2014: Judicial Branch Court Interpreter Program Update
January 24, 2014: Maine Court Issues Phone Scam Warning
January 23, 2014: Family Division Task Force Charter 2013
January 14, 2014: Maine Courts to Honor Court Interpreters
January 11, 2014: MEDIA ADVISORY. An email scam alleging "illegal software use" has been reported in other states that says recipients are expected or ordered to appear in an unspecified state court. Anyone receiving such an email in Maine should not open any attachments or click on links in the emails. A notice about upcoming court appearances in Maine would not be given to state residents in this manner. In other states, these emails have impersonated the domain names of well known national law firms and may contain an attachment, supposedly a court notice or summons, or may contain a link to a website. Some reports say that the attachment or link may download a virus onto the user's computer or device. Maine people should know that they are never summonsed to court via an email.

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