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Structure of the Maine Courts

Supreme Court

The Supreme Judicial Court, whose Clerk's office is in Portland, is the governing body of the Judicial Branch, and, sitting as the Law Court, it is the Court of final appeal. The court hears appeals of family, civil, and criminal cases from the District and Superior Courts, appeals from final judgments and decrees of the Probate Courts (which is a county system), appeals of decisions of the Public Utilities Commission and the Workers' Compensation Board. In addition, single justices handle admission to the Bar and Bar disciplinary proceedings. The court may be called upon to make decisions regarding legislative apportionment and renders advisory opinions concerning important questions of law when requested by the Governor or Legislature.

Superior Court

The Superior Court is located in 17 courthouses around the State. The Chief Justice serves as administrative head of the court. The court has original or exclusive jurisdiction over all criminal and civil matters that are not the exclusive jurisdiction of the District Court. The Superior Court is the only court where civil and criminal jury trials are held.

District Court

The District Court, located in 31 courthouses around the State, hears both civil and criminal matters and always sits without a jury. Within the District Court is the Family Division, which hears all divorce and family matters, including child support and paternity cases. Case Management Officers hear family cases, and manage the case flow of primarily uncontested cases. The District Court also hears child protection cases, and serves as Maine's juvenile court. Actions for protection from abuse or harassment, mental health, small claims cases (in which the damages are not more than $4,500) and money judgments are filed in the District Court. Traffic violations are processed primarily through a centralized Violations Bureau, which is part of the District Court system. Hearings contesting traffic or civil violations are heard by the District Court. See also: Adult Drug Court, Juvenile Drug Court.

For more information, see the Citizens Guide to Maine Courts.

Last Updated: April 16, 2003

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