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In the Matter of Request for Opinion of the Justices
(Related to four direct initiatives of voters that the Secretary of State transmitted to the 131st Legislature during its First Regular Session but that the Legislature did not act on during that session)
On May 16, 2023, the Maine State Legislature referred five questions to the Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court, pursuant to Article VI, Section 3 of the Maine Constitution, related to four direct initiatives of voters that the Secretary of State transmitted to the 131st Legislature during its First Regular Session but that the Legislature did not act on during that session.
The Maine Judicial Branch has set up this web page to post information on the request for the opinion of the justices. This assures full access to information related to the proceeding. It is our goal to accommodate the media and the public to the best of our abilities.
All public documents will be provided here and will not be provided by the clerk's office. Please check this web page often for updates and documents related to the case.
Case Name:
In the Matter of Request for Opinion of the Justices
Supreme Judicial Court Docket Number:
OJ-23-1
The justices issued their opinion on June 9, 2023.
Oral Argument Was Held on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at 9:30 a.m., in Courtroom 7 of the Capital Judicial Center in Augusta. The audio is available through the player below.
Filings and Orders:
- June 9, 2023: Opinion of the Justices
- May 30, 2023: Entry of Appearance of Joshua D. Dunlap on behalf of Maine Affordable Energy Ballot Question Committee
- May 30, 2023: Justice Lawrence's Recusal Order
- May 30, 2023: Justice Connors's Recusal Order
- May 26, 2023: Brief of Protect Maine Elections, Inc.
- May 26, 2023: Brief of the Maine Affordable Energy Ballot Question Committee
- May 26, 2023: Brief of Secretary of State Shenna Bellows
- May 26, 2023: Brief of Governor Janet T. Mills
- May 26, 2023: Brief of Maine Attorney General Aaron M. Fry
- May 26, 2023: Brief of the Maine State Legislature
- May 16, 2023: Procedural Order inviting briefs and setting matter for oral argument
- May 16, 2023: SP 768, "Joint Order, Regarding the
Legislature ·s Ability to Act on Certain Direct Initiatives," received from the Secretary of the Senate (scanned copy)
- Text-based pdf copy of SP 768
- Text-based pdf copy of SP 768
Media Contacts
Members of the media who require assistance may contact Barbara Cardone, Esq., Director of Legal Affairs and Public Relations, at (207) 213-2997 or barbara.cardone@courts.maine.gov.