At Brownstone Law, we specialize in appellate litigation, offering clients exceptional representation in navigating Maine’s appellate court system. Our experienced attorneys are committed to providing meticulous and effective advocacy to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Maine’s Appellate Court System Overview

Maine’s appellate system is centered around the Supreme Judicial Court, also known as the Law Court. Notably, Maine does not have an intermediate appellate court, making the Law Court the sole appellate authority in the state.

  • Maine Supreme Judicial Court (Law Court): As the state’s highest court, it consists of seven justices appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Legislature for seven-year terms. The court primarily reviews decisions from lower courts, focusing on significant legal questions and matters of substantial public interest.

Caseload and Statistics

The Law Court manages a substantial caseload annually. According to the Maine Judicial Branch’s reports, the court handled the following number of cases in recent fiscal years:

  • Fiscal Year 2020: General Civil (114), Family/Divorce (69), Child Protective (56)
  • Fiscal Year 2021: General Civil (80), Family/Divorce (70), Child Protective (80)
  • Fiscal Year 2022: General Civil (85), Family/Divorce (86), Child Protective (79)
  • Fiscal Year 2023: General Civil (107), Family/Divorce (65), Child Protective (93
  • Fiscal Year 2024: General Civil (118), Family/Divorce (107), Child Protective (78)

These statistics highlight the court’s workload across various case types.

Rules of Appellate Procedure

Appeals in Maine are governed by the Maine Rules of Appellate Procedure, which outline procedures for filing appeals, including timelines, formatting requirements for briefs, and guidelines for oral arguments. Adherence to these rules is essential for the successful progression of an appeal.

Process for Appealing a Case

  1. Notice of Appeal: File a notice of appeal with the clerk of the trial court within 21 days after the entry of the judgment or order being appealed.
  2. Preparation of the Record: The appellant must ensure that the record on appeal, including transcripts and relevant documents, is prepared and transmitted to the Law Court.
  3. Briefs: The appellant submits an initial brief outlining legal arguments and alleged errors in the trial court’s decision. The appellee responds with their brief, and the appellant may file a reply brief if necessary.
  4. Oral Argument: In some cases, the court may schedule oral arguments, allowing attorneys to present their positions and answer justices’ questions.
  5. Decision: After reviewing the materials and arguments, the court issues a written opinion, which may affirm, reverse, or remand the case.

High-Profile Cases

Maine’s Law Court has presided over several notable cases:

  • State v. Shortsleeves: A case addressing the admissibility of certain evidence in criminal proceedings.
  • Estate of Smith v. Cumberland County: This case involved questions about governmental immunity in civil litigation.

Contact Information

Supreme Judicial Court (Law Court)

Brownstone Law: Your Appellate Advocates

At Brownstone Law, we are dedicated to guiding clients through the complexities of the appellate process in Maine. Our team of experienced attorneys is committed to providing exceptional representation, ensuring that your case is presented with the utmost precision.