Overview

• Maine’s Judiciary is primarily a state-funded court system. Its appropriation of $61.5 million in FY11 was reduced to $60.6 million in FY12.   They will maintain the same number of judges and staff but will reduce their spending on operating costs.
• To reduce spending, they have reduced hours of operation and delayed filling judicial vacancies and vacancies in the clerks’ offices and in judicial support positions.  They have frozen the salaries of judges and staff.
• They have implemented e-payment of fees and fines and are videoconferencing some hearings.

Reports and Articles

• "Courts to Be Closed Some Mornings."  Morning Sentinal.  August 30, 2010.
• Ann Kim. "Business, Consumer Court on Rebound."  The Portland Press Herald.  August 11, 2010.
• Trevor Maxwell.  "Court System Putting Jury Trials on Two-Week Hold."  The Portland Press Herald.  August 10, 2010.
• Terry Karkos.  "State Budget Limitations Reduce Rumford District Court Office Hours."  Sun Journal.  July 8, 2010.

Gavel to Gavel

• Database. Search the Gavel to Gavel legislation database based on state, year, legislation category, or any combination.