Maine
Maine’s highest court is the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. The court has six associate justices and one chief justice. The chief justice is appointed with the same procedures as the associate justices. (Source: Maine Judicial Branch)
Judicial Selection
The governor nominates justices to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. The governor receives a list of candidates from a judicial nominating commission but is not required to select a candidate from the list. The nominee must be confirmed by a majority of the state senate. An appointed justice serves a seven-year term. Justices may stand for additional terms through the same appointment process. To fill an interim vacancy, the governor receives a list of candidates from the judicial nominating commission but is not required to select a candidate from the list. The nominee must be confirmed by joint legislative committee recommendation, subject to the ability of the Senate to override the committee recommendation by a 2/3 vote. An appointed justice serves a seven-year term. There are no term limits, nor is there a mandatory retirement age.
State Constitution
Maine’s first and only constitution was adopted in 1819. As of January 1, 2024, it had 177 amendments. (Source: John Dinan, 2024)
Filters
A Rallying Cry Against Lockstepping
When state supreme courts peg their constitutions to federal interpretations, they erode the rule of law, undermine federalism, and limit rights protection.
To Prevent Chaos and Confusion, Judges Must Prepare for Election Emergencies
In advance of the election, judges should educate themselves on election administration and develop emergency response procedures that will enable creation of effective remedies.
When Does the U.S. Supreme Court Review State Supreme Court Decisions?
State courts have the final word on state law, but when federal law is involved, it can be complicated.
All Law Students Should be Educated About State Constitutions
Law professors planning lessons for the new academic year should consider incorporating state constitutions into the first-year constitutional law course.
Scholarship Roundup: September 2024 Back to School Edition
New articles and books cover a wide range of topics related to state constitutions, judiciaries, state-level democracy, and more.
Where Abortion Rights Will Be on the Ballot in 2024
Ten states will have abortion-related measures on the November ballot; most would amend their state constitutions to either affirm or expand protection for abortion care.
States Grapple with Problematic Rule from Federal Voting Cases
The Purcell principle, which holds that federal courts should not change voting rules too close to an election, is increasingly being raised in state litigation.
Advice for Law Students From State Supreme Court Justices
As the school year kicks off, eight justices reflect on what they wish someone had told them when they were in law school.