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Judicial selection in Maine
From Judgepedia
| Judicial selection in Maine | |
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| Maine Supreme Court | |
| Method: | Gubernatorial appointment, Senate confirmation |
| Term: | 7 years |
| Maine Superior Court | |
| Method: | Gubernatorial appointment, Senate confirmation |
| Term: | 7 years |
| Maine District Courts | |
| Method: | Gubernatorial appointment, Senate confirmation |
| Maine Probate Courts | |
| Method: | Partisan elections |
| Term: | 4 years |
Contents |
Judicial selection in Maine primarily occurs through the method of gubernatorial appointment with confirmation by the Maine Senate.
Appellate courts
Justices of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court and judges of the Maine Superior Court are appointed by the governor. Appointments must be confirmed by the Maine Senate. [1]
On the appointment is made, the Maine Legislature Committee on the Judiciary recommends if the nominee should be confirmed. Unless two thirds of the full Senate votes to override the recommendation, the vote of the Judiciary Committee stands. [1]
The appointees serve seven year terms. In order to serve on these courts, one must be "learned in the law." [1]
District Courts
Judges of the Maine District Courts are also chosen by gubernatorial appointment with confirmation by the Maine Senate. In order to serve on the courts, one must be a member of the state bar. [2]
Probate Courts
These courts fall under the jurisdiction of the counties, not that state court system. Only the 16 judges of the Maine Probate Courts are elected in partisan elections. [3]
In order to serve on these courts, a candidate must be a resident of Maine and an attorney licensed to practice in the state. Judges of the Maine Probate Courts serve only part-time. [2]
See also
External links
References
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