• developed by courts if statutory law doesnt exist or apply
• must be consistent with constitutional law
• developed through court decisions, or precedents

• Brought by state against someone accused of a crime, civil violation, or other offense
• Local DA represents state
• Penalties= imprisonment, fine, probation, or combination of all three
• offenses are divided into classes indicating seriousness and penalties
• States must prove beyond a reasonable doubt- very high standard of proof
• Defendent doesn't have to prove innocence

• Cases between private individuals or corporations involving the breach of a legal duty and remedies to repair or prevent damage
• Types of civil actions- breaches of contract, personal injury or property damage due to negligence, debt collection, divorce, landlord-tenant disputes.
• Plantiff must prove case by a preponderance of evidence- lower standard of proof
• Must have grounds for civil suit, otherwise monetary penalties for filing frivilous law suit

Differences between criminal cases and civil actions

• Criminal is State vs.Defendent, Civil is Individuals or corporations.
• Criminal cases require the state to prove beyond a reasonable doubt, Civil cases need a preponderance of evidence(lower standard)
• Criminal Penalties include imprisonment, fines and probation; Civil ask for remedies to repair or prevent damage: No Jail time or probation.

Supreme Judicial Court

Superior Court

District Courts

Probate Courts

• oversees the judicial branch of the Maine State Government
• rulemaking authority for all of the state's courts
• There are 7 members, Headed by Chief justice
• Decides who is admitted to the bar & conduct and discipline of lawyers and judges
• decides appeals on questions of law in civil actions and criminal trials
• also called law court because of appellate function
• may hear appeals of sentences of incarceration for a year or more
• may advise Governor or Legislature