U Maine » Juvenile court

Judicial selection, 2022

• Elected

• Appointed

• Combination

Judicial specialization, 2022

• All mixed case types

• Mostly mixed

• Mostly specialized

Caseload assignment, 2022

• Mixed assignment methods

• Individual discretion

• Statute/State court rules

Judicial experience, training, and tools, 2022

• Qualification Requirements

• Required Annual Training

• Required Risk/Need Assessments and Pre-Dispositional Reports

• Juvenile Justice Bench Books

Courtroom shackling, 2015

Restricted by judiciary

In Maine, a court rule M.R. Crim. P. 43A (eff. 10/19/15) prohibits routine use of physical restraints, unless the court determines that the juvenile’s current or past behavior creates a (substantial) safety threat or risk of flight and no less restrictive alternatives are available. If use of restraints is ordered over the objection of the juvenile, findings of fact must be made on the record.

Competency, 2015

In Maine, the legal basis for juvenile competency is found in juvenile statute, which aligns with the Dusky standard. Statutory procedures include time lines, placements, treatments, and factors that the court must consider for the determination. Maine recognizes "chronological immaturity," which is a condition based on a juvenile's age and significant lack of developmental skills when the juvenile has no significant mental illness or mental retardation.

• No juvenile standard

• Juvenile standard is the adult standard

• Juvenile justice standard exists

• JJ standard includes developmental immaturity