More Appellate Practice news More news in Maine Find Appellate Practice lawyers in Maine
In a significant development for the legal community in Maine, the state appellate court has announced new rules for expedited appeals, effective immediately. The changes are aimed at streamlining the appellate process and reducing the backlog of cases currently pending before the court.Under the new rules, parties seeking an expedited appeal must file a motion with the court within 14 days of the lower court's decision. The motion must demonstrate good cause for expedited review, such as a pressing deadline or irreparable harm that would result from a delay in the appellate process.Once a motion for expedited review is granted, the parties must adhere to an accelerated timeline for briefing and oral argument. Briefs must be filed within 30 days of the court's order granting the motion, with oral argument scheduled no later than 60 days after the filing of the last brief.In addition to expediting the timeline for appeals, the new rules also limit the length of briefs to 15 pages, with additional pages granted only by permission of the court. This change is intended to increase efficiency and enhance the court's ability to process appeals in a timely manner.The announcement of these new rules comes as the Maine appellate court faces a growing backlog of cases, exacerbated by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The court has been working diligently to address the backlog and ensure timely resolution of appeals, and the new expedited procedures are one of several initiatives aimed at achieving this goal.Legal practitioners in Maine have welcomed the new rules, noting that they will help to expedite the appellate process and provide clarity and consistency for parties seeking relief from lower court decisions. The changes are expected to have a positive impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of the appellate practice in the state.Overall, the new rules for expedited appeals represent a significant step forward for Maine's appellate practice, ensuring that parties have access to a timely and efficient resolution of their appeals. The court's commitment to addressing the backlog of cases and streamlining the appellate process is a positive development for the legal community and the administration of justice in Maine.