In a landmark decision on February 18, 2026, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court announced several significant changes to the state's appellate practice rules. The decision comes after months of deliberation and public input, with the goal of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the appellate process in Maine.One of the key changes introduced by the Supreme Judicial Court is the adoption of electronic filing for all appellate documents. This move is expected to streamline the process of filing and accessing court documents, making it easier for attorneys and litigants to submit and track their appeals. Additionally, the court has implemented new guidelines for the formatting and submission of electronic briefs, ensuring a more consistent and uniform presentation of arguments before the court.Another notable change introduced by the court is the establishment of a dedicated appellate mediation program. Under this program, parties involved in appellate cases will have the option to engage in mediation to attempt to resolve their disputes before proceeding to a full appeal. This initiative is aimed at reducing the backlog of cases before the appellate court and promoting the swift resolution of legal disputes.In addition to these procedural changes, the Supreme Judicial Court has also announced revisions to the state's appellate rules of procedure. These revisions include updates to deadlines for filing appeals, requirements for appellate briefs, and guidelines for oral arguments before the court. The changes are intended to clarify and streamline the appellate process, ensuring that all parties involved have a clear understanding of the rules and procedures governing appellate practice in Maine.Overall, the changes introduced by the Maine Supreme Judicial Court mark a significant step forward in modernizing the state's appellate practice and improving access to justice for all parties involved in the appellate process. With the adoption of electronic filing, the establishment of an appellate mediation program, and revisions to the state's appellate rules of procedure, the court is taking proactive measures to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the appellate process in Maine.