LastreviewedandeditedApril25,2019IncludesamendmentseffectiveJune1,2019

The Maine Rules of Appellate Procedure were restyled, effectiveSeptember1, 2017. The restyled Rules completely replaced the formerMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure.IncludedbelowaretheRules,RestylingNotes,andAdvisoryNotestotherestyledMaineRulesofAppellateProcedureandAdvisoryNotes supporting the adoption and amendment of the former Maine Rules ofAppellateProcedure,sincetheir2001adoption. FormerRules9,15,and16wererenumberedtobecome,respectively,Rules7A,1A,and1B.TheAdvisoryNotestoformerRules9,15,and16havebeenmovedtofollowtheparticularRuleasrenumbered.FormerRule2hasbeenseparatedinto three Rules, Rules 2A, 2B, and 2C. The Advisory Notes to former Rule 2precedethethreenewRules.Whereappropriate,bracketednotationsareaddedtoenhanceclaritywithrespecttotheincludednotes.

MAINERULESOFAPPELLATEPROCEDURE

With RestylingNotes and AdvisoryNotes to the restyledMaine Rules ofAppellate Procedure; Advisory Notes to the former Maine Rules of AppellateProcedureappearinredtype.

INTRODUCTORYNOTE[to2017Restyling] The Maine Rules of Appellate Procedure were originally drafted andapproved in 2000, taking effect January 1, 2001. They were approvedconcurrentlywithothersignificantstatutoryandruleschangesaffectingcourtpractice,includingplacementofexclusivejurisdictionoverdomesticrelationsmatters with the District Court, and implementation of direct appeals frommostDistrictCourtcriminalandciviljudgmentstotheLawCourt,eliminatingintermediateappealsthroughtheSuperiorCourt.1 The2001changesrequiredsignificantadjustmentofpracticesfortakingmostappeals fromtheDistrictCourt. Tosimplify the transition inappellatepractice, the Supreme Judicial Court elected to develop the Maine Rules of

1StatewideadoptionoftheMaineRulesofUnifiedCriminalProcedurein2015resultedinfurtherreductionofappealsfromtheDistrictCourttotheSuperiorCourtbyeliminatingintermediateorfinalappealstotheSuperiorCourtinbailandprobationrelatedmatters.

2

AppellateProcedureutilizingappealprovisionsfromthethenexistingMaineRulesofCivilProcedureandMaineRulesofCriminalProcedure.Exceptforacompletelynewrulegoverningdevelopmentoftheappendix,M.R.App.P.8,thenewrulesgenerallytrackedprovisionsthatappearedineithertheCivilRules,theCriminalRules,oracombinationofboth. TheruledraftingstyleoftheCivilRulesandCriminalRules,transitionedintotheMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure,wasbasedondraftingpracticesofthe1950sthroughthe1970s,wheneachofthemajorMainerulesgoverningcourt practice and ethics practice was developed. That drafting practiceincluded rules that were divided by rule number, subdivisions, and thenparagraphs,butwithmanyrelativelylongparagraphsthatsometimesincluded,underasingleparagraphheading,sentencesaddressingseveralissueswithoutfurthernumberingorseparationwithintheparagraphs.Thisdraftingstylehadtheadvantageofaggregatingunderoneheadingtherulesdirectionsrelatedtothatheading.However,theindividualrulesdirectionswithintheparagraphsweremoredifficulttoidentifyandcouldbemissedbyattorneysandmembersofthepublicwhowerenotthoroughlyfamiliarwithrulespractice. Inthepastdecade,severalinitiatives,nationallyandwithintheStateofMaine,havefocusedonmakingcourtrulesmoreunderstandabletothebench,thebar,andthepublicbymodernizingthelanguageofrulesthatwerebasedon practice and experience from the 1950s through the 1970s. Besidesmodernizinglanguage,changesincludedrevisinglargeparagraphstoseparateeachdirectionwithin theparagraphs into individuallynumbered, or at leastindividually separated, provisions. On some subjects, the American BarAssociationdevelopedrevisedmodelrulesforareassuchasattorneyethicsandprofessional conduct, attorney discipline and enforcement, and judicialconduct. TheABAdraftswereutilized, ineachinstancewithadjustmentstorecognize differences in Maine practice, to develop the Maine Rules ofProfessionalConduct,adoptedin2009,therevisedMaineBarRules,adoptedin2015,andtherevisedMaineCodeofJudicialConduct,alsoadoptedin2015. AseparateinitiativeledtotherestylingoftheFederalRulesofEvidence,effective in 2012. This restyling resulted in division of large paragraphscontainingseveraldirectionsintoseparatesmallersubdivisionsfocusedononesubjectordirectioninimplementingtherules. TheMaineRulesofEvidencehadbeenbasedontheFederalRulesofEvidence.AfteradoptionoftherestyledFederal Rules of Evidence, the Advisory Committee on the Maine Rules of

3

EvidenceinitiatedarestylingoftheMaineRulesofEvidence,implementingthemoremodernlanguageanddraftingpractices,andtherestyledsetofruleswasadopted,effectiveJanuary1,2015. TheMaineSupremeJudicialCourtinitiatedreviewoftheMaineRulesofCriminalProcedure,necessitatedbythestatewideimplementationofUnifiedCriminal Dockets. The unification of criminal processes began with rulesinitiativesinCumberlandCountyin2009andcontinuedprogressivelythroughseveralothercountiesuntilstatewideadoptionoftheMaineRulesofUnifiedCriminalProcedurein2015. Followingtheseotherrulerevisions,in2015theSupremeJudicialCourtinitiateda restylingof theMaineRules ofAppellateProcedure tobring intoappellatepracticethemoremodernlanguageanddraftingstylerecognizedinother recent rule revisions. The draft restyled Maine Rules of AppellateProcedure,developedwith the assistanceof theAdvisoryCommitteeon theMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure, incorporatemoremodernlanguageandthegreater internalparagraphseparationandnumberingpracticeutilizedinother rules revisions. Like the restyled Rules of Evidence, this revisiongenerally tracks the numbering of the existing rules to aid in reading andunderstandingtherestyledrulesandidentifyingrelevantprecedentaddressingeachrule. Within this restyling, several numbering changes are of note. Rule 2,whichaddressedseveraldifferentissues,isseparatedintothreerules:Rule2Aaddressingthenoticeofappealandfilingtheappeal;Rule2Baddressingthetimeforfilinganappealandextensionoftimeforfilinganappealupontimelyfilingofcertainmotions;andRule2C,applicabletocivilcases,addressingcross-appeals,multi-partyappeals,andappealbonds.Rule8,controllingdraftingofthe appendix to the briefs, is reorganized to place its most importantrequirementsearlierintheRulestructure.WhatwasformerlyRule9relatingtoformandcontentofbriefsbecomesRule7AtoimmediatelyfollowRule7.Thisputsthetworulesthataddressbriefingtogetherwithinthebodyoftherules.WhatwereformerlyRule15,addressingtimecomputation,andRule16,addressingdefinitions,areredesignatedasRules1Aand1Btoappearatthestartoftherevisedrules,astheirtermsgoverntherulesthatfollow. TherearesomesubstantivechangestorecognizemattersidentifiedasaresultofpracticeimplementingtheMaineRulesofAppellateProcedureover

4

the past two decades, and to recognize modernization of practice in otherMaineRulesortheFederalRulesofAppellateProcedureasappliedintheFirstCircuit. The substantive changes within the restyling of the Maine Rules ofAppellateProcedureareasfollows: 1. Theneedtoidentifypotentialissuesonappealaspartofthefilingofthenoticeofappealfromaciviljudgment,statedincurrentRules2(a)(2)and5(b)(2), is eliminated. In practice, this requirement proved not particularlyuseful,andsometimescounterproductive,aswhenanappealisprosecutedordefendedbyadifferentattorneythanhandledthematterinthetrialcourt. 2. Rule2A(b)(2)isnewandaddressesappearancesbycounseloranunrepresentedpartyinanappeal.TheRuleisdesignedtoreduceuncertaintyastowhichparties,otherthanappellants,whowerepartiestoatrialcourtoradministrativeproceeding that issubject toanappealwillparticipate in theappeal. 3. Rule2A(e)addsaclarificationthatdocumentsreturnedbythetrialcourtclerkasinsufficientarenotdeemedtobefiledforpurposeofcalculatingcompliancewithanytimelimits.ThisclarificationreflectscurrentpracticebuthadnotbeenstatedintheAppellateRules. 4. Former Rules 2(b)(2) and 2(b)(3), restyled as Rules 2B(b) and2B(c),areamendedtoclarifythatthereisnoneedtofileanoticeofappealfromanoriginaljudgmentwhiletimelypost-judgmentmotions,listedintheRules,arependinginthetrialcourt.Anappealcaninsteadbetakenfromtheorderon thatpost-judgmentmotion,within21daysafter itsentry,and thatsinglenoticeofappeal,followingrulingonthepost-judgmentmotion,willbetreatedasanappealfromboththeoriginaljudgmentandthepost-judgmentorder. Inthealternative,anoticeofappealcanbefiledwithin21daysaftertheentryintothedocketoftheoriginaljudgment,andthesubsequenttimelyfilingof certain post-judgmentmotionsdoes not render ineffective thepreviouslyfilednoticeofappeal.Thepreviouslyfilednoticeofappealpreservesforreviewany claim of error in the original judgment and in the order of the post-judgmentmotion.FormerRule2(b)(4),relatingtopreservationofissuesinan

5

appeal filed after a ruling on a post-judgment motion is removed, and thecontentisinsteadmadepartofRules2B(b)and2B(c). 5. Rule2B(a)(2)isadded,indicatingthatpartieswhoarepresentincourtwhenaparticularfinaljudgmentorothercourtactionisannouncedbythecourtorwho,whileatthecourthouseafterthecourt’sannouncement,signadocumentsignifyingacknowledgmentofthecourt’saction,arepresumedtohavelearnedoftheentryofjudgmentatthattime.Theamendmentisdesignedtominimizeclaimsof lackofknowledgeofentryof judgmentsat latertimeswhenappealdeadlinesmayhavebeenmissedandpartiesseektoeitherreopenorcollaterallyattackajudgment. 6. Rule2C(a)(1)clarifieswhenanappelleemustfileacross-appealtopreserveanissue.Ifachangeinthejudgmentissought,across-appealmustbefiled. 7. Rule3isamendedtoclarifythatthetrialcourtretainsauthoritytoactoncertainpost-judgmentmotions,asprovidedbyRule3(c),withoutleaveoftheLawCourt.Rule3(d)isaddedtooutlinetheprocedureforseekingleaveoftheLawCourttopermittrialcourtactionnototherwisepermittedbyRule3(c). 8. In Rule 3(c)(4), a ruling on a motion to dismiss that does notresolveallpendingclaimsisaddedtothelistoftrialcourtordersfromwhichanappealmaybetakenwithoutcausingthetrialcourttoceaseactiononthematter pending resolution of the appeal. The change results in rulings onmotionstodismissbeingtreatedthesameasrulingsonmotionsforsummaryjudgment,whichare alreadyaddressed in the rule. Adding the reference tomotionstodismisscreatesnoapprovalforinterlocutoryappeals.Itonlynotesthatwhilesuchinterlocutoryappealsarepending,trialcourtconsiderationofthecasecancontinue. 9. Rule 4(a)(2)(B) is added to specify the time within which across-appeal may be voluntarily dismissed. This Rule and Rule 7A(f)(1),relating to length limits for briefs, address the particular circumstances ofcross-appealsthatarerecognizedintheFederalRules,buthavenotpreviouslybeenrecognizedintheMaineRules.

6

10. In Rule 5(b)(1)(A), the standard transcript in criminal cases isexpandedtoincludeclosingargumentsinjurytrialsandhearingsonmotionsto suppress ormotions in limine, if a ruling on suchmotions is an issue onappeal, and sentencing hearings, if sentencing is an issue on appeal. Aspresently, the appellant is responsible for ordering the transcript; thetranscriptisnotorderedbythecourt. 11. In the discussion of civil transcripts in Rule 5(b)(2)(B)(iii),referenceismadedirectlytoM.R.Civ.P.91(f)(2),addressingthecircumstancesinwhich, for indigentparties,arecordingorstatementin lieuofatranscriptmaybesubmittedinlieuofatranscriptforpartieswhorequestsuchandarequalifiedforsuchinthetrialcourtpursuanttoM.R.Civ.P.91(f). 12. Rule6(a)(1)isrevisedtointroducea28-dayperiodinwhichthetrialcourtclerkwillretainthetrialcourtrecordformostappeals.Thepurposeofthechange,concurrentwithamendmenttoRule3(b)-(d)andRule6(a)(2),is to hold the record in the trial court to allow for the filing and trial courtresolution of timely post-judgment motions listed in Rules 2B(b)(2) and2B(c)(2). AspartofthechangeinthetimeforfilingtherecordintheLawCourt,theRuleisalsoamendedtoclarifythattherecordinextraditionappealsmustbefiled within 7 days after filing of the notice of appeal. The amendment torestyled Rule 6(a)(3) also clarifies that the trial court record may betemporarilyretainedforanadditionalperiodoftime,byorderofthetrialcourtorstipulationoftheparties,whensucharetentionisnecessary,forexample,toaccomplishtrialcourtactionpermittedbyRule3(c)oftheserules. 13. Rule 6(b)-(d) is subject to significant editing to recognize moremodernissuesanddevelopmentsrelatingtopreparingrecordsandthecontextof records,particularly the treatmentof videos and digital evidence and themeans by which such videos and digital evidence may be prepared andtransmittedtotheLawCourt.Further,theportionoftheruleregardingwhatmayberetainedinthetrialcourtisexpandedtoincludeotheritemsthat,absentcourtorderorapparentneed,shouldberetainedwiththetrialcourtfileratherthantransmittedaspartoftheappealtotheLawCourt. 14. Rule6(d)isadded,addressingdirectappealstotheLawCourtfromproceedings inwhicha recordmaybepreparedonly in electronicordigital

7

format,without a printedorpaper copyof the record. In such appeals, therecordfiledwiththeLawCourtmustincludeaprintedorpaperindextoeachseparatedocumentor itemintherecord,andtheelectronicordigitalrecorditselfmustincludeasearchfeaturepermittingsearchesfordocumentsoritemsintherecordbyindexnumberortitleandbykeywordswithinthedocument. 15. The Track A briefing schedule in Rule 7(b)(1) is expanded toincludeappealsofanyparentageproceedingasdefinedintheMaineParentageAct. 16. InthebriefingscheduleforthoseappealsnotsubjecttotheTrackAbriefingschedule,Rule7(b)(2),thetwo-weektimeforareplybriefischangedtothreeweeksinconsiderationofdelaysthatmaybeencounteredinreceivinganappellee’sbrief. 17. Standardsforfilingandconsiderationofamotiontoexpediteanappeal are added toRule7(b)(4). Amotion to expeditemaybe filed in anyappeal,ratherthanjustinTrackBappeals,asincurrentRule7(b)(2). 18. Rule7A(a)(6)adoptsalistofitemsthatmaynotbeincludedinorattachedtoabrief.AsimilarlimitationappliestotheappendixpursuanttoRule8(g)(1)-(3). 19. The length limits for briefs are placed in one paragraph,Rule7A(f)(1), rather thanbeingstatedseparately foreachcategoryofbriefsfiled.Theallowablelengthofabriefisreducedfrom50pagesto40pagesfortheprincipalbriefofanappellant,anappellee,oranamicusandfrom20pagesto15pagesforanyreplybrief.Wordlimitsareaddedasanalternativewaytomeasurelengthofbriefs:10,000wordsforaprincipalbrief,4,500wordsforareplybrief.A50-pageor13,000-wordlimitisadoptedforanappellee’sbriefthatalsosupportsthatappellee’scross-appeal.A30-pageor9,000-wordlimitisadoptedforanappellant’sreplybriefthatalsoaddressesanappellee’scross-appeal.Aspresently,longerbriefsmaybefiled,butonlywithapprovaloftheCourtuponashowingofgoodcause. The40-and15-pagelimitscompareto limitsof30pagesforprincipalbriefs and 15 pages for reply briefs in Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure32(a)(7)(A). The Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure, revised effectiveDecember1,2016,havepagesizeandformatrequirementssimilartothosein

8

the Maine Rules of Appellate Procedure, including the 14-point fontrequirement. Fed. R. App. P. 32(a)(4), (5). The Federal Rules of AppellateProcedure do offer another two alternatives for counting length of a brief,eitherawordlimit(13,000words)ora linelimit(1,300lines). Fed.R.App.P.32(a)(7)(B).Forfederalappeals,areplybriefhasawordlimitofonehalfoftheprincipalbrief.Id. 20. Rule 7A(g)(1)(B) is adopted permitting the filing, with theelectronic copy of a brief, of an electronic certificate of signature that, forqualifyingcounsel,mayavoidthenecessityofsigningaprintcopyofabrief. 21. Rule7A(i)(2)isamendedtorequirethefilingofoneelectroniccopyofeachbrief,ratherthanbeingoptionalasinthepresentRule.SeeFirstCircuitLocalRule32.0(a)(requiring,whenapartyisrepresentedbycounsel,thefilingofonecopyofabriefover10pagesinlengthona“computerreadabledisk”). 22. Rule7A(j)isadoptedtorecognizecurrentpracticeallowingapartyto anappeal to submit a letter indicating supplemental ornewlydiscoveredauthoritiestosupportanappealuptothetimeoforalargumentorsixweeksafter the deadline for filing the appellee’s brief in an appeal in which oralargumenthasnotbeenscheduled.Thisamendment,andits350-wordlimit,issimilartoFed.R.App.P.28(j), thoughtheFederalRuleallowssubmissionofpost-argumentbriefsbypermittingsuchlettersanytime“beforedecision.”Thedraftwouldallowpost-argumentfilingsonlyontheinvitationoftheCourt. 23. Becauseofthefrequencyofobservedproblemsincomplyingwiththe directions in the Rules regarding the appendix, Rule 8 is significantlyreorganized.ThemandatoryitemsthatmustbeincludedintheappendixarenowidentifiedinRule8(d)and(e).Themandatoryitemsarealsoexpandedtoincludepre-orpost-judgmentmotionsthatareatissueonappeal,wills,deeds,leases,trusts,orinsurancepoliciesthatareatissueonappeal,guardianadlitemreports,ifany,whenparentalrightsareatissueonappeal,andseveralitemsrelatedtocriminalappeals. 24. The list of materials that may not be included in the appendix,statedinRule8(g)(1)-(4), isexpandedtoincludeanydocumentsthatare,orinclude,pictures,videos,orotherimages(A)ofminorchildren,(B)ofadultssubjecttoaguardianshipormentalhealthcommitmentproceeding,or(C)thatdepict nudity or sexual or sexualized acts; and, for cases other than child

9

protectiveproceedings,anydocumentsmadeconfidentialbystatuteorcourtorderandnotrequiredtobeincludedintheappendixbysubdivisions(d)or(e). 25. Rule10(a)(2)isadoptedtorequirethatanattorneyrepresentingaparty in an appealwho seeks an extension of time or a delay ofmore than7days,orwhoseeksacontinuanceofanyscheduledhearing,oralargument,orothercourtproceeding,mustnotifythepartyrepresentedbythatattorneyoftherequestforanextensionoftimeorcontinuance. 26. Aswithbriefs, the amendedRule 10(d) requires that the textofmotions,otherthanfootnotesorquotations,mustbein14-pointfont.SeeFed.R.App.P.27(d)(1)(cross-referencingtothepageformattingrequirementsforbriefs). 27. Rule13(b)(1)isamendedtolimitrecoverablecostsforbriefsto70pagesforaprincipalbriefand20pagesforareplybrief.ThecurrentRule13(b)limitsrecoverablecostsforbriefstoatotalof75pages. 28. Rule14(a)(2)isamendedtospecifythat,aswithcriminalappeals,addressed in Rule 14(a)(1), themandate of the Law Court in a civil appealinvolvingachildprotectivematter,aparentalrightsmatter,aguardianship,acontempt,oratemporaryorpermanentinjunctionshallissuethedayofortheday after decision. Concurrently with this change, the process to stay themandateorotherwiseseekfurtherreviewaftercertificationisclarified.

*****

STATEOFMAINESUPREMEJUDICIALCOURT

MAINERULESOFAPPELLATEPROCEDURE

WITHRESTYLINGNOTESANDADVISORYNOTES

TABLEOFCONTENTS

I. GENERALAPPEALPROCEEDINGSRULE1. SCOPEOFRULES RULE1.RestylingNotes RULE1.AdvisoryNotesRULE1A. TIMECOMPUTATION RULE1A.RestylingNotes RULE1A.AdvisoryNotesRULE1B. DEFINITIONS RULE1B.RestylingNotes RULE1B.AdvisoryNotesFormerRULE2.AdvisoryNotes RULE2A. NOTICEANDFILINGOFAPPEAL (a) CommencingAppeal (b) NoticeandAppearances (1) Notice (2) Appearances (A) CriminalAppeals (B) CivilAppeals (c) FilingFee (d) TranscriptOrder (e) InsufficientFiling

11

(f) CriminalAppeals:ParticularRequirements (g) TrialCourtClerkActions RULE2A.RestylingNotesRULE2B. TIMEFORAPPEAL (a) (1) TimeofEntryofJudgment (2) KnowledgeofJudgmentPresumed (b) CriminalCases (1) TimetoFile (2) TimetoFileExtendedbyTimelyFilingofCertainMotions (3) ExtraditionAppeals (c) CivilCases (1) TimetoFile (2) TimetoFileExtendedbyTimelyFilingofCertainMotions (d) ExtensionofTime (1) Twenty-OneDays (2) OneHundredFortyDays RULE2B.RestylingNotesRULE2C. MULTIPLEAPPEALSANDBONDSINCIVILCASES (a) Cross-Appeals (1) NeedtoFile (2) TimetoFile (3) StatusofParties (b) JointorConsolidatedAppeals (c) Parents’Appeals (d) Bond;ContinuanceinEffect RULE2C.RestylingNotes RULE3. DOCKETINGTHEAPPEALANDFURTHERTRIALCOURTACTION (a) DocketingtheAppeal (1) TrialCourtDocketing (2) LawCourtDocketing (b) FurtherTrialCourtActionLimited (c) TrialCourtActionWithoutLeaveoftheLawCourt (1) CriminalCases

12

(2) CivilCases (3) ChildProtectionCases (4) CertainInterlocutoryAppeals (d) TrialCourtActionWithLeaveoftheLawCourt RULE3.RestylingNotes RULE3.AdvisoryNotes RULE4. DISMISSALOFTHEAPPEAL (a) VoluntaryDismissal (1) CriminalAppeals (2) CivilAppeals (A) Appeals (B) Cross-Appeals (3) ByStipulation (b) OnorAfterDateforConsideration (c) ForFailuretoPerfectAppeal (d) ForLackofJurisdiction RULE4.RestylingNotes RULE4.AdvisoryNotes RULE5. RECORDONAPPEAL (a) ContentsofRecord (b) Transcripts (1) CriminalCases (A) OrderofTranscript (B) PaymentforTranscript (2) CivilCases (A) OrderofTranscript (B) PaymentforTranscript (c) CondensedTranscript (d) UnavailableTranscript (e) CorrectionorModificationofRecord (f) RecordonAgreedStatement RULE5.RestylingNotes RULE5.AdvisoryNotes

13

RULE6. FILINGTHERECORDWITHTHELAWCOURT (a) FilingtheRecord (1) Twenty-Eight-DayRetentionPeriod (2) EffectofCertainPost-JudgmentMotions (3) AdditionalTemporaryRetentionof theRecordbyOrderof

theTrialCourt (4) RecordforPreliminaryHearingintheLawCourt (b) ContentsoftheRecord (c) (1) FilingofReporter’sTranscript (2) DelayedFilingofTranscript (d) ElectronicRecords RULE7. SCHEDULEFORBRIEFINGANDCONSIDERATION (a) BriefingSchedule (b) TimeforFilingBriefs (1) TrackAAppeals (2) TrackBAppeals (3) ExtensionsofTime (4) ExpeditingAppeals (c) [Reserved] (d) ConsequenceofFailuretoFileBriefs (e) SchedulingofConsideration RULE7.RestylingNotes RULE7.AdvisoryNotesRULE7A. BRIEFS:FORMANDCONTENT (a) BriefoftheAppellant (b) BriefoftheAppellee (c) ReplyBrief (d) BriefsonCross-Appeals (e) BriefofanAmicusCuriae (1) General (2) MaineTortClaimsAct (f) (1) LengthofBriefs (2) Attachment (3) PageorWordLimitCalculations

14

(g) FormofBriefs (1) (A) Signature (B) ElectronicSignature (2) FormandFormatting (3) Binding (4) FrontCover (h) BriefsinanAppealInvolvingMultipleAppellantsorAppellees (i) PrintedandElectronicCopies (1) NumberofPrintedCopiestobeFiledandServed (2) ElectronicCopies (j) CitationofSupplementalAuthorities RULE7A.RestylingNotes RULE7A.AdvisoryNotesRULE8. APPENDIXTOTHEBRIEFS (a) ByWhomFiled (b) NumberofCopies,WhenFiled (c) Contents,Generally (d) Contents,Mandatory–ALLAPPEALS (e) Contents,Mandatory–SPECIFICPROCEEDINGS (1) SummaryJudgment (2) StateandLocalGovernmentAdministrativeAppeals (3) JuryInstructions (4) JuryVerdict,SpecialVerdictForm (5) Contract,Deed,Lease,Trust,Will,orInsurancePolicy (6) DomesticRelations,Parentage,orChildProtectionMatters (7) CriminalAppeals (f) Contents,Discretionary (1) Exhibits (2) OtherPleadings (3) Placement (g) ExclusionsfromtheAppendix (h) FailuretoComplywithRules (i) Contents,AgreementoftheParties (j) Content,Costs (k) Content,Format (l) FailuretoFileanAppendix

15

(m) Hearing on the Original Record Without the Necessity of anAppendix

(n) SupplementofLegalAuthorities RULE8.RestylingNotes RULE8.AdvisoryNotes RULE9. [RESERVED] RULE10. MOTIONSANDOTHERPAPERSINTHELAWCOURT (a) Motions (b) CertificateofServiceRequired (c) Responses (d) FormofMotionsandOtherPapers;NumberofCopiesRequired RULE10.RestylingNotes RULE10.AdvisoryNotes RULE11. CONSIDERATIONBYTHELAWCOURT (a) SchedulingofOralArgument (1) Scheduling (2) Continuance (b) TimeAllowedforArgument (c) OrderandContentofArgument (d) Cross-AppealsandSeparateAppeals (e) NonappearanceatArgument (f) UseofExhibitsatArgument (1) Disclosure (2) Display (3) Removal (g) SubmissiononBriefs RULE11.RestylingNotes RULE11.AdvisoryNotes RULE12. COMPOSITION, CONCURRENCE, AND SESSIONS OF THE LAW

COURT (a) ConstitutionoftheLawCourt;ConcurrenceRequired (b) SessionsoftheLawCourt

16

(c) DecisionsoftheLawCourt RULE12.RestylingNotes RULE12.AdvisoryNotesRULE12A. THECLERKOFTHELAWCOURT (a) (1) Clerk’sOfficeandFiling (2) After-HoursFilings (3) [Reserved] (4) ElectronicFilingsandFaxFilings (b) Clerk’sAuthority RULE12A.RestylingNotes RULE12A.AdvisoryNotesRULE12B. PUBLICACCESSTOPROCEEDINGSANDRECORDS (a) RecordonAppeal (b) LawCourtFile (c) Briefs (d) Appendices (e) OralArguments (f) Decisions RULE12B.RestylingNotes RULE12B.AdvisoryNotes RULE13. COSTSANDINTERESTONJUDGMENTSINCIVILCASES (a) ToWhomCostsAreAllowed (b) CostsintheLawCourt (1) Briefs (2) TheAppendix (3) AnyTranscripts (4) Travel (5) OtherCosts (c) FilingBillofCosts (d) ClerktoCertifyCosts (e) InterestonJudgments (f) Sanctions

17

RULE13.RestylingNotes RULE13.AdvisoryNotes RULE14. MANDATE;RECONSIDERATION;ANDSUSPENSIONOFTHERULES

INTHELAWCOURT (a) IssuanceofMandate (1) CriminalAppeals (2) CivilAppeals (3) (A) StayoftheMandate (B) LawCourtAction (C) AppealstotheUnitedStatesSupremeCourt (b) MotionsforReconsideration (c) SuspensionofRules RULE14.RestylingNotes RULE14.AdvisoryNotes RULE15.–18. [RESERVED] II. SPECIALAPPEALPROCEEDINGSRULE19. DISCRETIONARYCRIMINALAPPEALS (a) (1) AppealsCovered (2) SpecificallyIncludedAppeals (b) RulesApplicable (c) MemorandumRequiredonAppeal (d) (1) Duty of Reporter to Prepare and File Transcript of

ProceedingSubjecttoAppeal (2) Generally No Duty to Prepare and File Transcript of

ExtraditionHearings (3) CompensationforHearingTranscript (e) DenialofaCertificateofProbableCause (f) GrantingofaCertificateofProbableCause (g) AdditionalTranscriptOrders (h) Clerk’sRecord (i) NoticeofScheduleforFilingBriefsandtheAppendix RULE19.AdvisoryandRestylingNotes RULE19.AdvisoryNotes

18

RULE20. APPEALOFSENTENCE (a) (1) ApplicationforLeavetoAppeal (b) TimeforFilinganApplicationforLeavetoAppeal (c) DocketingtheApplicationintheLawCourt (d) DutyofReportertoPrepareandFileSentencingTranscript (e) CorrectionorModificationofRecord (f) DenialofApplicationforLeavetoAppeal (g) DocketingSentenceAppealinLawCourt (h) AppealProcessing (i) Relief RULE20.RestylingNotes RULE20.AdvisoryNotes RULE21. CRIMINALAPPEALSBYTHESTATE (a) Procedure (b) AppealsbytheStateRequiringApprovalofAttorneyGeneral (c) DismissalofAppeal (d) CounselFeesonAppealbytheState (e) TollingofAppealPeriod RULE21.RestylingNotes RULE21.AdvisoryNotes RULE22. REVIEW OF RULINGS AND ORDERS OF THE PUBLIC UTILITIES

COMMISSION RULE22.RestylingNotes RULE22.AdvisoryNotes RULE23. REVIEW OF DECISIONS OF THE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

BOARDANDAPPELLATEDIVISION (a) WhenandHowTaken (b) PetitionforAppellateReviewandResponse (1) FormofPetition (2) ReviewCriteria (3) NoAppealofFact-Finding (4) PetitionAttachments

19

(5) Response (6) ServiceofCopies (c) GrantingorDenyingthePetitionforAppellateReview RULE23.RestylingNotes RULE23.AdvisoryNotes RULE24. REPORTOFCASES (a) ReportbyAgreementofImportantorDoubtfulQuestions (b) [Reserved] (c) ReportofInterlocutoryRulings (d) DeterminationbytheLawCourt RULE25. CERTIFICATIONOFQUESTIONSOFLAWBYFEDERALCOURTSTO

THELAWCOURT (a) WhenCertified (b) ContentsofCertificate (c) PreparationofCertificate (d) CostsofCertificate (e) HearingBeforetheLawCourt (f) InterventionbytheState RULE25.RestylingNotes RULE25.AdvisoryNotes

20

MAINERULESOFAPPELLATEPROCEDUREWITHADVISORYNOTES

I.GENERALAPPEALPROCEEDINGS

RULE1.SCOPEOFRULES

TheseRulesgoverntheprocedureforreviewofanyjudgment,order,orrulingbyaUnifiedCriminalDocket,theDistrictCourt,theSuperiorCourt,theBusiness and Consumer Docket, the Probate Courts, a single justice of theSupremeJudicialCourt,orconsiderationofaquestioncertifiedbythefederalcourts,whichisbylawreviewablebytheLawCourt.Theyshallbeconstruedtosecurethejust,speedy,andinexpensivedeterminationofeveryappeal. TherestyledMaineRulesofAppellateProcedureshallapplytoallappealsinwhichthenoticeofappealisfiledonorafterSeptember1,2017.

RestylingNotes–June2017

Rule1ischangedtoaddreferencestotheUnifiedCriminalDockets,theBusinessandConsumerDocket,andquestionscertifiedbythefederalcourtsandtoindicateaSeptember1,2017,effectivedatefortherestyledrules.

__________________________________________________________________

[AdvisoryNotestoRule1offormerMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure]

AdvisoryNotes–January1,2001

The Maine Rules of Appellate Procedure are adopted to apply to allappealsfromthetrialcourtstotheLawCourtinwhichthenoticeofappealisfiledonorafterJanuary1,2001.Thisistheeffectivedateofcourtunificationamendments that eliminate most appeals from the District Court to theSuperiorCourtandallowfordirectappealfromtheDistrictCourttotheLawCourtofmostDistrictCourtcriminalandcivildecisions.ForappealsfiledonandafterJanuary1,2001,theserulesreplaceRules72,73,74,74A,74B,74C,75, 75A, 75B, 75C, 75D, 76, 76A, 76B and 76I of the Maine Rules of CivilProcedure,andRules37,37A,37B,39,39A,39B,39C,39D,40B,40C,78and90

21

oftheMaineRulesofCriminalProcedure,andRules72,73,74,74A,74B,74C,75,75A,75B,75C,75D,76and76AoftheMaineRulesofProbateProcedure. Adoption of a single Maine Rules of Appellate Procedure is necessarybecause,althoughtheappealrulesintheMaineRulesofCivilProcedure2andthe Maine Rules of Criminal Procedure are similar in substance on mostsignificantmatters,theyincludesignificanttimingandprocessdifferencesthatcouldcreateconsiderableconfusionformanyclerk’soffices,theBar,andthepublicattemptingtoapplythedifferingsetsofrules,forthefirsttime,inmanyappealsfromDistrictCourt. Thepresentrulesgoverningappeals,listedabove,shallcontinueineffectforappeals to theLawCourt filedonorbeforeDecember31,2000. Eachofthoserulesisbeingamendedtoincludeaclauselimitingitsapplicationtosuchappeals. Further, as all appeals should be fully processed pursuant to thepresentruleswithinoneyear,theabovelistedruleswillbeabrogatedeffectiveDecember31,2001.Theseamendedrulesprovideauniformprocedureforallappeals,criminalandcivil,fromthetrialcourtstotheLawCourt.

RULE1A.TIMECOMPUTATION IncomputinganyperiodoftimeprescribedorallowedbytheseRules,byorderofcourt,orbyanyapplicablestatute,thedayoftheact,event,ordefaultafterwhichthedesignatedperiodoftimebeginstorunisnottobeincluded.Thelastdayoftheperiodsocomputedistobeincluded,unlessitisaSaturday,aSunday,oralegalholiday,inwhicheventtheperiodrunsuntiltheendofthenextdaywhichisnotaSaturday,aSunday,oralegalholiday. When the period of time prescribed or allowed is 6 days or fewer,intermediateSaturdays,Sundays,legalholidays,anddayswhen,byorderoftheChiefJusticeoftheSupremeJudicialCourt,pursuanttoM.R.U.Crim.P.54(b)orM.R. Civ. P. 77(c), the clerk’s office is closed, shall be excluded in thecomputation. When the office of the Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court isclosedbefore4:00p.m.onanyregularbusinessday,arequiredfilingshallbetimely if filed on the next regular business day that the office is open forbusiness.

2TheMaineRulesofProbateProcedureincorporatetheMaineRulesofCivilProcedureappeal

rules.

22

RestylingNotes–June2017

Rule 1A replaces formerRule 15 relating to time computation. AlongwithformerRule16definitions,movedtobecomeRule1B,itismovedtoanearlierpointintherulesbecauseitstermsapplytomanysubsequentrules. Rather than cross-reference to Rule 6(a) of the Maine Rules of CivilProcedure,asinreplacedRule15,thetermsrelatedtotimecomputationarestated directly in Rule 1A. There are adjustments to recognize the Rule’splacementintheAppellateRulesstructure.Forexample,theterm“lessthan7days”inM.R.Civ.P.6(a)isreplacedwiththeterm“6daysorfewer”inRule1Atoreducethepotentialconfusionastothecountingrulesthatmayapplytoatime period of 7 days. Seven-day or one-week increments are the mostcommonbasisfortimecalculationsintheMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure.In addition, court-ordered closures on regular business days are directlyaddressedintheRule.Also,theeffectofaclosureoftheLawCourtClerk’sOfficebefore4:00p.m.onaregularbusinessdayisspecificallyaddressed.

__________________________________________________________________

[AdvisoryNotestoformerRule15,nowRule1A,ofMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure]

AdvisoryNotes–January1,2001

Rule15appliesthetimecomputationprovisionsofRule6(a)oftheMaineRulesofCivilProceduretotimecomputationsundertheserules.Thetextisnotrestated,sothatthereisnoriskofinconsistencyshouldthetextofM.R.Civ.P.6change.

RULE1B.DEFINITIONS UnlessspecifiedtothecontrarybystatuteortheseRules,thefollowingwords,wheneverusedintheseRulesshallhavethefollowingmeanings: (a) Theterm“appellant’sattorney”or“appellee’sattorney”oranyliketerm shall include the party appearing without counsel, and the word“appellant”or“appellee”oranyliketermshallincludethepartyappearingwithcounsel.

23

(b) Theword“court”or“trialcourt”shallincludeanyUnifiedCriminalDocket,theBusinessandConsumerDocket,anyjudgeoftheProbateCourt,anyjudgeoftheDistrictCourt,anyjusticeoftheSuperiorCourt,anysinglejusticeof theSupreme JudicialCourt,andanyadministrative agency fromwhichanappealliesdirectlytotheLawCourt. (c) Theterm“plaintiff’sattorney”or“defendant’sattorney”oranyliketermshallincludethepartyappearingwithoutcounsel,andtheword“plaintiff”or“defendant”oranyliketermshallincludethepartyappearingwithcounsel. (d) The word “reporter” means a court reporter, the Office ofTranscriptOperations,oratranscriberofanelectronicallyrecordedrecord.

RestylingNotes–June2017 Rule1BisformerRule16relatingtotimecomputations.TheprincipalchangesfromRule16renderthenumberingofsubdivisionsconsistentwiththerest of the rules and add reference to a Unified Criminal Docket and theBusinessandConsumerDocketinaddressingthedefinitionof“trialcourt”andaddareferencetotheOfficeofTranscriptOperationsinthedefinitionoftheword“reporter.”

__________________________________________________________________

[AdvisoryNotestoformerRule16,nowRule1B,ofMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure]

AdvisoryNotes–July1,2010

TheamendmenttoRule16(2)clarifiesthat,unlessthecontextrequiresotherwise,stateadministrativeagenciesfromwhichthereisadirectappealtotheLawCourtare treatedas if theagencywas the trialcourt forpurposeofapplication of these rules. The chief administrative executive of the agencywouldbetreatedasifthatpersonweretheclerkofthetrialcourt.

AdvisoryNotes–September10,2001 ThedefinitionsinproposedRule16arederivedfromthedefinitionsinM.R.Civ.P.83.Theprincipalchangeinthedefinitionsisthatthedefinitionsdo

24

not include a definition for the “clerk.” See M.R. Civ. P. 83(2). Within theappellaterules,theClerkoftheLawCourtisusuallyreferredtoastheClerkoftheLawCourt,otherreferencestoclerkareusuallyreferencestotheclerkoftheappropriatetrialcourt. Suchreferencesareeasilydeterminablefromthecontextof the rulebutcouldbe confusedbya limitingdefinition. The term“reporter”isalsodefinedinRule5(a).TheothersignificantchangesfromRule83are:(a)thedefinitionoftheword“court”isexpandedtoincludereferencetojudgesofprobate;and(b)thedefinitionindicatingthatreferencestopartiesorattorneysareinterchangeableregardlessofwhetherapartyisrepresentedor not is expanded by the references in subparagraph (1) to appellant andappellee.__________________________________________________________________________________________

AdvisoryNotestoformerRule2oftheMaineRulesofAppellate

Procedure

[The2017restylingoftheMaineRulesofAppellateProcedureseparatedformerRule2intothreeindividualrulescoveringNoticeandFilingofAppeal(Rule2A),TimeforAppeal(Rule2B),andMultipleAppealsandBondsinCivilCases (Rule 2C). The Advisory Notes for Adoption of and Amendments toformerRule2,becausetheyrelatetoasingleRule,couldnotbeseparatedintoAdvisory Notes applicable to one of the three new Rules. Therefore, theAdvisoryNotestotheformerRule2areaddedatthispoint. Theyshouldbereviewedwhenseekingtoexaminethehistory,priortorestylingofthethreenewRules.Note:AmendmentstoformerRule2(a)generallyrelatetorestyledRule2A;amendmentstoformerRule2(b)generallyrelatetorestyledRule2B;and amendments to former Rule 2(c) generally relate to restyled Rule 2C.Sometimes one paragraph in the Rule 2 Advisory Notes may relate toamendmenttomorethanonesubdivisionofformerRule2.]

AdvisoryNote–August2015

BecauseoftheadoptionoftheMaineRulesofUnifiedCriminalProcedure,effective throughout theStateofMaineasof July1,2015, all referencesandcitations to theMaineRulesofCriminalProcedurehavebeen replacedwithreferencesandcitationstotheMaineRulesofUnifiedCriminalProcedure.

25

All references to the Maine Revised Statutes Annotated in the MaineRules of Appellate Procedure are updated to refer to the Maine RevisedStatutes.

AdvisoryNote–October2012

Theamendment[toRule2(a)(5)]isatechnicalchangetorecognizethe

newtitleforwhatisnowcalledtheOfficeofTranscriptProduction.

AdvisoryNote–July2012

Rule2(a)(1) and (4) andRule2(b)(3) are amended tomake clear theneed for payment of the filing fee in those appeals forwhich a filing fee isrequired.ThisrequirementisalsodiscussedinM.R.Civ.P.5(f).

AdvisoryNote–November2011

Rule2(c)(3)isclarifiedtoindicatethat,unlessthepartiesagreeoritis

orderedotherwise,thefirstpartytofileanoticeofappealisthe“appellant”andallothersare“appellees.”Theformerrulereferredto“both”parties,leavinguncertainty as tohow to interpret the rulewhen thereweremore than twopartiesinthecase. Theruleisalsoamendedtoindicatethatifbothparentsappeal from an order impacting both parents’ parental rights in a childprotection,guardianship,orgrandparents’visitationproceeding,bothparentsaretreatedasappellants,unlessotherwiseordered.

AdvisoryNotes–January2004

This amendment toM.R. App. P. 2(b)(5) establishes two time periodswithin which a party may seek an extension of time to file an appeal.Subparagraph(A)allowsthecourttoextendthetimeperiodforfilinganappealfor up to 21 days from the expiration of the original time limit for filing anappeal–usually21daysfromentryofjudgment–uponashowingofgoodcause.Thisisthetimeperiodforanextensionoftimespecifiedinthecurrentrule. SubparagraphBallowsthecourttoextendthetimeperiodforfilinganappealforupto140days(20weeks)fromtheexpirationoftheoriginaltimelimit for filing an appeal–usually 21 days from entry of judgment–upon ashowingof the threecriteria indicated insubparagraphB. Theextensionoftimeprovisions insubparagraphsAandBare in thealternative andarenot

26

cumulative.Bothstartrunningfromtheexpirationoftheoriginaltimelimitforfilinganappeal. The purpose of this amendment to M.R. App. P. 2(b)(5) is to providegreater flexibility to courts to extend time for filing a notice of appeal,particularlyininstanceswheretheclerkhasnotsentacopyofthejudgmenttothepartiesorotherwisenotifiedthepartiesthatjudgmenthasbeenentered.Toaccomplishthisobjective,twochangesareadopted.First,thestandardforreviewforrequeststoextendtimeinparagraphAischangedfrom“excusableneglect”to“goodcause.”Thegoodcausestandardisviewedasonewhichismorelenientthantheexcusableneglectstandard.SeeMOORE’SFEDERALPRACTICE(3d.2002),section304.14[2][a](excusableneglect)and[b](goodcause).ItisthesamestandardthatisappliedinM.R.Civ.P.55(c)forsettingasidedefaults. Second, the rule change in subparagraphB allows an extension of thetimetofileanoticeofappealexceeding21days,butnotexceeding140days,from the expiration of the original time for filing an appeal, for those caseswhere themovingpartydemonstrates that theclerk failed tosendnoticeofentry of judgment to the parties. The moving party is also required todemonstratethattheydidnototherwiselearnoftheentryofjudgmentandthatanyotherpartywillnotbeunfairlyprejudicedbytherequestedextensionoftime. This amendment gives the court some flexibility to mitigate thepotentially harsh affects of a failure tonotify parties of entry of a judgmentwhich,underappellatepractice,wasnotallowedtobeconsideredinevaluatinga motion to extend time. Bourke v. City of S. Portland, 2002 ME 155,806A.2d1255;Harris Baking Co. v. Mazzeo, 294 A.2d 445, 451 (Me. 1972).Thesechanges,however,recognizetheimportanceofthefinalityofjudgments.Atimeextensionwouldbebarredifthemovingpartyhadotherwiselearnedofthe entry of the judgment or if any party would be unfairly prejudiced byallowing the after the deadline appeal. Notably, claims of lack of receipt ofnotice would be insufficient to justify an extension of time under this ruleamendment. Somefailureofactioninaclerk’sofficemustbedemonstrated.The Committee recognizes that claims of lack of receipt of noticemay be afrequentexcuseforsloppyrecordkeeping,poorofficemanagement,inattentivelitigationpracticesorfailurestokeepacourtandlitigantsawareofchangesinaddresses.Itshouldalsobenotedthattheexceptionrelatingtothefailureoftheclerktosendnoticewouldonlybegeneratedincaseswheretheclerkwasobligatedtosendnoticeofentryof judgments. Thisexceptionwouldnotbegenerated, therefore, insituationssuchasentryofdefault judgments,where

27

theclerkmayhavenoobligationtosendacopyofthejudgmenttoa litigantwhohasfailedtoappearorotherwisepleadinamatter.

AdvisoryNotes–July2003

ThisamendmenttoM.R.App.P.2(b)(2)(B)recognizesthechangeinthetimelimitforfilinganextraditionappealadoptedbyP.L.2003,ch.17,§§1&2,enacting15M.R.S.A.§210-B,settingthetimelimitforfilinganappealat7daysafterentryoforder.Thepriorlawspecifieda10-daytimeperiod.

AdvisoryNotes–October15,2001

Rule 2(b)(2) is amended to recognize 15 M.R.S.A. § 210-A(2) whichrequires thatanyappeals fromordersentered inextraditionproceedingsbefiledwithinten(10)daysofentryoftheorderappealedfrom.ThisamendmentisnecessaryinlightoftheadditiontotheMaineRulesofAppellateProcedureof rules governing discretionary appeals including appeals of extraditionorderswhicharebeingmovedfromtheMaineRulesofCriminalProcedureintoRule19oftheMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure.

AdvisoryNotes–September10,2001 The Rule 2, subdivision (a), paragraph (2) amendment adds a cross-reference to the statement of issues requirement ofM.R. App. P. 5(b)(2)(A)whichmustbeincludedwithcivilnoticesofappeal.

TheamendmentstoRule2(b),basedontherecommendationoftheCourtUnification Implementation Committee, and authorized by P.L. 2001, ch.17,createauniformappealfilingdeadlineof21daysafterentryinthedocketofthe judgment or order appealed from, unless a different time is explicitlyprovidedbylaw.Thischangeaddsonedaytothepresent20-daylimitforfilingcriminalappeals,andreducesbyninedaysthepresent30-daylimitforfilingcivilappeals.TheamendmentsareintendedtofurthertheintentoftheoriginalCUTAF legislation to improve appeal processing times. The changed datesapplytoappealsofjudgmentsorordersenteredonandafterJanuary1,2002.

The amendment to subdivision (c), paragraph (3), clarifies the Courtreferenceintherule.

28

AdvisoryNotes–January1,2001

Rule2(a)(1) isbasedonprovisionsofM.R.Civ.P.73(a)&(b)andM.R.Crim.P.37(a)&(b).Itprovidesinessencethatreviewofanyjudgment,order,or ruling of the trial courts shall be by appeal to the LawCourtwhere thatjudgment,order,orrulingisbylawreviewablebytheLawCourt.Theappealmustbecommencedbyfilinganoticeofappealwiththeclerkofthecourtfromwhich the appeal is taken. Accompanying the notice of appeal must be atranscript order form for those portions of the transcript that the appellantintendstoincludeintherecordonappeal.Thenoticeofappealandtranscriptorderformmustbesignedbytheappellantortheappellant’sattorney.

Rule2(a)(2)isbasedonaportionofM.R.Civ.P.73(b).Itcontinuesthepresent requirement that the notice of appeal specify the parties taking theappealanddesignatethejudgmentorothercourtorderfromwhichtheappealisbeingtaken.Thisspecificrequirementisnowextendedtocriminalcases.

Rule 2(a)(3) & (4) involve special provisions for criminal appeals,derivedfromthelastparagraphofM.R.Crim.P.37(b)andthelastparagraphofM.R.Crim.P.37(c).

Paragraph(3)adoptsthepresentrequirementofM.R.Crim.P.37(c)that,uponimposinganysentenceaftertrial,orafterapleatomurderoraClassA,BorCcrimewhichinvolvesasentencethatwasnotagreedtobythedefendant,the court must advise the defendant of the rights of appeal of both theunderlyingconvictionandthesentence. Thesentenceappealadvicemustbegivenonlyifthesentenceinvolvesatermofimprisonment,eitherunderlyingorimposed,ofmorethanoneyear.See15M.R.S.A.§2151.

Whereacriminaldefendantisnotrepresentedbycounselandrequeststhatanoticeofappealbefiled,thecourtclerkistoprepareandfileanoticeofappealonbehalfofthedefendant. Therequirementimposedontheclerkisnecessarilylimitedtothenoticeofappeal,astheclerkwouldhavenobasistomakeanydeterminationregardingtheappropriatenatureofanytranscripttobeorderedwithatranscriptorderform.

Paragraph(4)oftherulereflectsthestatutoryrequirementof15M.R.S.A.§2115-A(5) that any appeals by the State in criminal cases, except post-convictioncaseappeals,mustbeapproved,inwriting,bytheAttorneyGeneral.Theapprovalmustbefiledwiththeclerkofthetrialcourtandnotedonthe

29

docket.Acopymustbemailedbytheclerktotheattorneyforthedefendant,or,ifthedefendantisunrepresented,directlytothedefendant.

Rule 2(a)(5) is based on a portion of M.R. Civ. P. 73(b) and M.R.Crim.P.37(b).Itrequiresthat,oncethenoticeofappealisfiled,theclerkmustdatestampitandmailacopyofthenoticeofappealandtranscriptorderformto the Clerk of the Law Court, the court reporter or Electronic RecordingDivision,andtheattorneyofrecordforeachpartytotheappealotherthantheappellant.Whereapartyisnotrepresentedbyanattorney,theclerkfulfillsthedutyofsendinganoticeofappealtothatpartybysendingthenoticetothelastknownaddressofthepartyappearinginthecourtfile.IncasesarisingundertheMaineTortClaimsAct,theclerkmustsendacopyofthenoticeofappealtotheAttorneyGeneralatthesametimethattheclerksendscopiesofthenoticeofappealtootherpartiesintheaction.

Subdivision 5 also recognizes that a clerk’s failure to send a notice ofappeal,requiredbythissection,doesnotaffectthevalidityoftheappeal.Noticetoapartyissufficientwhenmailedbytheclerkregardlessofthedeathofthepartyortheparty’sattorneypriortosendingofthenotice.Theclerkistonoteinthedocketthenamesofthepartiestowhomcopiesofthenoticeofappealweremailedandthedateofmailing.

Rule2(b)(1)statesthatthedateajudgmentisdeemedtobeenteredforpurposesofthisruleandforcalculatingthetimeperiodsforfilinganappeal,isthedateonwhichthejudgmentisenteredinthedocket.Ifthedateappearingonthejudgmentisdifferentfromthedateofdocketing,thedateofdocketingcontrols.ThisreflectscurrentrequirementsasstatedinM.R.Civ.P.58andM.R.Crim.P.37(c).

Anoticeofappealfiledatanearliertime,afteraverdictoranorderorotheractionofthecourt,butbeforeentryofthatjudgmentorotherorderinthedocket,istreatedasfiledonthedayofentryintothedocket.

Rule2(b)(2)governs the time for filingappeals incriminalcases. Thenoticeofappealmustbe filedwithin20daysafter entryof the judgmentororderappealedfrominthedocketunlessashortertimeisprovidedbylaw.See15M.R.S.A.§2115(Supp.1999).3TherulereflectscurrentM.R.Crim.P.37(c)

3Title15M.R.S.A.§2115statesinpart:

30

inprovidingalistofexceptionsthatallowdelayoffilingofthenoticeofappealuntil20days afterentryof arulingon the listedmotions,provided that themotion at issue is itself filed within 20 days after entry of judgment. Thedeadlineforfilinganoticeofappealisnotstayedunlessoneofthespecificallylistedmotionsisfiledwithin20daysafterentryofjudgment.

Rule2(b)(3)governsthetimeforfilingnoticesofappeal incivilcases.ThisruleisbasedonM.R.Civ.P.73(a).Noticeofappealmustbefiledwithin30daysafterentryofthejudgmentororderappealedfromexceptwhereashortertimeisprovidedbylaw.See14M.R.S.A.§1851.4

Ifonepartytoacivilcasefilesatimelynoticeofappeal,anyotherpartytothecasemayfileanoticeofappealwithin14daysofthedateonwhichthefirst notice of appeal was filed, or within 30 days after entry of judgment,whichevertimeexpireslast. Aswiththecriminalrules,thetimeforfilinganappealisstayedbyoneofthelistedmotionsifthemotionitselfisfiledwithinthetimespecifiedforfilingthemotion.Wheresuchamotionisfiled,thetimefor filing appeal begins to run from entry of the order ruling on the listedmotions.Thus,ifaspecificenumeratedmotionisfiledwithinthetimerequiredforfilingthemotion,orwithintheappealperiodifnotimeperiodissetforthemotion,thetimeforfilinganappealisextendedto30daysafteranorderrulingontheindicatedmotion.

Rule2(b)(4)states thatanappeal taken froma judgment includinganappealtakenafterentryofanorderonapost-judgmentmotionasaddressedin2(b)(2)and2(b)(3)allowsreviewofanyproperlypreservedclaimoferrorintheoriginalrecordoranyordersenteredbasedonpost-judgmentmotions.Therulealsoclarifiesthatfilingofmotionsandentryofsubsequentordersdoesnotrender apreviously filednoticeofappeal ineffective. Appealsdesignatedas

§2115.AppealsfromtheSuperiorCourtIn any criminal proceeding in the Superior Court, any defendant aggrieved by ajudgmentofconviction, rulingorordermayappeal to theSupreme JudicialCourt,sittingas theLawCourt. The time for taking theappealandthemannerandanyconditionsforthetakingoftheappealshallbeastheSupremeJudicialCourtprovidesbyrule.

4Thelastsentenceof14M.R.S.A.§1851states:

Inanycivilcaseanypartyaggrievedbyanyjudgment,rulingorordermayappealtherefromtothelawcourtwithin30daysorsuchfurthertimeasmaybegrantedbythecourtpursuanttoaruleofcourt.

31

beingtakenfromordersonpost-judgmentmotionsaretreatedasappealsfromthejudgmentitself.ThisprovisionisbasedonsimilarlanguageinM.R.Civ.P.73(a)andM.R.Crim.P.37(c).

Rule2(b)(5)isderivedfromM.R.Civ.P.73(a)andM.R.Crim.P.37(c).Itallowsthecourt,onashowingofexcusableneglect,beforeorafteraparticularappeal deadline has expired, to extend the time for filing a notice of appealotherwiseallowedforaperiodnottoexceed21daysfromtheexpirationoftheoriginaltimeprescribedinthisrule,20daysforcriminalappealsand30daysforcivilappeals. The21-dayadditionalperiod isachange fromcurrentruleswhichallowanadditional30daysinbothcriminalandcivilcases.

Rule2(c)adoptsprovisionsthatarecarryoversfromthepresentappealruleswithout any significant change in language. Rule 2(c)(1) carries overpresentRule73(c). Rule2(c)(2)carriesoverpresentM.R.Civ.P.73(d),andRule2(c)(3)carriesoverpresentM.R.Civ.P.73(e).Theprovisionsof2(c)areonlyapplicabletocivilcases.NotethatbailforcriminalappealsisgovernedbyM.R.Crim.P.46whichisnotaffectedbytheseamendments.

RULE2A.NOTICEANDFILINGOFAPPEAL

(a) CommencingAppeal. Reviewofanycriminalorcivil judgment,order,orrulingoftheDistrictCourt,theSuperiorCourt,anyUnifiedCriminalDocket,theProbateCourts,orasinglejusticeoftheSupremeJudicialCourtthatisbylawreviewablebytheLawCourtshallbebyappeal. (b) NoticeandAppearances. (1) Notice.Theappealshallbecommencedbyfilinganoticeofappealwiththeclerkofthetrialcourtfromwhichtheappealistaken.Thenoticeofappealshallbesignedbyeachappellantortheappellant’sattorney.Thenoticeofappealshallspecifythepartytakingtheappeal,designatethejudgmentorpartthereofappealedfrom,andnotifytheotherpartiesoftheneedtofileanappearancetobeheardontheappeal.Acopyofthenoticeofappealshallbeservedontheotherpartiestothetrialcourtproceeding. (2) Appearances. (A) Criminal Appeals. In criminal appeals, theattorneyorunrepresentedpartyfilingthenoticeofappealshallbedeemedtobe representing the appellant unless new counsel appears or counselwithdrawspursuanttoM.R.U.Crim.P.44(a)(2)and44B;andtheattorneyor

32

unrepresentedpartyrepresentingtheappelleeinthetrialcourtatthetimetheappeal is filed shall be deemed to be representing the appellee unless newcounselappearsorcounselwithdrawspursuanttoM.R.U.Crim.P.44(a)(2)and44B. (B) Civil Appeals. In civil appeals, the attorney or unrepresentedparty filing the notice of appeal shall be deemed to be representing theappellant unless new counsel appears or counsel withdraws. An attorneyrepresentingeachotherpartyinthetrialcourtatthetimetheappealisfiledshallbedeemedtoberepresentingthatpartyintheappealunlessnewcounselappearsorcounselwithdrawsorthatotherpartyelectsnottoparticipateintheappeal.Anunrepresentedparty,otherthantheappellant,inthetrialcourtproceedingatthetimetheappealisfiledshallbedeemedtobeappearingintheappeal unless counsel appears or that unrepresented party elects not toparticipateintheappeal. (c) FilingFee. (1) Nofilingfeeisrequiredforappealsincriminalcases.Therequiredfilingfeeforappealsincivilcasesshallbepaidtotheclerkofthetrialcourtatthetimeofthefilingofthenoticeofappeal. (2) ApersonwhobelievesthatheorshecannotaffordtopaythefilingfeemayfilearequesttohavethefeewaivedpursuanttoM.R.Civ.P.91.Iftherequesttohavethefilingfeewaivedisdenied,thepartywhosoughtthewaivershallpaythefilingfeeinfullwithin7daysaftertheentryoftheorderdenyingtherequestforwaiverofthefilingfee,ortheappealshallbedismissedbythetrialcourt. (d) TranscriptOrder.Ifanappellantintendstoincludeanyportionsof the transcript in the record on appeal, that appellant must order thoseportionseitherbyusingtheonlinetranscriptorderformfoundontheJudicialBranch website, www.courts.maine.gov/maine_courts/transcription/online.html,orbyusingtheofficialJudicialBranchpaperorderform.

(1) To use the online transcript order form on the Judicial Branchwebsite,theappellantmust

33

(A) completeallinformationrequiredontheonlineform,includingthedatesoftheproceedingsthattheappellantwishestohavetranscribed;

(B) printtheconfirmationsheetfromtheonlineform;(C) filetheprintedconfirmationsheetwiththenoticeofappeal;and(D) serveacopyoftheprintedconfirmationsheetontheotherparties.

(2) TousetheofficialJudicialBranchpapertranscriptorderform,the

appellantmust(A) completeallrequiredinformationontheform,includingthedates

oftheproceedingsthattheappellantwishestohavetranscribed;(B) signtheform;(C) filetheoriginalformwiththenoticeofappeal;and(D) serveacopyoftheformontheotherparties.

(e) InsufficientFiling.Ifanoticeofappealortranscriptorderisnotsigned,theappealshallnotbeacceptedforfiling.Iftheappealisnotacceptedfor filing, the trial court clerk shall docket the receipt and return of thenon-accepteddocuments,andthenreturnalldocumentstothepartywhofiledthem. Documentsthatarereturnedtothepartywhofiledthemshallnotbedeemedasfiledforthepurposeofcalculatingcompliancewithtimelimits. (f) CriminalAppeals:ParticularRequirements. (1) In a criminal case, when a court imposes any sentence on adefendant(A)aftertrial,or(B)afterapleatomurderoraClassA,B,orCcrime,withatermofoneyearormorethatisnotagreedtopursuanttoM.R.U.Crim.P.11A,thedefendantshallbeadvisedbythetrialcourtoftherighttoappeal.Ifacriminaldefendantnotrepresentedbycounselsorequests,thetrialcourtshallcauseanoticeofappealtobepreparedandfiledonbehalfofthedefendantforthwith.

34

(2) A notice of appeal filed by the State in a criminal case shall beaccompanied by a written approval of the appeal signed by the AttorneyGeneral,pursuanttoRule21(b),orarepresentationthattheAttorneyGeneralhasapprovedtheappealandawrittenapprovalwillbefiledwithin7days.TheStateshallserveacopyofthewrittenapprovalontheotherparties,inadditiontothenoticeofappealandtranscriptorderformasrequiredbyRules2A(b)and(d).Theclerkofthetrialcourtshallfiletheapproval,notethefilinginthecriminaldocket,andmailadate-stampedcopyoftheapprovaltothedefendantor,ifthedefendantisrepresentedbycounsel,totheattorneyforthedefendant. (g) TrialCourtClerkActions. (1) Thetrialcourtclerkshallmailadate-stampedcopyofthenoticeofappealandtranscriptorderformto(A)theClerkoftheLawCourt;(B)thecourtreporterorOfficeofTranscriptOperations;and(C)theattorneyofrecordofeach party other than the appellant, or, if a party is not represented by anattorney, then to the last known address of that party. This notification issufficientnotwithstandingthedeathorincapacityofthepartyoroftheparty’sattorneypriortoorsubsequenttothemailingofthenotification. (2) Theclerkshallnoteinthedocketthenamesofthepartiestowhomtheclerkmailsthecopies,withdateofmailing.TheclerkshallthenmailacopyofthedocketsheettotheClerkoftheLawCourt. (3) The trial court clerk’s failure to mail the notice of appeal asindicated in Rule 2A(g)(1) does not affect the validity of the appeal, but noappealshallbedeemedtobefiledandcommencedintheLawCourtpursuanttoRule3(a)(2)untiltheClerkoftheLawCourtreceivesthecopyofthenoticeofappealfromthetrialcourtclerk. (4) InanyactionbasedontheMaineTortClaimsAct,14M.R.S.§8101etseq.,whethertheactioninvolvestheStateora localgovernment,thetrialcourtclerkshallmailacopyofanynoticeofappealthatisfiledtotheAttorneyGeneralatthesametimeasthetrialcourtclerkmailsthatnoticetothepartiestotheaction.

35

AdvisoryNote–May2018

Theamendmentpermits,butdoesnotrequire,anappellantwithaccesstotheinternettousetheJudicialBranch’sonlinetranscriptorderformtoorderanytranscript.Currently,theonlineformcanbeusedtoordertranscriptsforreferencebutnotforappeals.Theonlineformwillallowtheappellanttoprintadocumentthatconfirmstheorderandcontainsalldetailsoftheorder.Theappellantmustthenfilethatconfirmationformwiththenoticeofappealandserveacopyontheotherparties. TheJudicialBranchprefersthatpartiesusetheonlineform. Usingtheonline form will ensure that the appellant has provided all necessaryinformationforthetranscriptorderandwillmaketheprocessoforderingandproducingthetranscriptmoreefficient.

RestylingNotes–June2017

The revision of Rule 2 applies restyling practice to add significantseparations and internal numbering to what were long paragraphs in theoriginalRule.TheoriginalrulehasalsobeendividedintothreedistinctRules.Rule2Aaddressesthenoticeandfilingoftheappeal. Rule2Baddressesthetimefortakinganappeal.Rule2Caddressescross-appeals,multipleappeals,andbondsincivilcases. Rule2Aisreorganizedtoaddressfirstthecommencementoftheappeal,thenthenoticeoftheappeal,thenthefilingfeeandtranscriptorder.TheRulealsoclarifiesthetrialcourtclerks’actionswhenfilingsareinsufficientand,inRule 2A(c), specifies what may happen when a waiver of the filing fees isrequestedbut isdenied, indicating thatwhen there is adenial, the filing feemustbepaidwithin7daysafterthedenialortheappealwouldbedismissedbythetrialcourtclerk.The7-daypaymentordismissalrequirementisdrawnfromM.R.Civ.P.91(d)whichappliesinallcircumstanceswhenafeewaiverisdenied. The requirement of formerRule 2(a)(2) that notices of appeal in civilactionsincludeastatementoftheissuesisremoved. Rule 2A(b)(2) adds requirements for appearances to participate incriminalorcivilappealsthattheunrepresentedpartyorattorneyrepresenting

36

each partyother than the appellant in the trial court shall bedeemed toberepresentingthatpartyontheappealunlessnewcounselappears,orcounselwithdraws,orapartyelectsnottoparticipateintheappeal. Rules2A(b),(d),and(f)(2)addtherequirementthattheappellantmustserveontheotherpartiesthenoticeofappeal,transcriptorderform,and,whenapplicable,writtenapprovaloftheAttorneyGeneralorarepresentationthattheAttorneyGeneral’sapprovalhasbeenobtainedandwillbefiledwithin7days. Rule2A(e)clarifiesthatthedocumentsreturnedbythetrialcourtclerkas insufficientarenotdeemedas filed forpurposeofcalculatingcompliancewithanytimelimits. Rule 2A(f) includes, with slight modification, what were formerlyparagraphs3and4inRule2(a). Rule2A(g)isarestylingofwhatiscurrentlyRule2(a),paragraph5withtheadditionofseveralseparationsandinternalnumbering.ArequirementthatthetrialcourtclerkmailacopyofthedocketsheettotheClerkoftheLawCourtisaddedtoRule2A(g)(2).

__________________________________________________________________

[AdvisoryNotestoformerRule2canbefoundabovethetextofRule2A.]

RULE2B.TIMEFORAPPEAL (a) (1) TimeofEntryofJudgment.AjudgmentororderisenteredwithinthemeaningofthisRulewhenitisenteredintothedocket.Anoticeofappeal filedafteraverdictoranorder, finding,or judgmentofthecourt,butbeforeentryinthedocketshallbetreatedasfiledonthedateofentryintothedocket. (2) KnowledgeofJudgmentPresumed.Apartyshallbepresumedto have learned of the entry of a judgment if that party, or an attorneyrepresentingthatparty,waspresentinopencourtwhenajudgment,verdict,ruling on a motion, or sentence was announced, or if that party, at thecourthouse, signedadocument, suchasasentencingdocument,adisclosure

37

order, or other document acknowledging the entry of final judgment in theproceeding. (b) CriminalCases. (1) Time to File. Except for extradition appeals addressed inRule2B(b)(3),thetimewithinwhichanappealmaybetakeninacriminalcaseshallbe21daysafterentryintothedocketofthejudgmentororderappealedfrom,unlessashortertimeisprovidedbylaw. (2) TimetoFileExtendedbyTimelyFilingofCertainMotions.Ifatimelymotionfor: (A) arrestofjudgmentunderM.R.U.Crim.P.34;or (B) judgmentofacquittalafterverdictunderM.R.U.Crim.P.29;or (C) anewtrialunderM.R.U.Crim.P.33;or (D) correctionorreductionofsentenceunderM.R.U.Crim.P.35(a)or35(c)is filedwithin 21 days after entry of judgment, a notice of appeal from theoriginal judgment need not be filedwithin 21 days after the entry into thedocketofthatjudgment.Instead,oneappealoftheoriginaljudgmentandtheorderonthemotionmaybetakenwithin21daysafterentryintothedocketoftheordergranting,denying,ordismissingthemotion.Anappealdesignatedasbeing taken fromsuchanorder shall be treatedas anappeal fromboth theorderandtheoriginaljudgment.Inthealternative,ifanoticeofappealfromtheoriginaljudgmentisfiledwithin21daysaftertheentryintothedocketofthatjudgment,thesubsequenttimelyfilingofoneofthepost-judgmentmotionslisted in subsections (A)-(D) above does not waive or otherwise renderineffective the previously filed notice of appeal. The timely filed notice ofappealfromtheoriginaljudgmentpreservesforreviewanyclaimoferrorinthe record, including any claim of error in an order on the post-judgmentmotions listed insubsections(A)-(D). Thisparagraphdoesnotapply toanypost-judgmentmotionthatisnotlistedinsubsections(A)-(D)above.

38

(3) ExtraditionAppeals. The timewithinwhichanappealmaybetaken from an order making a final disposition of a petition contestingextraditionshallbe7daysafterentry into thedocketof theorder appealedfrom. (c) CivilCases. (1) TimetoFile.Thetimewithinwhichanappealmaybetakeninacivilcaseshallbe21daysafterentryintothedocketofthejudgmentororderappealedfrom,unlessashortertimeisprovidedbylaw. (2) TimetoFileExtendedbyTimelyFilingofCertainMotions.Ifatimelymotion: (A) forjudgmentunderM.R.Civ.P.50(b);or (B) tomakeoramendfindingsoffactorconclusionsoflawunderM.R.Civ.P.52(a)or(b);or (C) foranewtrialunderM.R.Civ.P.59;or (D) to alter or amend the judgment, including a motion forreconsiderationofthejudgmentunderM.R.Civ.P.59;or (E) for reopening or reconsideration before the Public UtilitiesCommissionpursuanttoitsrulesofpracticeis filedwithin the timeallowedby statuteor rule after entryof judgment, anoticeofappeal fromtheoriginal judgmentneednotbefiledwithin21daysafter the entry into the docket of that judgment. Instead, one appeal of theoriginal judgmentandtheorderonthemotionmaybetakenwithin21daysafter entry into thedocketof theorder granting,denying, ordismissing themotion. An appeal designated as being taken from such an order shall betreated as an appeal fromboth theorder and theoriginal judgment. In thealternative, if a notice of appeal from the original judgment is filed within21daysaftertheentryintothedocketofthatjudgment,thesubsequenttimelyfilingofoneofthepost-judgmentmotionslistedinsubsections(A)-(E)abovedoesnotwaiveorotherwiserender ineffective thepreviously filednoticeofappeal.Thetimelyfilednoticeofappealfromtheoriginaljudgmentpreserves

39

forreviewanyclaimoferrorintherecord,includinganyclaimoferrorinanorder on the post-judgment motions listed in subsections (A)-(E). Thisparagraph does not apply to any post-judgmentmotion that is not listed insubsections(A)-(E)above. (d) ExtensionofTime.Exceptwhenprohibitedbystatute: (1) Twenty-OneDays.Uponashowingofgoodcause,thetrialcourtmay,beforeorafterthetimehasexpired,withorwithoutmotionandnotice,extendthetimeforfilingthenoticeofappealotherwiseallowedforaperiodnot to exceed 21 days from the expiration of the original time for filing anappealprescribedbyRule2B(b)or2B(c). (2) OneHundred FortyDays. An extension of the time to file thenotice of appeal exceeding 21 days, but not exceeding 140 days, from theexpirationoftheoriginaltimeforfilinganappealprescribedbyRule2B(b)or2B(c)maybegrantedbythetrialcourtonamotionwithnoticeonlyuponashowingthat(A)thetrialcourtclerk,althoughrequiredtodoso,failedtosendnoticeoftheentryofjudgmenttothemovingparty;and(B)themovingpartydidnototherwiselearnoftheentryofjudgment;and(C)anyotherpartywillnotbeunfairlyprejudicedbytheextensionoftimetofilethenoticeofappeal.

RestylingNotes–June2017

Rule2B(FormerRule2(b))relatingtocalculationofthetimetofileanappealhasbeensubjecttosignificanteditingandadditionofmanyseparationsandinternalnumbering,withsomeeditingforclarification.Ofparticularnote,the motions which can cause the time to file an appeal to be extended incriminalorcivilappealsareeachseparatedoutforeasyidentification. Rule2B(a)(2) isadded, indicating that apartywho ispresent incourtwhen a particular final judgment or other court action is announced by thecourtorwho,whileatthecourthouseafterthecourt’sannouncement,signsadocumentsignifyingacknowledgmentofthecourt’saction,ispresumedtohavelearnedoftheentrythejudgmentatthattime. Thisamendmentisaddedtominimizeclaimsoflackofknowledgeofentryofjudgmentsatlatertimeswhenappealdeadlinesmayhavebeenmissedandpartiesseektoeitherreopenorcollaterallyattackajudgment.

40

FormerRules2(b)(2)and2(b)(3),restyledasRules2B(b)and2B(c),areamended to clarify that there is no need to file a notice of appeal from anoriginal judgment while certain post-judgment motions, if timely filed, arepending in the trial court. Anoticeofappeal can insteadbe taken from theorderon thatpost-judgmentmotion,within21daysafter its entry, and thatsingle notice of appeal will be treated as an appeal from both the originaljudgmentandthepost-judgmentorder. Inthealternative,anoticeofappealcan be filed within 21 days after the entry into the docket of the originaljudgment,andthesubsequenttimelyfilingofcertainpost-judgmentmotionsdoesnotrenderineffectivethepreviouslyfilednoticeofappeal.Thepreviouslyfilednoticeof appealpreserves for reviewany claimof error in theoriginaljudgmentandintheorderonthepost-judgmentmotion. TheprovisioninformerRule2(b)(3)regardingcross-appealsismovedtoRule2C. FormerRule2(b)(4)isremoved,andthecontentisinsteadmadepartofRules2B(b)and2B(c).[AdvisoryNotestoformerRule2canbefoundabovethetextofRule2A.]

RULE2C.MULTIPLEAPPEALSANDBONDSINCIVILCASES

(a) Cross-Appeals. (1) NeedtoFile.Iftheappelleeseeksanychangeinthejudgmentthatisonappeal,theappelleemustfileacross-appealtopreservethatissue.Thenoticeofcross-appealshallbefiledwiththeclerkofthetrialcourtfromwhichtheappealistaken,andshallbeprocessedinthesamemannerasanoticeofappeal filed pursuant to Rule 2A(b)(1). An appellee may, without filing across-appeal,arguethatalternativegroundssupportthejudgmentthat isonappeal. (2) TimetoFile. Ifatimelynoticeofappeal is filedbyaparty,anyotherpartymay file anoticeofappeal (accompanied,whenrequired,by thefilingfeeorarequesttohavethefeewaivedpursuanttoM.R.Civ.P.91)within14daysafterthedateonwhichthefirstnoticeofappealwasfiled,orwithinthetimespecifiedbyRule2B(b)or2B(c),whicheverperiodlastexpires.

41

(3) StatusofParties. Whenmore thanonepartyhas appealed, thepartywhofirstappealsshall,unlessotherwiseagreedbythepartiesororderedbytheLawCourt,betreatedastheappellantinapplyingtheseRulestosuchcross-appeals,andallotherpartiesshallbetreatedasappellees. (b) JointorConsolidatedAppeals.Iftwoormorepartiesareentitledtoappealfromaciviljudgmentororder,andtheirinterestsaresuchastomakejoinder practicable, theymay file a joint notice of appeal or may join in anappealafterfilingseparatetimelynoticesofappeal,andtheymaythereafterproceedonappeal as a single appellant. Appealsmaybe consolidated afterdocketingintheLawCourtbyorderoftheLawCourtuponitsownmotionoruponmotionofaparty. (c) Parents’Appeals.IfbothparentsofachildappealfromanorderoftheDistrictCourtortheProbateCourtfindingjeopardytothechildastobothparents, terminating both parents’ parental rights to the child, awarding aguardianship over the child to a third person, or awarding a grandparentvisitationrights,bothparentsshallbetreatedasappellants,unlessotherwiseagreedbythepartiesororderedbytheLawCourt. (d) Bond; Continuance in Effect. Any bond given at thecommencement or during the pendency of a civil action, unless otherwiseprovidedbylaworbydirectionofthecourtorderingthejudgmentappealedfrom, shall continue in effect until the final disposition of any appeal of theactionanduntiltheconditionsofsuchbondhavebeenfulfilled.

RestylingNotes–June2017 Rule2CreplacesRule2(c).Rule2C(a)isaddedtoaddresscross-appeals.Across-appeal iscommencedby filinganoticeofcross-appealwith the trialcourt. Rule 2C(a)(1) clarifies when an appellee must file a cross-appeal topreserveanissue.Ifachangeinthejudgmentissought,across-appealmustbefiled. See Lyle v. Mangar, 2011 ME 129, ¶ 22, 36A.3d867; Costa v. Vogel,2001ME131,¶1n.1,777A.2d827. Historically, the Law Court has not required an appellee to file across-appealtopreserveanargumentthatthejudgmentshouldbeaffirmedinevery respect but simply contends that the same result could have beenreachedonalternativegrounds. SeeHarrisv.WoodlandsClub,2012ME117,

42

¶16 n.8, 55 A.3d 449; Scott Dugas Trucking & Excavating, Inc. v.HomeplaceBldg. & Remodeling, Inc., 651 A.2d 327, 329 (Me. 1994); State v.Me.Cent.R.R.,517A.2d55,57(Me.1986);Givertzv.Me.Med.Ctr.,459A.2d548,556 (Me.1983);but seeMaineTodayMedia v. State, 2013ME100,¶28n.17,82A.3d 104;Langevin v.Allstate Ins. Co., 2013ME55, ¶6n.4, 66A.3d585;Millien v. Colby College, 2005 ME 66, ¶ 9 n.3, 874A.2d397; Littlefield v.Littlefield,292A.2d204,208-09(Me.1972). Rule2CalsohasminoreditingtofurtherclarifythattheRuleappliesonlytociviljudgments.[AdvisoryNotestoformerRule2canbefoundabovethetextofRule2A.]

RULE3.DOCKETINGTHEAPPEALANDFURTHERTRIALCOURTACTION (a) DocketingtheAppeal. (1) TrialCourtDocketing.Uponreceiptofthesignednoticeofappealand,whenrequired,therequisitefeeorwaiver,thetrialcourtclerkshallmarkthecase“Law”onthedocket.ThetrialcourtclerkshallthentransmitacopyofthenoticeofappealtogetherwithacopyofalldocketentriestotheClerkoftheLawCourt. (2) LawCourtDocketing.Uponreceiptofthecopiesofthenoticeofappealandthedocketentries,theClerkoftheLawCourtshallforthwithdockettheappealandsendeachpartyofrecordawrittennoticeofthedocketing,theLawCourtdocketnumber,andthedatewithinwhichtherecordonappealandthereporter’stranscriptmustbefiled. (b) FurtherTrialCourtActionLimited.Thetrialcourtshalltakenofurther actionpendingdispositionof the appealby theLawCourt except asprovidedinRules3(c)and(d)oftheseRules. (c) TrialCourtActionWithoutLeaveof theLawCourt. The trialcourtispermitted,duringthependencyoftheappealandwithoutleaveoftheLawCourt,totakethefollowingaction: (1) CriminalCases.Incriminalcases,todisposeofanypost-judgmentmotionfiledwithin21daysafterentryofjudgmentpursuanttooneoftherulesenumeratedinRule2B(b)(2);toappointcounselforanindigentdefendant;to

43

grantastayofexecutionandsetorrevokebailpendingappeal;andtoconductproceedings either for a new trial or for the correction or reduction of asentencepursuanttoM.R.U.Crim.P.35(a)or(c); (2) CivilCases.Incivilcases,todisposeofanypost-judgmentmotionfiledpursuanttooneoftherulesenumeratedinRule2B(c)(2)oftheseRules;asprovidedinM.R.Civ.P.27(b),54(b)(3),60(a),62(a),62(c),and62(d);andasprovidedinRule5(e)oftheseRules; (3) ChildProtectionCases.Inchildprotectioncases,tocontinuecasereviewandprocessingasrequiredbylaw;and (4) CertainInterlocutoryAppeals.Thetrialcourtispermittedtoactonacasependingresolutionofanyappealofanorderapproving,dissolvingordenying an attachment or trustee process, a discovery order, a temporaryrestrainingorderorpreliminaryinjunction;oranordergrantingordenyingamotionforsummaryjudgmentoramotiontodismissthatdoesnotresolveallpendingclaims. Any party moving for trial court action permitted by this Rule mayinclude,initsmotiontothetrialcourt,arequestthattheclerkofthetrialcourttemporarily retain some or all of the trial court record as provided byRule6(a)(3)oftheseRules,orretrievethesamefromtheClerkoftheLawCourt,ifnecessaryfortherequestedtrialcourtaction. (d) TrialCourtActionWithLeaveoftheLawCourt. Apartymay,duringthependencyofanappeal, fileamotionintheLawCourttopermitaspecific trial court action that isnotalreadypermittedbyRule3(c)of theseRules.Themovingpartyshallinclude,initsmotiontotheLawCourt,thereasonfortherequestfortrialcourtactionandshallattachtotheLawCourtmotiontheproposedtrialcourtmotion.

RestylingNotes–June2017 Rule3isamendedtoaddsignificantclarificationandseparations.ThisrevisionclarifiesthatthetrialcourtretainsauthoritytoactasprovidedbyRule3(c)withoutleaveoftheLawCourt.Rule3(d)isaddedtooutlinetheprocedureforseekingleaveoftheLawCourttopermittrialcourtactionnototherwisepermittedbyRule3(c).

44

InRule3(b)(4),arulingonamotiontodismissthatdoesnotresolveallpendingclaimsisaddedtothelistoftrialcourtordersfromwhichanappealmay be takenwithout causing the trial court to cease action on thematterpendingresolutionoftheappeal.Thechangeresultsinrulingsonmotionstodismissbeingtreatedthesameasrulingsonmotionsforsummaryjudgmentthat are already addressed in theRule. Adding the reference tomotions todismisscreatesnoapprovalforinterlocutoryappeals.Itonlynotesthatwhilesuchinterlocutoryappealsarepending,trialcourtconsiderationofthecasecancontinue.

__________________________________________________________________

[AdvisoryNotestoRule3offormerMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure]

AdvisoryNote–August2015 BecauseoftheadoptionoftheMaineRulesofUnifiedCriminalProcedure,effective throughout theStateofMaineasof July1,2015, all referencesandcitations to theMaineRulesofCriminalProcedurehavebeen replacedwithreferencesandcitationstotheMaineRulesofUnifiedCriminalProcedure.

AdvisoryNote–July2012

Rule3(a)isamendedtomakecleartheneedforpaymentofthefilingfeeinthosecaseswhereafilingfeeisrequired.ThisrequirementisalsodiscussedinM.R.App.P.2(a)(1)and(4),M.R.App.P.2(b)(3),andM.R.Civ.P.5(f).

AdvisoryNotes–January1,2001 Rule3(a)governsdocketingofappeals in theLawCourt. It isderivedfromM.R. Civ. P. 73(f) andM.R. Crim. P. 37(d). Upon receipt of a notice ofappeal,thetrialcourtclerkmustdockettheappealandthentransmitacopyofthenoticeplusacopyofallpresentdocketentriestotheClerkoftheLawCourt.Thecasewillalsobemarked“Law”onthedocketofthetrialcourt.Separately,itshouldbenotedthatpursuanttoRule2(a)(5)theclerkmustalsosendacopyofanytranscriptorderformrequiredtobefiledwiththenoticeofappealtotheClerkoftheLawCourt.Uponreceiptofthecopiesofthenoticeofappealandthedocketentries,theClerkoftheLawCourtmustdockettheappealandthen

45

send each party of record a written notice of the docketing, the Law Courtdocketnumber,andthedatewithinwhichtherecordonappealandreporter’stranscriptmustbefiled. Rule3(b)reflectscurrentpracticeasstatedinM.R.Civ.P.73(f)andM.R.Crim.P.37(d)that,oncetheappealisdocketedbythemarkingof“Law”onthetrial courtdocket, generally trial courts should takeno further action in thematterpendingdispositionoftheappealbytheLawCourt.Therearecertainstated exceptions to this rule for both criminal and civil cases, and thoseexceptions are outlined in subparagraphs 1, 2, 3, and 4 of Rule 3(b).Subparagraph1appliestocriminalcases.Subparagraph2appliestocivilcases.Subparagraph3appliestochildprotectivecasesandrecognizesthestatutoryrequirements that processing of these cases continue while appeals arepending. Subparagraph4applies toall cases. The lastsentenceof theRuleseparatelyexceptsfromapplicationofthe“nofurtheraction”rule,appealsfromorderslistedinthesentence.

RULE4.DISMISSALOFTHEAPPEAL (a) VoluntaryDismissal. (1) CriminalAppeals. Priortothetimestatedinsubdivision(b)ofthisRule,acriminaldefendantmaydismisshisorherappealbyfilingwiththeClerkoftheLawCourtawrittendismissal,personallysignedbythedefendant,andtheStatemaydismissitsappealbyfilingawrittendismissalsignedbytheattorneyfortheState. (2) CivilAppeals.

(A) Appeals.Onorbeforethedatethattheappellant’sbriefisfiledorisduetobefiled,whicheverisearlier,anappellantmaydismisstheappellant’sappealbyfilingwiththeClerkoftheLawCourtawrittendismissalsignedbythe appellant or the appellant’s attorney. After the date on which theappellant’sbriefisfiledorisduetobefiled,anappealmaybedismissedonlybystipulationpursuanttoparagraph(a)(3)ofthisRule.

(B) Cross-Appeals.Onorbeforethedatethatacross-appellant’sbriefisfiledorisduetobefiled,whicheverisearlier,across-appellantmaydismissthecross-appellant’sappealbyfilingwiththeClerkoftheLawCourtawrittendismissalsignedbythecross-appellantorthecross-appellant’sattorney.After

46

thedateonwhichthecross-appellant’sbriefisfiledorisduetobefiled,across-appealmaybedismissedonlybystipulationpursuanttoparagraph(a)(3)ofthisRule.

(3) ByStipulation.Priortothetimestatedinsubdivision(b)ofthisRule,acivilappealmaybedismissedbystipulationenteredintobyallofthepartiesandfiledwiththeClerkoftheLawCourt. (b) On or After Date for Consideration. On or after the datescheduledfororalargumentor42days(6weeks)afterthedateforfilingtheappellee’sbriefinanappealnotscheduledfororalargument,anappealmaybedismissedvoluntarilyorbystipulationonlywithleaveoftheLawCourt. (c) ForFailuretoPerfectAppeal.Ifanappellantorcross-appellantfailstocomplywiththeprovisionsoftheseRuleswithinthetimesprescribedherein,theLawCourtmay,onmotionofanyotherpartyoronitsowninitiative,dismisstheappealforwantofprosecution. (d) ForLackofJurisdiction. Wheneveritappearsbysuggestionofthepartiesorotherwise that theLawCourt lacks jurisdictionof the subjectmatter,theLawCourtshalldismisstheappeal.

RestylingNotes–June2017 Rule4iseditedtoclarifyinRule4(a)(1)thatacriminaldefendantmustpersonally sign a voluntary dismissal, a direction that was implicit in thecurrent rule. Rule 4(a)(2) is amended to create a separate brief-relateddeadline,Rule4(a)(2)(B), fordismissalofacross-appealwithoutagreement.Rule4(b)isamendedtoclarifythedateafterwhichanappealnotscheduledfororal argumentmay be dismissed voluntarily onlywith approval of the LawCourt. Thatdate is42days(6weeks)after thedate for filing theappellee’sbrief.ThecurrentRulereferencingonlythedatefor“submission”onbriefswasineffectivebecausethespecificdateforconferenceofanappealonbriefsisnotnoticedandsometimeschanges.

__________________________________________________________________

47

[AdvisoryNotestoRule4offormerMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure]

AdvisoryNote–July2012 Rule4 is internallynumberedandamended toplaceallprovisions forvoluntaryorstipulateddismissalofappealswithinsubdivision(a)andtomovethesubmissiondeadlineforvoluntarydismissalswithoutLawCourtapprovaltosubdivision(b).Thereisnochangetotheprocessforvoluntarydismissalofcriminalappealsinparagraph(1). Rule4(a)(2)isadoptedtoclarifytheprocessforunilateralorvoluntarydismissalofcivilappeals.Toavoidtheriskthatanappelleemayberequiredtoexpend any significant time or effort only to have an appeal voluntarilydismissed, acivilappealmaybevoluntarilydismissedonlyonorbefore thedatethattheappellant’sbriefisfiledorisduetobefiled,whicheverisearlier.TheappealmaybedismissedbyfilingwiththeClerkoftheLawCourtawrittendismissalsignedbytheappellantortheappellant’sattorney.Afterthedateonwhich the appellant’s brief is filed or is due to be filed, an appeal may bedismissedonlybystipulationpursuanttoparagraph(3)(formerlysubdivision(b)). Aswithcurrentpractice,anappealmybedismissedonlywithleaveoftheLawCourtonorafterthedatetheappealisscheduledtobeconsideredatoralargumentoronbriefs.Toclarifythatthisisageneralrulethatappliestoalldismissalsbyparties,theprovisionisplacedinanewsubdivision(b). Rule4(d) isamended toclarify that it isapplicable to issuesof lackofsubjectmatterjurisdictionbeforetheLawCourt.TheLawCourtcontinuestohavethecapacitytotakeappropriateactionwhenitnotices,inamatterbeforeit,thatanyothercourtortribunallackedpersonalorsubjectmatterjurisdictionoverapartyormatterbeforetheLawCourt.

AdvisoryNotes–September10,2001 Thislanguage[Rule4(d)] isvirtuallyidenticaltotheprovisionsofM.R.Civ.P. 12(h)(3)which previously governed civil appeals. It is addedat thispointtorecognizetheCourt’sinherentauthoritytodismissmatterswhenitisapparentthatitlackssubjectmatterjurisdiction.SeeThomasv.CityofSouth

48

Portland,2001ME50,768A.2d595.TheonlydifferencebetweentheproposedruleandRule12(h)(3)isachangeofthelastwordfrom“action”to“appeal.”

AdvisoryNotes–January1,2001

Rule4(a)generallyadoptsM.R.Crim.P.37(e)(1),butwithamendmenttosetacutoffdatefordismissalsasthedateonorafterthedatefororalargumentoronbriefsconsideration. Rule 4(b) generally adopts M.R. Civ. P. 73(g)(1). Under both thevoluntarydismissal in criminal appeals and the stipulationofdismissal thatmayapplytoeithercriminalorcivilappeals,afteranappealisconferencedbythe Law Court, itmay be dismissed onlywith leave of the Law Court. Thecurrentruleslimitdismissalafterargument,butthatlimitationischangedtoonorafterthedatesetforargumentoronbriefsconsideration. Rule4(c)adoptsthenearlyidenticalprovisionsofM.R.Civ.P.73(g)(2)andM.R.Crim.P.37(e)(2)allowingdismissalonmotionorbytheLawCourt’sownactionforwantofprosecutionwhereanappellantfailstocomplywiththerequirementsoftheseRulesandwithinthetimeprescribedbytheRules.Thebasisfordismissalforwantofprosecutionmayincludenotonlyfailuretomeetspecifictimelimits,butalsofailuretocomplywithotherobligationsrelatingtoanappealsuchasfilingtherequisitetranscriptorderform,ifatranscriptistobeordered,orfilingaproperbrieforappendixasisrequiredbytheseRules.

RULE5.RECORDONAPPEAL (a) ContentsofRecord.Therecordonappealshallconsistofthetrialcourtclerk’srecordandexhibitsfiledinthetrialcourt,thereporter’stranscriptoftheproceedings,ifany,andacopyofthedocketentries. (b) Transcripts. Unless excused for good cause by a Justice of theSupremeJudicialCourt,therecordonappealshallincludebothaprintandanelectroniccopyofanytranscriptthatisorbecomespartoftherecordonappeal.The electronic copy of each transcript shall be in a native .pdf format. Theappellant shall ensure that an electronic copy of any transcript that is or

49

becomespartoftherecordonappealisemailedtotheClerkoftheLawCourtattheemailaddressthattheClerkoftheLawCourtdesignates. (1) CriminalCases. (A) OrderofTranscript.Theappellantisresponsiblefororderingthetranscriptbyusingoneof themethodsprescribedbyRule2A(d). Exceptasotherwisedesignated,thestandardtranscriptinacriminalappealshallincludethetestimonyofthewitnessesattrial;anybenchconferences;and, ina jurytrial, theclosingargumentsandthecourt’schargetothejury. Thestandardtranscriptshallalsoincludeanyhearingonamotiontosuppressoramotioninlimine, ifa rulingonsuchamotion isat issueonappeal,and thesentencinghearing,ifsentencingisatissueonappeal. Appellant’s counsel may add portions to this standard transcript byutilizing the requisite Judicial Branch form. Appellant’s counsel shall deletefrom the standard transcript any portion not necessary for purposes of theappeal. Within 7 days after receipt of appellant’s transcript order, appellee’scounsel may order additional portions of the transcript by utilizing therequisiteJudicialBranchform. Acopyofanytranscriptordernotfiledaspartof,orcontemporaneouslywith, thenoticeof appeal shall be filedwith theClerkof theLawCourt andserved on each other party, or if a party is represented, counsel for arepresentedparty. (B) Payment for Transcript. A non-indigent appellant shall makesatisfactory financial arrangements with the court reporter or Office ofTranscriptOperationswithin14daysafter filing thenoticeofappeal,or thetranscript order shall be cancelled, in which case the appeal shall proceedwithoutatranscript. Inthecaseofanindigentappellant,thecostofthetranscriptshallbepaidforbytheMaineCommissiononIndigentLegalServices.Anindigentappellantisanappellantwhohasbeendeterminedindigent(i)bythetrialcourtbeforeverdictpursuant toM.R.U.Crim.P. 44(b), (ii) by the trial court after verdict

50

pursuanttoM.R.U.Crim.P.44A(b),or(iii)byaJusticeoftheSupremeJudicialCourtpursuanttoM.R.U.Crim.P.44A(c). (2) CivilCases. (A) OrderofTranscript. Anappellant shall order the transcriptorportions of the transcript deemed necessary for appeal by using one of themethodsprescribedbyRule2A(d). Iftheappellantintendstourgeonappealthatafindingorconclusionisunsupportedbytheevidenceoriscontrarytotheevidence,theappellantshallinclude in the record a transcriptof all evidence relevant to such findingorconclusion. Ifanyappelleedeemsatranscriptofotherpartsoftheproceedingstobenecessary,theappelleeshall,within7daysaftertheserviceoftheappellant’stranscriptorder form, filewith theClerkof theLawCourt and serveon theappellant a designation of additional parts of the transcript to be included.Unlesswithin7daysafterserviceofsuchdesignationtheappellanthasorderedsuch parts, and has so notified the appellee, the appellee may within thefollowing7dayseitherorderthepartsormoveintheLawCourtforanorderrequiringtheappellanttodoso. (B) PaymentforTranscript. (i) Within14daysafterfilingthenoticeofappealandtranscriptorderform,apartymustmakesatisfactoryarrangementswiththereporterorotherperson fromwhom the transcript is ordered for payment of the cost of thetranscript. In every instance inwhich a reporteror theOfficeofTranscriptOperations requests a deposit prior to beginning production of a transcript,thatdepositshallbepaidwithin7daysafterthedateonwhichtheattorney,litigant,orotherinterestedpersonwasnotifiedoftheamountofthedeposit.Intheeventthatthedeposithasnotbeenpaidwithintherequiredtime,thereporter or the Office of Transcript Operations shall consider the ordercanceledandshallsoinformtheClerkoftheLawCourt,thepartyorderingthetranscript,andthecourtinwhichthetranscriptwastobefiled.Theappealorothermattershallthenproceedwithoutthetranscript.

51

(ii) In the case of an indigent parentwho is an appellant in a childprotectioncasebroughtbytheState,thecostofthetranscriptshallbepaidforby the Maine Commission on Indigent Legal Services. An indigentparent-appellantisonewhohasbeendeterminedindigent(a)bythetrialcourtbeforeentryofthejudgmentororderappealedfrom,(b)bythetrialcourtafterentryofthejudgmentororderappealedfrom,or(c)byaJusticeoftheSupremeJudicialCourt. (iii) Anelectronic recordingor statementof the evidence in lieuof atranscriptmaybe filed to support anappeal onlywhen the proceedingwasrecorded by the court or by an official court reporter, but, pursuant toRule91(f)(2) of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure, the trial court (a) hasdetermined that the appellant is indigent and (b) has approved the use anelectronicrecordingorstatementoftheevidenceinlieuofatranscript. (c) CondensedTranscript.ThepartyinitiallyorderingthetranscriptorapartthereofinacriminaloracivilcasemayorderatranscriptinanyformatallowedbytheOfficeofTranscriptOperations.TranscriptsfiledaspartoftherecordonappealmayconsistoftranscriptsusingcondensedpagesreproducedinaccordancewithM.R.Civ.P.5(i)(2). (d) UnavailableTranscript. (1) Intheeventahearingortrialwasnotrecordedoratranscriptoftheevidenceorproceedingsatahearingortrialcannotbepreparedforreasonsnotattributabletotheappellant,theappellantmayprepareastatementoftheevidenceorproceedingsfromthebestavailablemeans,includingrecollection,foruseinsteadofareporter’stranscript. (2) The appellant’s statement shall be filedwith the trial court andservedontheappelleewithin21daysafterentryofjudgment,or14daysafterthefilingofthenoticeofappeal,whicheveroccursfirst.Theappelleemayfileand serve objections or propose amendments thereto within 7 days afterservice. (3) Afterthefilingofanystatementoftheevidenceorproceedingsandany objections, the statement and any objections or proposed amendmentsshallbesubmittedtothetrialcourtforsettlementandapprovaland,assettledandapproved,shallbeincludedintherecordonappeal.

52

(e) CorrectionorModificationofRecord.Ifanydifferencearisesastowhethertherecordonappealtrulydiscloseswhatoccurredinthetrialcourt,orifanythingmaterialtoeitherpartyisomittedfromtherecordonappeal,thetrialcourtmayonmotionorsuggestion,afterappropriatenoticetotheparties,supplement the record to correct the omission ormisstatement, or the LawCourt may on motion or suggestion direct that a supplemental record betransmittedbythetrialcourtclerk.AllotherquestionsastothecontentandformoftherecordshallbepresentedtotheLawCourt. (f) RecordonAgreedStatement.WhenthequestionspresentedbyanappealtotheLawCourtcanbedeterminedwithoutanexaminationofallthepleadings, evidence, and proceedings in the court below, the parties mayprepareandsignastatementofthecaseshowinghowthequestionsaroseandweredecided,andsettingforthonlysomanyofthefactsaverredandprovedorsoughttobeprovedasareessentialtoadecisionofthequestionsbytheLawCourt. Thestatementshallincludeacopyofthejudgmentappealedfrom,acopyofthenoticeofappealwithitsfilingdate,andaconcisestatementofthepointstobereliedonbytheappellant.Ifthestatementconformstothetruthandissufficientlycomplete,thetrialcourtshallapproveitforcertificationtotheLawCourtastherecordonappeal.

AdvisoryNote–June2019 The Court uses both print and electronic versions of transcripts in itsconsideration of appeals. The electronic versions of transcripts that areorderedwith a notice of appeal are provided to the Court pursuant to Rule6(c)(1). The Court has not, however, had access to electronic versions oftranscriptsthatarefiledinthetrialcourtbeforethenoticeofappealandthentransmittedtotheLawCourtwiththeclerk’srecord. ThisamendmenttoRule5(b)requirestheappellanttoensurethattheCourtreceiveselectronicversionsofalltranscriptsthatarepartoftherecordonappeal,whetherthetranscriptswerefiledinthetrialcourtandtransmittedtotheLawCourtorwerefileddirectlywiththeLawCourt.Fortranscriptsbyan official court reporter or by a transcriber of electronic recordings, theappellantshouldcontactthereporterortranscriberandaskthattheelectronic

53

versionsofthetranscriptsbeemailedtotheClerkoftheLawCourt.Forothertranscripts,theappellantshouldcontactthecourtreporterortranscriberwhocreatedthetranscripttoaskthattheelectronicversionbetransmitteddirectlytotheClerkoftheLawCourt.Ifthatfails,however,theappellantmay,withtheagreementofallpartiesorwithleaveoftheCourt,emailanelectroniccopythatisavailabletotheappellant. Electronicversionsof transcriptsmustbe text-based .pdf files thataresearchableandmaynotbescansofthetranscriptsevenifthosescansaremadesearchablethroughcharacterrecognitionsoftware.

AdvisoryNote–May2018

TheamendmentstoRule5(b)makeclearthattheappellantmustorderanyportionsofthetranscriptthattheappellantwishestoincludeintherecordon appeal by using one of the methods permitted by Rule 2A(d), which issimultaneously amended to permit the use of either the online form or theofficialpaperform.

RestylingNotes–June2017

TherestylingofRule5reflectssignificanteditingandinternalnumberingparticularly with regard to reference of the transcript in civil cases. Ofparticular note, a reference to transcripts for appealsby indigentparents inTitle 22 child protection cases is added to track the provision relating totranscriptsincriminalcasesforindigentdefendants. BecauseRule 1B includes the definition of a reporter as including theOffice of Transcript operations, the similar definition is removed fromRule5(a). InRule5(b)(1)(A),thestandardtranscriptincriminalcasesisexpandedtoincludeclosingargumentsinjurytrialsandhearingsonmotionstosuppressormotionsinlimineifrulingsonsuchmotionsaretobeatissueinappealandsentencinghearingsifsentencingisanissueonappeal. Aswith the amendment to Rule 2, the requirement that the notice ofappealincludeanissuesstatementisremovedfromRule5.

54

IndiscussionoftheciviltranscriptsinRule5(b)(2)(B)(iii),referenceismadedirectlytoM.R.Civ.P.91(f)(2),addressingthecircumstancesinwhich,for indigent parties, a recording or statement in lieu of a transcriptmay besubmittedinlieuofatranscriptforpartieswhoserequestsareapprovedbythetrialcourtpursuanttoM.R.Civ.P.91(f). Rule5(c) is expanded to address transcript formatting and copyingoftranscripts. The Rule is clarified to allow transcript formatting choices aspermittedbytheOfficeofTranscriptOperations.

__________________________________________________________________

[AdvisoryNotestoRule5offormerMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure]

AdvisoryNote–August2015 BecauseoftheadoptionoftheMaineRulesofUnifiedCriminalProcedure,effective throughout theStateofMaineasof July1,2015, all referencesandcitations to theMaineRulesofCriminalProcedurehavebeen replacedwithreferencesandcitationstotheMaineRulesofUnifiedCriminalProcedure.

AdvisoryNote–October2012 The amendment [to Rule 5(b)(1) and (2)] is a technical change torecognize the new title for what is now called the Office of TranscriptProductionandtomakethereporterreferenceconsistentwiththedefinitioninRule16(4).

AdvisoryNote–July2012

TheamendmenttoRule5(a)clarifiesthattheterm“reporter,”asusedintheAppellateRules,includestheservicesoftheOfficeofTranscriptProduction. The amendments to Rules 5(c) and 6(c), below, require parties to filecondensed transcripts, in accordancewithM.R. Civ. P. 5(i)(2) as part of therecordonappeal.

55

AdvisoryNote–November2011 Rule5(b)(1)addressesfinancialresponsibilityfortranscriptproduction.UpontheestablishmentoftheMaineCommissiononIndigentLegalServices,thefundsallocatedfortherepresentationofindigentpersonsweretransferredfromtheJudicialBranchtotheMaineCommissiononIndigentLegalServices.Thisamendmentclarifiesthattranscriptsproducedforthoseindigentpartiesrepresentedbycourt-appointedorcourt-assignedcounselaretobepaidforbytheMaineCommissiononIndigentLegalServices.

AdvisoryNotes–July1,2010 TheseamendmentstoRule5(d)clarifyproceduresinseveralrespects. First, as stated in M.R. App. P. 16(1) the references to appellant orappelleerefertothepartiestotheaction,whetherrepresentedbycounselornot. Second,Rule5(d)onlyapplieswhenahearingwasnotrecordedor,ifthehearingwasrecorded,atranscriptcannotbepreparedbecauseofafailureoftherecording.Ifatranscriptcanbeprepared,buttheappellantelectsnottopurchaseatranscript,theruledoesnotapply. Third, the amendment ends current confusion about timing and trialcourtnoticeoftheneedtoreviewandactonaproposed5(d)statement.Theamendedrulerequiresthatthedraftstatementandanyrespondingobjectionsor amendments be filedwith the trial court at the same time that they areservedontheotherparty.Furtherthetimingisshortenedsothatthetrialcourtwill be more likely to have a fresher memory of the event. The proposedstatementmustbefiledwiththetrialcourtandservedontheotherpartynolaterthan21daysafterentryofjudgmentor14daysafterfilingthenoticeofappeal,whicheverissooner.Itisanticipatedthatthetrialcourtwouldactonthestatementtoapproveit,orapproveitwithamendments,asexpeditiouslyaspossible,sothatthestatementcouldbefiledaspartoftherecordonappeal.Thetrialcourtwouldhavediscretiontorejectastatementuponafindingthatitdidnotaccuratelyreflecttherecorduponwhichthetrialcourt’sdecisionwasbased.

56

AdvisoryNotes–September10,2001 This amendment [to Rule 5(b)(2)(A)] clarifies that a copy of anyadditional transcriptorderbyanappelleeshallbe filedwith theclerkof theLawCourtsothattheLawCourtwillhaveallnecessarymaterialsshouldanydisputeariserequiringaLawCourtorder.

AdvisoryNotes–January1,2001 Rule5(a)adoptscontentsofrecordprovisionsfollowingcurrentpracticeunderM.R.Civ.P.74(a)andM.R.Crim.P.39(a). Thecontentsof therecordaddressedmeanstheoriginalcourtfile,theexhibitsfiledinthetrialcourt,thetranscript of any proceedings that have been transcribed and a copy of thedocket entries. The rule also specifies thatwhenever the term “reporter” isused in the rules, it refers to a court reporter or an electronically recordedrecord.Subdivision(a)essentiallydefinestherecordonappeal.However,allportionsoftherecordneednotnecessarilybetransmittedtotheLawCourt.WhatmustbetransmittedtotheLawCourtisseparatelygovernedbyRule6. Rule5(b)(1)addressestheappealtranscriptincriminalcases.Itfollowsvery closelyM.R.Crim.P. 39(b)but extends from5days to7 days the timewithinwhichanappelleemustdesignateandorderadditionalportionsofthetranscript beyond that designated by the appellant or beyond the standardtranscript.Becausetherecordandtranscriptincriminalcasestendstobemoreuniform,andbecauseofthesignificantnumberofindigentappeals,thecriminaltranscript provisions are drawn more narrowly and specifically than thecounterpartciviltranscriptprovisionsinRule5(b)(2). Rule5(b)(2)addressestranscriptsincivilcases.Subparagraph(A)isacombinationandcondensationof theprovisionsofM.R.Civ.P.74(b)(1), (2),&(3).Itrequiresthattheappellantfile,withthenoticeofappealandtranscriptorderform,astatementoftheissuestheappellantintendstopresentonappealand serve the other parties a copy of the transcript order form and thestatementofissuesonappeal.Thestatementoftheissuesisforinitialguidancefordevelopingtherecordandtranscriptorders,anddoesnotprecludeapartyfromraisingonappealotherissuesthathavebeenproperlypreservedinthetrialcourt.

57

If theappellant ismakingasufficiencyoftheevidencechallengetotheresult,theappellantmustincludeintherecordatranscriptofevidencerelatingtothefindingorconclusionchallengedonsufficiencyevidencegrounds. The time within which an appellee must designate other parts of thetranscriptisreducedfrom10daysinpresentpracticeto7days.Thismakesthedesignationrequirementsconsistentwiththedesignationrequirementsforcriminalappealswhichareraisedfrom5to7days. Rule5(b)(2)(B)closelytrackstheprovisionsofM.R.Civ.P.74(b)(4).Aspresently organized, this only applies to civil appeals. It requires thatappropriatefinancialarrangementsbemadeforpreparationofthetranscriptwithin7daysafterfilingofthenoticeofappeal.Theparagraphalsoprovidesthatintheeventacceptablefinancialarrangementsarenotmadeorrequireddepositsarenotpaid, thecourtreporteror theelectronicrecordingdivisionmay consider the order canceled and so inform the Clerk of the LawCourt.Whensuchoccurs,theappealproceedswithoutatranscript. Rule5(c)authorizesorderingofcondensedtranscripts. ItfollowsM.R.Civ.P.74(b)(5).Thereisnosimilarprovisioninthecriminalrules.However,5(c) authorizing condensed transcripts, applies to both civil and criminalappeals. Rule 5(d) addresses circumstances when a transcript cannot beprepared.IttracksthelanguageofM.R.Civ.P.74(c)andM.R.Crim.P.39(b).Theinitialserviceandresponsetimesarechangedfrompresentpracticeof30daysand10daysto28daysand7dayswhichfollowsthegeneralefforttomaketimesforactionandresponsefollowindefinednumbersofweeksfromthedateofthetriggeringevent. Rule5(e)regardingcorrectionormodificationoftherecordfollowsthelanguageorcurrentM.R.Civ.P.74(e)andM.R.Crim.P.39(g). Rule5(f)regardingtherecordonanagreedstatementoffactsfollowsthecurrentlanguageofM.R.Civ.P.74(d)andM.R.Crim.P.39(i).Notethat,eventhoughthestatementisagreedto,thestatementmustbesubmittedtothetrialcourtforapprovalastherecordonappealtothecourt.ThishelpsassurethatanystatementofappealtotheLawCourt,evenifpreparedbyagreementoftheparties,accuratelyreflectsthechallengedtrialcourtaction.

58

RULE6.FILINGTHERECORDWITHTHELAWCOURT (a) FilingtheRecord. (1) Twenty-Eight-DayRetentionPeriod.Afterreceiptofanoticeofappealand,whenrequired,therequisitefeeorwaiverofpaymentoffees,thetrialcourtclerkshallretaintherecordfor28days.ThetrialcourtclerkshallfilethetrialcourtrecordwiththeClerkoftheLawCourtnolaterthan7daysafter the expiration of the 28-day retention period. The 28-day retentionperioddoesnotapplytoextraditionappeals.Thetrialcourtclerkshallfilethetrial court record in an extradition appeal with the Clerk of the Law Courtwithin7daysfollowingthefilingofthenoticeofappeal. (2) EffectofCertainPost-JudgmentMotions. If,duringthe28-dayretention period, a timely post-judgment motion listed in Rule 2B(b)(2) or2B(c)(2)isfiled,thetrialcourtclerkshallretainthefileuntilthetrialcourthasactedonthemotion.ThetrialcourtclerkshallfilethetrialcourtrecordwiththeClerkoftheLawCourtnolaterthan7daysaftertheentryoftheorderonthatpost-judgmentmotion. (3) AdditionalTemporaryRetentionoftheRecordbyOrderoftheTrialCourt.Notwithstandingtheprovisionsofsubsections(1)and(2)ofthisRule, if the record or any part thereof is required in the trial court for usependingtheappeal,thetrialcourtmayorder,orthepartiesmaystipulate,thattheclerkofthetrialcourtshallretaintherecordorpartsthereof,subjecttotherequestoftheLawCourt.Uponentryofsuchanorderorstipulation,thetrialcourtclerkshalltransmittotheClerkoftheLawCourtacopyoftheorderorstipulation.UponfilingintheLawCourtofthebriefoftheappellee,oratsuchearliertimeasthepartiesmayagreeortheLawCourtmayorder,theappellantshallrequesttheclerkofthetrialcourttotransmittherecordtotheClerkoftheLawCourt. (4) RecordforPreliminaryHearingintheLawCourt.Ifpriortothetime the record is transmitted, aparty desires to file andhave consideredamotion in theLawCourt fordismissal, for a staypendingappeal, or for anyintermediateorder,theclerkofthetrialcourt,attherequestofanyparty,shalltransmittotheLawCourtsuchpartsoftheoriginalrecordasanypartyshalldesignate.

59

(b) ContentsoftheRecord. Thetrialcourtclerk’srecordshallincludeacopyofthecompletedocketentriesandoriginalsofthefollowing:anyopinion,order,orjudgmentbythetrialcourt;thepleadings;motionsandactionsthereon;documentaryexhibits;a list of retained exhibits; correspondencebetween the parties and the trialcourt;theverdictorthefindingsoffactandconclusionsoflaw,togetherwiththedirectionfortheentryofjudgmentthereon;andthenoticeofappealwiththedateoffiling. Whenmorethanoneappealistakenfollowingasingletrialorhearing,aconsolidatedtrialcourtclerk’srecordshallbeprepared. “Documentary exhibits” include papers, maps, photographs, videos,digitalimages,diagrams,CDs,DVDs,flashdrives,andothersimilarmaterials.Ifadocumentaryexhibitcanbeeasilyand inexpensivelyreproduced,acopythereofshallberetainedbytheclerkofthetrialcourt. Exhibits that consist of tangible objects, such as weapons, articles ofclothing, liquids, computers,harddrives,orotherelectronicdevicesshallberetainedbytheclerkofthetrialcourt,exceptuponorderoftheLawCourt.Ifadocumentary exhibit, other than a trial court transcript or a record of anadministrativeproceedingoriginallyappealedtothetrialcourt,isofunusualbulkorweight,itshallberetainedbytheclerkofthetrialcourt,exceptuponorderoftheLawCourt. Anindigentcriminaldefendantor indigentparent inachildprotectionmatterfiledbytheDepartmentofHealthandHumanServicesmayhaveonecopyofthetrialcourtclerk’srecordwithoutcharge. (c) (1) Filing of Reporter’s Transcript. Unless the Law Courtotherwise directs,within56days after the filingof thenoticeof appeal, thereportershallfilethereporter’stranscript,reproducedinaccordancewithM.R.Civ.P.5(i)(2),withtheClerkoftheLawCourt,furnishcopiestotheparties,andemailanelectroniccopyofthetranscriptinnative.pdfformattotheClerkoftheLawCourtattheemailaddressthattheClerkoftheLawCourtdesignates. (2) DelayedFilingofTranscript.Ifthereporteranticipatesthatthe56-daytimelimitwillnotbemet,thereportershallfileanapplicationwiththe

60

ClerkoftheLawCourtrequestingadditionaltimeatleastfivedaysbeforetheexpirationofthe56-daytimelimit.TheClerkoftheLawCourtisauthorizedtogrant reasonable enlargements of time. Notwithstanding this or any otherprovisionof theseRules, thepartyordering the transcriptshallexerciseduediligencetoassureitstimelyfiling. (d) ElectronicRecords. (1) IfanappealfromanadministrativeagencydecisionisfileddirectlywiththeLawCourt,andtheadministrativerecordispreparedonlyinelectronicordigitalformat,withoutaprintedorpapercopyoftherecord,therecordfiledwith the LawCourt shall include a printed or paper index to each separatedocumentoritemintherecord,andtheelectronicordigitalrecorditselfshallinclude a search feature permitting searches for documents or items in therecordbyindexnumberortitleandbykeywordswithinthedocument. (2) AnelectronicordigitalrecordshallbesubmittedbyuseofaCD,DVD, flash drive, or hard drive, with the record submitted in two identicalelectronicordigitalcopiesbywhatevermeanssubmitted. Thecopiesof therecordshallbeinaformatthatallowsthemtobereadas.pdfdocumentsorisotherwise compatible with Maine Judicial Branch computer systems forreadingdocuments.

AdvisoryNote-June2019 ThisamendmenttoRule6(c)(1)changestheprocedureforthefilingofelectronictranscriptsbyofficialcourtreporters.Thesameprocedureisbeingadoptedforthefilingoftranscriptscreatedbyelectronicrecordings.SeeRule5(b).

RestylingNotes–June2017 Rule6(a)(1) is revised to introducea28-dayperiod inwhich the trialcourtclerkwillretainthetrialcourtrecordformostappeals.Oncethe28-dayperiodexpires,thetrialcourtclerkmustfiletherecordwiththeClerkoftheLaw Court within 7 days. The purpose of the change, concurrent withamendmenttoRule3(b)-(d)andRule6(a)(2),istoholdtherecordinthetrialcourttoallowforthefilingandtrialcourtresolutionoftimelypost-judgmentmotionslistedinRules2B(b)(2)and2B(c)(2).

61

AspartofthechangeinthetimeforfilingtherecordintheLawCourt,theRuleisalsoamendedtoclarifythattherecordinextraditionappealsmustbefiled within 7 days after filing of the notice of appeal. The amendment torestyled Rule 6(a)(3) also clarifies that the trial court record may betemporarilyretainedforanadditionalperiodoftime,byorderofthetrialcourtorstipulationoftheparties,whensucharetentionisnecessary,forexample,toaccomplishtrialcourtactionpermittedbyRule3(c)oftheseRules. BecauseRule6(b)specifiesthecontentsofthetrialcourtclerk’srecord,theprovisioninthecurrentruleallowingpartiestodesignateadditionalitemsfortherecordiseliminated.Theprovisionhadcreatedconfusionandeffortstoadditemstotherecord.CorrectionstotherecordareaddressedinRule5(e). Rule 6(b)-(d) is subject to significant editing to recognize moderndevelopments relating to preparing records, particularly the treatment ofvideos anddigital evidenceand themeansbywhich suchvideos anddigitalevidencemaybepreparedandtransmittedtotheCourt.Further,theportionof theRuleregardingwhatmayberetained in the trialcourt isexpanded toinclude other items that, absent court order or apparent need, should beretainedwiththetrialcourtfileratherthantransmittedaspartoftheappealtotheLawCourt.Theamendmentalsoaddsindigentparentsinappealsofchildprotection cases filed by the Department of Health and Human Services asentitledtoreceivewithoutchargeacopyoftherecordonappeal.Presentlythatentitlementislimitedtoindigentcriminaldefendants. InRule6(c)(1),thedeadlineforfilingthereporter’stranscriptischangedto56daysafterthefilingofthenoticeofappeal,ratherthanthelaterreceiptofthenoticeofappealmailedfromthetrialcourtclerk.Thereferenceto“native”.pdfformatmeansa.pdfformatthatallowslimitedcuttingandpastingfromthe.pdfdocumenttoaWorddocument. Rule6(d)isadded,addressingappealsfileddirectlywiththeLawCourtfrom proceedings in which a recordmay be prepared only in electronic ordigitalformat,withoutaprintedorpapercopyoftherecord.Insuchappeals,therecordfiledwiththeLawCourtmustincludeaprintedorpaperindextoeach separate document or item in the record, and the electronic or digitalrecorditselfshallincludeasearchfeaturepermittingsearchesfordocuments

62

or itemsintherecordbyindexnumberortitleandbykeywordswithinthedocument. Rule6(d)(2)indicatestheprocedureforpreparingandsubmittingdigitalrecordstotheLawCourt,whichincludessubmittingtherecordbyuseofaCD,DVD, flash drive, or hard drive, with the record submitted in two identicalelectroniccopiesbywhatevermeanssubmitted.Further,thecopiesmustbeina format that allows them to be read as .pdf documents or is otherwisecompatible with Maine Judicial Branch computer systems for readingdocuments. Asthisdraftisbeingprepared,theonlyagencyknowntoprepareandfilesuch electronic or digital records in Law Court appeals is the Maine PublicUtilities Commission. However, the Rule anticipates that this record filingpracticemayexpand tootheragencies in the future,andmayapply tocourtrecordsafterimplementationofelectronicfiling.Atthattime,withexperiencegainedbyimplementationofthischange,furtheradjustmentoftheelectronicrecordfilingrequirementmaybenecessary.

__________________________________________________________________

[AdvisoryNotestoRule6offormerMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure]

AdvisoryNote–July2012 Rule6(a)isamendedtomakecleartheneedforpaymentofthefilingfeeinthosecaseswhereafilingfeeisrequired.ThisrequirementisalsodiscussedinM.R.App.P.2(a)(1)and(4),M.R.App.P.2(b)(3),M.R.App.P.3(a),andM.R.Civ.P.5(f). The amendments to Rules 5(c), above, and 6(c) require parties to filecondensed transcripts, in accordancewithM.R. Civ. P. 5(i)(2) as part of therecordonappeal.

AdvisoryNotes–August2004 This amendment toM.R. App. P. 6(c) directs the Electronic RecordingDivisionandcourtreporters,whenthey fileapapertranscriptwith theLawCourttoalsoincludewiththetranscriptsenttotheClerkoftheLawCourt,an

63

electroniccopyofthetranscriptinwhateverformattheyhaveusedtoprepareandprint the transcript. This electronic copy isnot intended to replace thepapertranscriptbutisintendedtobeavailabletotheJusticesoftheLawCourt,in addition to thepaper transcript, to support their reviewof the recordonappeal.

AdvisoryNotes–January1,2001 Rule 6(a) relating to filing the record with the Law Court follows theprovisionsofM.R.Civ.P.74A(a)andM.R.Crim.P.39(e).Therequirementinthepresent criminal rule that the clerkmust copyand furnish copiesof therecordtotheStateandthedefenseiseliminated.Thecurrentpracticeplacesasignificantburdenontheclerk’sofficesthatislargelyunnecessarywithtoday’srecordkeepingwhereboth theStateand thedefensealreadyhavecopiesofmostmaterialsthatareintherecord.Wherepartiesbelievethattheirrecordmaterialmaybeincomplete,theyare,ofcourse,freetoreviewtheclerk’sfileandrequestcopiesofanymaterialstheydonothave. Therulecontinuestheprovisionallowingindigentcriminaldefendantstohaveacopyoftheclerk’srecordwithoutcharge. Rule6(b)addressesthecontentsoftheclerk’srecordtobesubmittedtotheLawCourt.IttracksverycloselythecurrentlanguageofM.R.Civ.P.74A(b)andM.R.Crim.P.39(c).However,therequirementinthecurrentrulesthattheclerk prepare a table of contents of a sometimes voluminous record iseliminated.Thecontentsofanyrecordmaybeeasilyreviewedbyfollowingthedocketentrieswhicharepresumedtoaccuratelyreflectthehistoryofthecase.Astherulenotes,exhibitsthataretangibleobjectsgenerallyarenotforwardedfromthetrialcourttotheLawCourtexceptuponspecialorderoftheLawCourt.Likewise,documentaryexhibitsofunusualbulkorweightaretoberetainedbythe clerk of the trial court unless specially ordered by the Law Court. Thecontents of the record are, of course, to be distinguished from thematerialrequiredtobeincludedintheappendix.Anappendix,asaddressedinRule8,istoincludeonlythoseselectedportionsoftherecordrequiredbytheruleorotherwisedeemedbythepartiesofparticularimportancetoappellatereviewofthetrialcourt’sactions. The provision of this rule allowing any party to designate additionalportionsofthetrialcourtclerk’srecordwithin7daysofthefilingofthenotice

64

ofappeal isnotdesigned toallowparties tosupplement therecordby filingmaterialsnotpresentedtothetrialcourtinthecourseofitsdecisionmakingprocess. An attempt to supplement the record by filing and attempting todesignatematerialsnotconsideredbythetrialcourtisinappropriateandmaysubjectthepersonattemptingtofilesuchmaterialstosanctionsonappeal.Thisprovisionallowingdesignationofadditionalportionsofthetrialcourtclerk’srecord relates to requests to submit tangible object exhibits or bulkydocumentary exhibits to the Law Court or to includewith the record othermaterialsthatwereavailabletothetrialcourtforconsiderationbutmaynothavebeenincludedintheofficialclerk’srecord. Examplesofsuchmaterialswouldbevisualaidsthatweredisplayedtothefact-findersorothervisualaidsorexhibitsthattherecordwillreflectweredisplayedorofferedforadmissionintoevidencebutmaynothavebeenadmittedorotherwisebecomepartoftheclerk’srecord. Rule 6(c) relating to filing of the reporter’s transcript tracks similarprovisionspresently inM.R.Civ.P.74A(b)andM.R.Crim.P.39(d). Theruleemphasizes that, even if the reportermay have some difficultymeeting the56-daytimelimit,thepartyorderingthetranscriptisexpectedtoexerciseduediligencetopromoteandassurethetimelyfilingofthetranscript.SeePutnamv.Albee,1999ME44,¶¶6-9,726A.2d217,219. Rule6(d)relatestoretentionoftherecordintheSuperiorCourtforusebytheparties inpreparingappellatepapersorforfurthertrialcourtuse. Itconsolidates thesignificantlyrepetitiveprovisionsofM.R.Civ.P.74A(c), (d),(e), & (f). Although there is no comparable provision in the criminal rules,subdivision(d)willapplytobothcriminalandcivilcases.Inadditiontothissubdivision,partiesmayuseM.R.App.P.14(c) toseekadjustmentof recordtransferrequirements. Rule6(e)makesprovisionforspecialtransmissionofpartsoftheoriginalrecordtotheLawCourtwheresuchisrequiredforpreliminaryhearingsintheLawCourt. Thisreflectspresentpracticeadopted inM.R.Civ.P.74A(g)andM.R.Crim.P.39(h).

RULE7.SCHEDULEFORBRIEFINGANDCONSIDERATION (a) BriefingSchedule.Upondeterminingthattherecordonappealiscomplete, theClerkof theLawCourtshallpromptlysend toeachcounselof

65

record and each party that is not represented by counsel a written noticestating:(1)thedatesonwhichtheappellant’sbrief,theappellee’sbrief,andtheappendixareduetobefiled;and(2)thedateonwhichappellant’sreplybrief,ifany,isduetobefiled.Theduedatesstatedinthenoticeforbriefing,filingtheappendix,andconsiderationarenotaffectedbyanylatertranscriptorder,proceduralmotion,orcourtorderunlesstheLawCourtordersotherwise. (b) TimeforFilingBriefs. (1) TrackAAppeals.InaTrackAappeal,theappellantshallfiletheappellant’s briefwithin 28 days (4weeks) after the date that the record onappealiscomplete.Theappelleeshallfiletheappellee’sbriefwithin56days(8weeks)afterthedatethattherecordonappealiscomplete,andtheappellantmayfileareplybriefwithin14daysafterthedatethattheappellee’sbriefisfiled.

AnappealisaTrackAappealifitresultsfromatrialcourtjudgmentthat:

(A) determinesjeopardypursuantto22M.R.S.§4035;(B) terminates parental rights pursuant to 22 M.R.S. § 4055 or

18-AM.R.S.§9-204;(C) grantsadecreeofadoptionpursuantto18-AM.R.S.§9-308;(D) appointsaguardianforaminorpursuantto18-AM.R.S.§5-207;(E) deniestheterminationofaguardianshipforaminorpursuantto

18-AM.R.S.§5-210;(F) grants, or denies the terminationof, a guardianship for anadult

pursuanttoTitle18-A,Article5,part3;(G) establishes or changes contact between a parent and child

pursuantto19-AM.R.S.§1653(2)or(10);(H) grants or denies a determination of de facto parenthood or

parentageinanyparentageproceedingdefinedin19-AM.R.S.§1834;(I) grants contact pursuant to the Grandparents Visitation Act

66

19-AM.R.S.§1801etseq.;(J) involuntarily commits an individual to an institution or a

progressive treatment program, or orders the involuntary medication of aperson;

(K) determinesthatacriminaldefendantisnotcriminallyresponsible

byreasonofinsanity;(L) resolvesanappealfromanagency’sdenialofarequestpursuantto

theFreedomofAccessAct,1M.R.S.§400etseq.;or(M) results in a juvenile adjudication or disposition pursuant to

15M.R.S.§3402. (2) TrackBAppeals. Inanappeal froma trialcourt judgment thatdoesnotfallwithinTrackA,theappellantshallfiletheappellant’sbriefwithin56days(8weeks)afterthedatethattherecordonappeal iscomplete. Theappelleeshallfiletheappellee’sbriefwithin105days(15weeks)afterthedatethattherecordonappealiscomplete,andtheappellantmayfileareplybriefwithin21days(3weeks)afterthedatethattheappellee’sbriefisfiled. (3) ExtensionsofTime.Noextensionsoftimeforfilingabriefshallbegrantedexcept(A)pursuanttoRule12A(b)(1)(A),(B)whenpreparationofthe brief requires review of transcripts from more than five days of trialtestimony and/or more than 2,000 pages of documentary exhibits firstpresentedtothecourtfromwhichtheappealistaken,or(C)uponashowingofa significant and unanticipated emergency that prevents a timely filing of abrief. (4) ExpeditingAppeals.Ifapartytoanappealwishestoexpeditetheappeal,thatpartymayfileamotionforexpeditedconsiderationoftheappeal,following the requirements for motion practice contained in Rule 10. Themotionshall(A)statethereasonswhyanexpeditedappealisrequested;(B)propose a schedule for due dates for filing the briefs and the appendix thatallowsthenon-movingpartyorpartiesnolesstimethanthemovingpartytomeet theproposedbriefingandappendix filingduedates;and(C)representthat the moving party has contacted the non-moving party or parties, andindicate whether the non-moving party or parties support or oppose the

67

motionforexpeditedconsiderationoftheappeal. (c) [Reserved] (d) Consequence of Failure to File Briefs. If an appellant fails tocomply with this Rule, the Law Court may dismiss the appeal for want ofprosecution.IfanappelleefailstocomplywiththisRule,andiforalargumentis scheduled, the appellee will not be heard at oral argument except bypermissionoftheLawCourt. (e) SchedulingofConsideration. All appeals shall, unless theLawCourtotherwisedirects,beinorderfororalargumentorotherconsideration21daysafterthedateonwhichtheappellee’sbriefisduetobefiledorisfiled,whicheverisearlier.

AdvisoryNote–June2019

This amendment, recommended by the Advisory Committee on theMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure,addsappealsofajuvenileadjudicationordispositiontothelistofappealssubjecttoexpeditedbriefing.

RestylingNotes–June2017 The adjustments to Rule 7 follow the editing and internal numberingpracticesoftherulesrestylingeffort. TheRule7amendmentsalsoincludeanumberofsubstantivechanges: In Rule 7(b)(1), the Track A briefing schedule is expanded to includeappealsfromanyparentageproceedingdefinedintheMaineParentageActat19-AM.R.S. § 1834. The change extends the Track A coverage to paternitydeterminationsandmayalsocovera fewparental rightsdeterminationsnotaddressed inotherpartsof theRule. With this expanded coverage, there issomeduplicationbetweensubdivisionHandothersubdivisionsinTrackAtoassurethatmostmattersdirectlyimpactingtheinterestsofminorchildrenarecoveredinTrackA. In Rule 7(b)(1)(F), the Track A briefing schedule is also expanded toincludethedenialofaterminationofanadultguardianship.

68

Each category in Track A, set forth in Rule 7(b)(1), is given a letterdesignation,andthetimeforfilingreplybriefsisextendedfrom10to14daystofollowthetimingpracticeofusing7-dayincrements. InRule7(b)(2),forTrackBappeals,thebriefingscheduleisnotchangedexceptthatthetimeforfilingareplybriefforTrackBappealsisextendedfrom2weeksto3weeksafterfilingoftheappellee’sbrief. InRule7(b)(3)(B),anewcategoryforappealswithextralargetrialcourtrecordsisaddedtothegroundsthatmaysupportthegrantingofanextensionoftimetofilebriefs.Theextralargerecordmusthavebeencreatedinthecourtfromwhichtheappealistaken,notinapreviousproceedingthatwasreviewedbythecourtfromwhichtheappealistaken.Previousproceedingswithlargerecordsthatwouldnotjustifyanextensionoftimetofileabriefwouldincludecriminal trial records that were reviewed in a post-conviction reviewproceedingoradministrativeappealrecordsthatwerereviewedinaRule80Bor80Cproceeding. Thecapacitytofileamotiontoexpediteappeals,Rule7(b)(4),previouslylimitedtoTrackBappeals,nowextendstoallappeals. Allowinganypartytoanappealtofileamotiontoexpeditetheappeal.Inaddition,thedraftruleaddsspecificstandardsforfilingandconsiderationofamotiontoexpediteanappeal. Rule7(c)addressingprintedandelectroniccopiesofbriefsismovedtobecome restyled Rule 7A(i), placing it more appropriately in the Ruleaddressingtheformofbriefs.

__________________________________________________________________

[AdvisoryNotestoRule7offormerMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure]

AdvisoryNote–June2014 TheamendmenttoRule7(b)establishesTrackAandTrackBappeals,definesthemattersthataretobeplacedonTrackA,establishesthetimeforbriefinginappealsoneachtrack,andauthorizesmotionstoexpediteanappealthathasbeenplacedonTrackB.

69

AdvisoryNote–October2012 Theamendment[toRule7(b)]returnsthetimelimitforanappellanttofileareplybriefto14daysafterthefilingoftheappellee’sbrief.ThistimelimitappliedforthefirsteightyearsofoperationofthisRuleandisconsistentwithRule7(e),specifyingthatanyappealisinorderforconsideration14daysaftertheappellee’sbriefisfiledorisduetobefiled,whicheverisearlier.The2009amendmenthadcreatedconfusionanduncertaintyastowhenanappealwasin order for LawCourt consideration in those instanceswhen an appellee’sbriefwasfiledinadvanceofitsfilingtimelimit.

AdvisoryNote–July2012

Rule7(b)isamendedtoclarifythattheindicatedtimeforpreparingallbriefsrunsfromthedatethattherecordonappealiscomplete,andtonotifythepartiesthatthespecificfilingdateswillbelistedonthewrittennoticesentbytheClerkoftheLawCourt. Rule7(c)(1)isamendedtoclarifythatprintedcopiesofbriefsarewhatisrequired.Rule7(c)(2)isadoptedtoencouragepartiestofileanelectroniccopyofeachbrief inaddition to therequiredprintedcopies. Theelectroniccopyisdueonthesamedateastheprintedcopies,butonlyreceiptofprintedcopiesisconsideredindeterminingcompliancewiththefilingdeadlines.TherulepermitstheClerkoftheLawCourt,forgoodcause,torelieveapartyofanyoftherequirementsofparagraph2,includingtherequirementthatthecopybein.pdfformat.Goodcausemightincludeaparty’stechnicalinabilitytoproducea.pdfcopyofthebrief.

AdvisoryNote–November2011 The amendment to Rule 7(b) changes the start of the running of thebriefingschedulefromthedateonwhichtherecordisfiledintheLawCourt,adatethatmaynotbeapparenttotheparties,tothedatestatedinthewrittennoticesenttothepartiestotheappealbytheClerkoftheLawCourtindicatingthattherecordonappealiscomplete.

70

AdvisoryNote–November2011 Rule7(a)isamendedto(1)establishthecompletionoftherecordasthetriggerforissuingthebriefingschedule,and(2)clarifythatoncethebriefingscheduleissues,thedatesinitarefirmandarenotautomaticallychangedbylater filings. The reference to completion of the record replaces languagestating that the schedulewould be issued upon “docketing of the reporter’stranscript and the trialcourtclerk’s record.” That languagewas incompletebecausethereareoftenmultipletranscriptsoratranscriptandastatementinlieuofatranscript,andtheremaybealternativestotheclerk’srecord. Theamendmentalsoaddsasentenceprovidingthatabriefingscheduleis not affected by a later transcript order, to clarify that once the record isdeemedcomplete,lateradditionsto,oreffortstoaddto,therecordonappealdo not affect the due dates for briefs and the appendix unless the Courtotherwiseindicates. Inthepast,somepartieshaveassumedthatwhentheyorderanewtranscript,itmeansthattherecordisnolongercompleteandthatthebriefingscheduleisnolongervalid.Becausetherulesdonotpermitlateradditionstotherecordwithout leaveofcourt,anyuntimelytranscriptorderformdoesnotaffecttheprogressoftheappealabsentCourtorder.

AdvisoryNotes–July9,2009 TheamendmentstoRule7(a)recognizethatmanyappealsinvolveoneormore unrepresented parties by clarifying language to be consistentwithestablished practice that all parties, not just “counsel,” receive notices. Theamendments also recognize that Law Court scheduling is no longer tied toterms.Further,withtheCourt’scurrentworkload, itisnolongerpossibletoaccuratelyidentifythemonthinwhichanappealmaybeconsidered. The amendment to Rule 7(b) significantly changes briefing schedulepractice to (1) extendby threeweeks the time to plan,prepare and file theappellant’sbriefandtheappellee’sbrief;(2)identifyaspecificdate,105days(15weeks)followingfilingoftherecordwhenanappellee’sbriefisdue,andanotherspecificdate,14days(2weeks)aftertheappellee’sbriefisdueforthefilinganyreplybrief;and(3)limittheconsiderationofmotionstoextendthetime for filing a brief to those few situations when a significant andunanticipatedemergencymayjustifyarequestforanextensionoftime.

71

Withtheadditionalthreeweekstoplanfor,prepareandfilebriefsbeingallowed to both the appellant and the appellee, the Court will no longerentertainmotions to extend time for filingbriefsbasedonpoorplanningorscheduling,theclaimedpressofotherbusinessorcourtdates,vacations,schoolorfamilyevents,non-emergencymedicalproceduresandothersimilareventsthatnowrequiretheCourttoconsideraverylargevolumeofmotionstoextendtimeforfilingbriefs.Itisanticipatedthatfromthispointforward,extensionsoftimetofilebriefswillberarelyrequestedandevenmorerarelygranted,andthenonlyincasesofsignificantandunanticipatedemergencies.Itwouldbeanunusual case that could demonstrate insufficient opportunity to plan andprepareabriefwithintheeightweekwindowoftimetopreparetheappellant’sbriefandtheadditionalsevenweekorlongerwindowoftimetopreparetheappellee’s brief. Leaving brief preparation to the last minute will be badpractice,asaccommodationoflastminutedifficultieswillbefarlesslikelythaninthepast. SpecificdateswillbeidentifiedinthebriefingschedulesentbytheClerkoftheLawCourt.Incurrentpracticethetimeforfilingtheappellee’sbriefhasbeenentirelydependenton the timeof receiptof theappellant’sbrief. Thismadeworkplanningdifficultinsomebusypractices.Thechangeshouldnotresult insignificantdelayinconsideringmostappeals. Inrecentexperience,over95%ofappellants’briefsarefiledatorveryclosetothefilingdeadline.

AdvisoryNotes–September10,2001 Thepurposeofthisamendment [toRule7(b)] istoclarifythebriefingscheduleandtieittoaspecificevent,thefilingoftherecordintheLawCourt.ThisisconsistentwithpracticebeforeadoptionoftheserulesandasauthorizedbyformerM.R.Civ.P.75(a). TheamendmenttoRule7(c)clarifiesthatthecopyrequirementsapplyregardlessofwhetherapartyisrepresentedornot.

AdvisoryNotes–January1,2001 Rule7relatingtoestablishingthebriefingschedulefollowsthelanguageofM.R.Civ.P.74Band75,andM.R.Crim.P.39(f)and39A,combiningthosetworulesregardingthebriefingscheduleintoone.

72

Insubdivision(b),thetimeforfilingbriefs ismadeuniformat35daysafternoticeofdocketingtherecordfortheappellant’sbriefand28daysafterserviceoftheappellant’sbrieffortheappellee’sbrief.Thecurrentcivilrulesprovide40daysfortheappellant’sbrief. Thecriminalrulesprovide30daysfortheappellant’sbrief.Bothrulespresentlyprovide30daysfortheappellee’sbrief,thatnumberisbeingreducedto28.The35dayand28dayfigureswhicharemadenowuniformforbothcriminalandcivilappealsareintendedtoadopttheweeklycalculationfortimingforcourtunificationtimeperiodamendments. Subdivision(c)continuestherequirementoffiling10copiesofeachbriefwhichpresentlyappearinM.R.Civ.P.75(b)andM.R.Crim.P.39A(b). Subdivision (d) is likewise similar to subdivision (c) of the currentcounterpartrules. Subdivision(e)ischangedfromthecurrentcounterpartsinM.R.Civ.P.75andM.R.Crim.P.39Atoaddthewords“orotherconsideration”afterthewords“fororalargument.”ThischangereflectscurrentpracticeunderwhichmanycasesareconsideredbytheLawCourtonbriefswithoutoralargument.Thereferenceto“otherconsideration”reflectsconsiderationonbriefsinlieuoforalargument.Thus,undersubdivision(e),allappealsmaybeconsideredbytheLawCourteitherbyoralargumentoronbriefsatanytime14daysafterthe date on which the appellee’s initial brief is due to be filed or is filed,whicheverisearlier.

RULE7A.BRIEFS:FORMANDCONTENT (a) BriefoftheAppellant.(1)Thebriefoftheappellantshallcontainunderappropriateheadingsandintheorderhereindicated: (A) A table of contents, with page references, and a table of cases,statutesandotherauthoritiescited. (B) Astatementofthefactsofthecase,includingitsproceduralhistory. (C) Astatementoftheissuespresentedforreview. (D) A summary of the argument, if the argument is not adequatelysummarizedinthestatementoftheissuespresentedforreview.

73

(E) Anargument. Theargumentshallcontainthecontentionsoftheappellantwithrespecttotheissuespresentedandthereasonssupportingeachcontention,withcitations to theauthoritiesand theparticulardocumentsorexhibitsintherecordreliedon,withcitationtopagenumbersoftheappendixwhen they exist. The argument for each issue presented shall beginwith astatementofthestandard(s)ofappellatereviewapplicabletothatissue. (2) Abriefshallnotinclude: (A) anydocumentsorimagesthatarenotapartofthetrialcourtfileortherecordonappeal; (B) any documents that are, or include, pictures, videos, or otherimages (i) of persons under 18 years of age, (ii) of adults subject to aguardianship or mental health commitment proceeding, or (iii) that depictnudityorsexualorsexualizedacts; (C) exceptforabriefpreparedbytheStateinachildprotectivecase,anydocumentsmadeconfidentialbystatuteorcourtorder. (b) BriefoftheAppellee.Thebriefoftheappelleeshallconformtotherequirementsofsubdivision(a)ofthisRule,exceptthatastatementoftheissuesandstandardsofappellaterevieworofthefactsorproceduralhistoryofthe case need not be included unless the appellee is dissatisfied with thestatementsoftheappellant. (c) ReplyBrief.Anyreplybrieffiledbytheappellantmustbestrictlyconfinedtoreplyingtonewfactsassertedorargumentsraisedinthebriefoftheappellee.NofurtherbriefsmaybefiledexceptbyleaveoftheLawCourt. (d) BriefsonCross-Appeals.Ifacross-appealisfiled,thebriefofthesecondpartytotheappealshallcontaintheissuesandargumentinvolvedinthecross-appealaswellastheanswertothebriefoftheappellant. (e) BriefofanAmicusCuriae. (1) General.

74

(A) Exceptasprovided inparagraph(2)of thissubdivision,orwhenamicusbriefsareinvitedbyanoticefromtheLawCourt,abriefofanamicuscuriaemaybefiledonlyifaccompaniedbywrittenconsentofallpartiesorbyleaveof theLawCourt. Amotion for leave shall identify the interestof theapplicant and shall state the reasons why a brief of an amicus curiae isdesirable. (B) An amicus curiae brief shall be filed by the date on which theappellee’sbriefisduetobefiled,unlesstheLawCourt,forgoodcauseshown,grants leave for later filing. Anypartymay fileareplybriefaddressingnewmatterraisedbyanamicuscuriaewithin14daysafterserviceofthebriefofanamicus curiae or within such other time as the Law Court may specify ingrantingleaveforlaterfilingtotheamicuscuriae. (C) Themotionofanamicuscuriaeforleavetoparticipateintheoralargumentshallbegrantedonlyforextraordinaryreasons. (2) MaineTortClaimsAct. (A) Inanyactionunder theMaineTortClaimsAct,14M.R.S.§8101etseq.,theAttorneyGeneralshallhavetherighttoappearbeforetheLawCourtbybriefandoralargumentasanamicuscuriaewhentheAttorneyGeneralisnototherwiseappearingonbehalfofapartytotheaction. (B) Unlessallpartiesotherwiseconsent,inanysuchactionwhentheAttorneyGeneralhasreceivednoticeofappealasprovidedinRule2A(g)(4),theAttorneyGeneralshallfileanamicusbriefwithinthetimeallowedthepartywhosepositionastoaffirmanceorreversalthebriefwillsupport,unlesstheLawCourtforcauseshownshallgrantleaveforlaterfiling.Inthatevent,theLawCourtshallspecifywithinwhatperiodanopposingpartymayreplytotheAttorneyGeneral’sbrief. (f) (1) LengthofBriefs. Theprincipalbriefofanypartyandanyamicusbriefshallnotexceedthegreaterof40pagesor10,000words,andanyreplybriefallowedbytheseRulesshallnotexceed15pagesor4,500words,withoutpriorapprovaloftheLawCourt,whichshallbegrantedonlyuponashowingofgoodcause.Anappellee’sbriefthatalsoaddressesthatappellee’scross-appeal shall not exceed the greater of 50 pages or 13,000words. An

75

appellant’sreplybriefthatalsorespondstoanappellee’scross-appealshallnotexceedthegreaterof30pagesor9,000words. (2) Attachment.Theprincipalbriefofanappellantoranappelleemayinclude, as an attachment not exceeding 3 pages, copies of documents,photographs, ordiagrams that arepartof the trial court recordand are notprohibited from inclusion in the brief by Rule 7A(a)(2). Any document,photograph, or diagram included as an attachment may be marked to addemphasis. (3) PageorWordLimitCalculations.Thetableofcontents,thetableof authorities, the certificate of service, and any appendix bound with theappellant’sbriefarenotcountedincalculatingthepageorwordlimitssetinthisRule. (g) FormofBriefs. (1) (A) Signature.Atleastonepapercopyofeachparty’sbrieffiledwiththeLawCourtshallbesignedbyanattorneywhopreparedthebrief,or,ifthepartyorpartiesfilingthebriefwasunrepresentedbycounsel,byeachpartyfilingthebrief.Theattorney’sorparty’ssignatureonthebriefshallconstitutearepresentationthatthebrief,togetherwithanyassociateddocuments,isfiledin good faith and conforms to the page or word limits and the form andformattingrequirementsofthisRule.AseparatecertificateindicatingthatthefilingconformstothewordlimitssetinthisRuleshallbefiledonlyifthelengthofthedocumentexceedstheapplicablepagelimits. (B) ElectronicSignature.Asanalternativetothesignatureonaprintcopy of a brief, an attorney in active practice, registeredwith the Board ofOverseersoftheBar,mayfilewiththeelectroniccopyofthebriefacertificateof signature indicating that the attorney (i) has prepared or participated inpreparing the brief and (ii) makes the representations and certifications asrequiredbyRule7A(g)(1)(A).Thecertificateofsignature,onaformpreparedbytheClerkoftheLawCourt,shallidentifythepartyonwhosebehalfthebriefisfiled,andshallincludetheattorney’sname,MaineBarRegistrationNumber,emailaddress,streetaddress,andbusinesstelephonenumber. (2) Form and Formatting. Briefsmay be reproduced by standardprintingorbyanyduplicatingorcopyingprocesscapableofproducingaclear

76

blackimageonwhitepaper,withprintingononlyonesideofeachpage.Allprintedmattermustappearinatleast14-pointfontonopaque,unglazedpaper,exceptthatfootnotesandquotationsmayappearin11-pointfont.Pagesshallbe8-1/2x11incheswithmarginsof1inchonthetop,bottom,andeachsideofthepage,andwithdoublespacingbetweeneachlineoftextexceptforblockquotations. (3) Binding.Briefsshallbeboundontheleft-handmarginwithcomborspiralbindingthatpermitsthepagestolieflatwhenthedocumentisopen. (4) Front Cover. The front cover of the brief shall contain: (A) thenameoftheSupremeJudicialCourtsittingastheLawCourtandtheLawCourtdocket number of the case; (B) the title of the case; (C) the nature of theproceedingbeforetheLawCourt(e.g.,Appeal;Report;CertifiedQuestion)andthenameofthecourt,agency,orotherentityfromwhichtheappealistakenorthe question is presented; (D) the title of the document (e.g., Brief forAppellant);and(E)thenamesandaddressesofcounselrepresentingthepartyonwhosebehalf thedocument is filedor thenameandaddressof thepartyfilingthebrief,ifnotrepresentedbycounsel. (5) The cover of the brief of the appellant shall be blue; that of theappellee, red; thatof an intervenoror amicus curiae, green; and thatof anyreplybrief,gray.

(h) BriefsinanAppealInvolvingMultipleAppellantsorAppellees.In an appeal involving more than one appellant or appellee, includingconsolidatedcases,anynumberofappellantsorappelleesmayjoininabrief,and any party may adopt by reference another’s brief or any part thereof.Partiesmayalsojoininreplybriefs.AdoptionofabrieforportionthereofmaybebylettertotheClerkoftheLawCourt,withacopytoallotherparties,iftheadoptingpartydoesnototherwisefileabrief.Apartyadoptinganother’sbrieforpartthereofshalldosoonorbeforetheduedateforthatparty’sownbrief. (i) PrintedandElectronicCopies. (1) Number of Printed Copies to be Filed and Served. UnlessotherwiseorderedbytheLawCourt,10printedcopiesofeachbriefshallbefiledwiththeClerkoftheLawCourtand2printedcopiesofeachbriefshallbeservedoneachoftheotherpartieswhoareeitherseparatelyrepresentedor

77

unrepresented. TheClerkof theLawCourtshallnotacceptabrief forfilingunlessitisaccompaniedbyacknowledgementorcertificateofserviceupontheotherparties. (2) ElectronicCopies.Oneelectroniccopyofeachbrieffiledshallbeemailed(1)totheClerkoftheLawCourtattheemailaddressprovidedbytheClerkinthewrittennoticeissuedpursuanttoRule7(a),and(2)toeachotherpartythathasprovidedaproperemailaddresswithhisorherappearanceontheappeal.Theelectroniccopyshallbeintheformofasinglenative.pdffileandmayappearasunsigned.Theelectroniccopyisdueonthesamedateasthe printed copies; however, only the filing of printed copies shall beconsideredindeterminingcompliancewiththefilingdeadlinessetinRule7(b).The filing of an electronic copy is in addition to, and does not replace, therequiredfilingofprintedcopiespursuanttoRule7A(i)(1).TheClerkoftheLawCourt may, for good cause shown, relieve a party of one or more of therequirementsofthisparagraph. (j) Citation of Supplemental Authorities. If pertinent andsignificant authorities come to a party’s attention after the party’s brief hasbeenfiledandbeforeeither(A)oralargument,or(B)42days(6weeks)afterthedatesetforfilingtheappellee’sbriefforanappealnotsetfororalargument,thepartymaypromptlyadvisetheClerkoftheLawCourtbyletter,withacopymailedandemailedtoallotherparties,settingforththecitation(s).Thelettermuststatethereasonsforthesupplementalcitation(s),referringtothepageofthebrief addressedby thenewcitation(s). Thebodyof the lettermust notexceed350words.Anyresponsemustbemadepromptlyandmustbesimilarlylimited. Asimilar filingmayoccurafteroralargumentonly if invitedby theCourtattheoralargument.

RestylingNotes–June2017 Rule7AisarestylingofRule9inthecurrentMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure.ThisadjustmentallowstherulesrelatingtotheformandfilingofthebriefstoappeartogetherintheAppellateRules.Theheadingoftheruleisamendedtoclarifythat itappliestoformandcontentofbriefs,whileRule7relatestoschedulingandconsiderationofbriefs. Rule7A(a)(2)isnewandlistsspecificitemsthatmaynotbeincludedinabrieforanattachmenttoabrief.Thelistingissimilartothelistofitemsthat

78

may not be included in an appendix. See Rule 8(g)(1)-(3). The listing isdesigned toprotect theprivacy interestsofminorsandpersonswithmentalhealth issues, and to avoid the potential that publicly available briefs orappendices could cause unnecessary embarrassment to parties, victims,witnesses, or other participants in cases that might make such individualsreluctanttoseektheaccesstojusticethatthecourtsprovide. Rule7A(e),addressingamicusbriefs,isamendedtoclarifythatwhentheLawCourtinvitesamicusbriefsonaparticularappeal,thefilingofanamicusbriefdoesnotrequireapprovalofthepartiestotheappeal,orthefilingofamotion. IntheeditingofwhatisnowRule7A,therepetitivepagelimitstatementsthatappearedwitheachtypeofbriefaddressedintherulesareeliminatedandreplacedwithasinglepagelimitstatementthatnowappearsatRule7A(f)(1).TheRuleisalsoamendedtoallow,inRule7A(f)(2),anattachmenttoabrief,not exceeding 3 pages, to include copies of documents, photographs, ordiagramsthatarepartofthetrialcourtrecord.Thoseitemsmaybemarkedtoadd emphasis, even if the emphasismarkings do not appear on the originalitemsinthetrialcourtrecord. In a substantive change, the permitted length of briefs, provided inRule7A(f)(1), is reduced from50 pages to40pages forprincipalbriefs andfrom20pagesto15pagesforreplybriefs. Newcategoriesaddedfor(1)anappellee’sbriefthatalsoaddressesthatappellee’scross-appeal,witha50-pagelimit,and(2)anappellant’sreplybriefthatalsorepliestoanappellee’scross-appeal,witha30-pagelimit.TheFirstCircuitRules,Fed.R.App.P.37(a)(7)(A),havelimitsof30pagesforprincipalbriefsand15pagesforreplybriefs.TheFirstCircuit generally applies the samepage size, spacing and14-point fontrequirementsasarestatedinRule7A. The revised Rule also includes, as an alternative to page limits, wordlimitsof10,000forprincipalbriefs,4,500forreplybriefs,13,000forappellee’sbriefs that also argue that appellee’s cross-appeal, and 9,000 for appellant’sreplybriefsthatalsorespondtoanappellee’scross-appeal.Longerbriefsmaybe filed with prior approval of the Law Court after filing of a motiondemonstratinggoodcauseforhavingtofilealongerbrief.

79

TheFirstCircuithasallowedfilingofbriefsmeasuredbywordlimitsforseveralyears,withrecentchangeseffectiveDecember1,2016.SeeFed.R.App.P.28.1(e)(2)and32(a)(7)(B). CurrentRule7(c) addressingprintedandelectronic copiesofbriefs ismoved to becomeRule 7A(i). Filing of an electronic copy of a party’s brief,whichisdiscretionaryincurrentRule7(c)(2),isrequiredintherestyledrules.Thereferenceto“native”.pdfistoindicatethe.pdfformatthatallowscut-and-pastingfroma.pdftoaWorddocument.The.pdfdocumentsdonotneedtoindicate an actual signature, which can only be reproduced using the .pdfpictureformat.Ascurrently,thefilingofanelectroniccopyofabriefdoesnotaltertheobligationstofileprintedcopiesofthebrief. AprovisionisaddedtoRule7A(g)(1)(A)indicatingthatanattorney’sorparty’ssignatureonthebriefconstitutesarepresentationthatthefilingis ingood faith and is in compliancewith the rules governing briefing, includingpageand/orwordlimitsandfontsize.Aspecificcertificateofcompliancewiththewordlimitsisrequiredonlyifabriefexceedsthespecifiedpagelimits.Rule7A(g)(1)(B)isaddedallowing,subjecttotheconditionsspecifiedintheRule,electronicfilingofacertificateofsignatureinplaceofanactualsignatureonacopyofaprintedbrief. Rule7A(j) isadded, trackingcloselyRule28(j)of theFederalRulesofAppellate Procedure. The only difference with the federal rule is that thefederalrule(1)allowssuchfilingsatanytime“afteroralargumentbutbeforedecision”and(2)doesnotaddressappealsconsideredwithoutoralargument.Rule7A(j)nowlimitssuchfilingstothetime“before”oralargumentorbefore42dayshavepassedfollowingthedatesetforfilingtheappellee’sbriefifacasewillbeconsideredonthebriefs.FilingsafteroralargumentmayoccuronlyifinvitedbytheCourt.

__________________________________________________________________

[AdvisoryNotestoformerRule9,nowRule7A,ofMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure]

80

AdvisoryNote–August2015 All references to the Maine Revised Statutes Annotated in the MaineRules of Appellate Procedure are updated to refer to the Maine RevisedStatutes.

AdvisoryNote–October2014 Rule9(f) isamended toomit therequirement thatbriefsbeprinted inBookmanfont,tochangetheminimumsizeofthefontfrom12-pointfontto14-pointfont,andtostandardizeformatting.

AdvisoryNote-November2011 The reference [inRule9(a)] to “pages” of the recordwas anoutdatedreferencefromthetimewhenthetrialcourtclerksindividuallynumberedeachpageoftherecordbeforeforwardingtherecordtotheLawCourtpursuanttoM.R.App.P.6.Toeasereviewofbriefs,citationstotherecordshouldcontinuetobeaspreciseaspossible.Pursuanttotheamendment,citationstotherecordmust indicate the particular document or exhibit referenced, including pagenumberswhenpagenumbersexist.

AdvisoryNote–November2011

Rule9(h)isadoptedtoestablishtheproperprocedurewhenoneormorepartiestoanappealelecttoadoptanotherparty’sargumentorbrief.ThefirsttwosentencesofRule9(h)areidenticaltoFed.R.App.P.28(i). Thelasttwosentencesareaddedtoprovideamechanismforadoptinganotherparty’sbriefwhentheadoptingpartyisnototherwisefilingabriefandtoprovidetheduedateforanyadoption.

AdvisoryNotes–August1,2009 Rules9(a)and9(b)areamendedtorequirethatforeachissuepresentedfor appeal, the brief also state the standard of appellate review thatwill beapplicabletoresolutionofeachissue.Thisistohelpassureconsiderationoftheproperstandardofreviewforeachissuepresentedonappeal,anareathathas been ignored in some briefwriting practice. The appellate standard ofreviewformostissueswillfallintooneofthreebroadcategories:(i)“denovo”

81

review,(ii)“clearerror”or“sufficiencyofevidence”review,and(iii)“abuseofdiscretion”or“unreasonableexerciseofdiscretion”review.Thelawregardingstandards of review is addressed in Chapter 4 ofMaine Appellate Practice(2008).

AdvisoryNotes–September10,2001 Theamendmentstosubdivision(f)addmorespecificationtotheprintingandtypeorfontsizerequirementsandmakeclericalcorrectionstotheoriginalRule. The signing requirement reflects current practice carried over frompreviouslyapplicablerulerequirements.SeeM.R.Civ.P.11.

AdvisoryNotes–January1,2001

Rule9 tracksveryclosely thegenerallycomparableprovisionsofM.R.Civ.P.75AandM.R.Crim.P.39B.Thekeychangesfromthosecomparablerulesrelatingtothenatureandcontentofbriefsonoralargumentsareasfollows: —ThereferencetoanappendixinM.R.Crim.P.39P(a)(6)iseliminatedastheappendixisnowgovernedbyM.R.App.P.8. —Subdivision(d)ofbothM.R.Civ.P.75AandM.R.Crim.P.39Bwhichrelatestoreproductionsofstatutes,rules,regulations,etc.iseliminated.Anysupplementalauthoritieswhichpartiesdesire to fileshouldbe included inaseparatesupplement,filedwiththeappendixasspecifiedinM.R.App.P.8(l). —Acapof50pagesisplacedonthelengthofbriefsoncross-appeals.M.R.Civ.P.75A(e)includeda75-pagelimit.M.R.Crim.P.39B(e)hadnopagelimit. —Subdivision(e)relatingtobriefsofanamicuscuriaegenerallyfollowsthelanguageofM.R.Civ.P.75A(f).Themoreexpansivelanguageisnecessaryparticularly to accommodate the special provision that needs to be maderegarding filingof abrief relating to theMaineTortClaimsAct,which is, ofcourse,uniquetocivilcases.Themoreformalapprovalprovisionsforfilingacivilamicusbriefarealsoincludedinthisrulenowapplicabletobothcriminalandcivilcases.

82

—The typeor fontsizerequirementsaddressed insubdivision(f)aredesigned to achieveclear,easy toread text. Plainromantypeor fontstylesshould be used, although italics or boldface may be used for emphasis.AppropriatetypestylestouseincludeBookman,Courier,Geneva,Georgia,orothersimilartypestyles.TypestylessuchasArrus,Script,orTimesshouldbeavoided. —Subdivision(g) isaddedtonote,asunderpresentpractice,thatthepages for the table of contents and table of authorities are not counted incalculatingthepagelimitsforthebriefs.

RULE8.APPENDIXTOTHEBRIEFS (a) ByWhomFiled.Ineveryappeal,thepartythatfilesthefirstnoticeofappealshallprepareandfileanappendixtothebriefs,exceptthatinchildprotectionmatters,22M.R.S.§§4001-4071,theStateshallberesponsibleforpreparingandfilingtheappendix. (b) NumberofCopies,WhenFiled. (1) Eightcopiesoftheappendixshallbefiledwiththeappellant’sbrief.InTitle22childprotectivecases,theStateshallfiletheappendixwiththeCourtnolaterthan14daysbeforethedateonwhichtheappellant’sbriefisduetobefiled.ThepartiesmayagreetoalatertimeforthefilingoftheappendixwithoutnoticetoorleaveoftheLawCourt,providedthattheappendixshallbefilednolater than the date that the appellee’s brief is filed or is due to be filed,whicheveroccursfirst. (2) WhentheappendixisfiledwiththeCourt,acopyshallbeservedoneachotherpartytotheappeal. (c) Contents, Generally. The purpose of the appendix is to makeavailabletoeachJusticeoftheCourtthosedocumentsfromtherecordthatareessentialtothereviewoftheissuesonappeal. Duplicationmustbeavoided.Nodocumentshallappearintheappendixmorethanonce. (d) Contents,Mandatory-ALLAPPEALS.Thefollowingdocumentsshallbecontainedintheappendixinthefollowingorder:

83

(1) Atableofcontents. (2) Alldocketentriesfromtheproceeding(s)below. (3) Eachtrialcourtdecision,ruling,orjudgmentthatwillbeaddressedintheappeal,includingtheoriginalfinaljudgmentandanysubsequentordersamendingtheoriginalfinaljudgment. (A) If thedecision is inwritten form, a copyof thedecision shall beincluded; (B) Ifthedecisionorjudgmentincludesmorethanoneorderorsetoffindings,acopyofeachcourtactionthatconstitutesthedecisionorjudgmentshallbeincluded; (C) Ifanypartofthedecisionwasstatedorallyontherecord,acopyofthetranscriptofthedecisionshallbeincluded.Whenadecisionorrulingstatedorallyontherecordwasprecededbyacolloquywiththecourt, thecolloquyshallbeincludedintheappendixifthecolloquydoesnotexceed20pagesintheappendix. (4) The complaint, indictment, information, petition, motion, orpost-judgmentmotionthatinitiatedtheproceedinginthetrialcourtandanysubsequentamendmenttothedocumentthatinitiatedtheproceeding. (5) Any pre-judgmentorpost-judgmentmotionorpetition thatwassubjecttoanorderorotheractionorinactionbythetrialcourtthatisatissueintheappeal.Ifthemotionorotherrequesttothetrialcourtwasmadeorally,atranscriptoftheon-the-recorddiscussionofthemotionorotherrequesttothetrialcourt,includingthecourt’sruling,shallbeincluded. (e) Contents,Mandatory-SPECIFICPROCEEDINGS.Followingthecontentsrequiredbysubdivision(d),theappendixshallcontainthefollowingcontentsforspecificproceedings: (1) SummaryJudgment.Iftheappealrelatestotheentryordenialofasummaryjudgment,acopyoftheparties’statementsfiledpursuanttoM.R.Civ.P.56(h).

84

(2) StateandLocalGovernmentAdministrativeAppeals. (A) IftheappealaddressesadecisionofaStateorlocaladministrativeagency, includingamunicipality,board,commission,orotheradministrativebody,acopyoftheagency’sdecision,whetherwrittenortranscribed. (B) Iftheagencydecisionwasbasedonamunicipalordinance,aStateorlocalregulation,oraPrivateandSpecialLaw,acopyoftherelevantsectionorsectionsfromthatordinance,regulation,orPrivateandSpeciallaw,shallbeincluded. For appeals from decisions of a municipal agency, a copy of thesectionorsectionsofthemunicipalordinancethatestablishtheauthorityoftheagencytoactonthemattersubjecttotheappealshallbeincluded.CopiesofrelevantsectionsoftheMaineRevisedStatutesshallnotbeincluded. (3) Jury Instructions. If the appeal includes a challenge to a juryinstructionorjuryinstructions,acopyofthetranscriptofthejuryinstructionsandacopyofanywritteninstructionsgiventothejury,acopyofthetranscriptcontainingthediscussionoforobjectiontotheinstructions,andcopiesofanyrelevant oral orwritten requests to the trial judge for different instructionsthanthosegiventothejurybythetrialjudge. (4) Jury Verdict, Special Verdict Form. If the appeal is from ajudgmententeredontheverdictofajury,andthejuryreporteditsverdictonawrittenform,acopyofthatformandatranscriptorcopyoftheobjectionstothatform,ifany. (5) Contract,Deed,Lease,Trust,Will,or InsurancePolicy. If theappealrelatestotheinterpretationorenforcementofacontract,deed,lease,trust,will,orinsurancepolicy:acopyofthatdocument. (6) DomesticRelations,Parentage,orChildProtectionMatters.Iftheappealisfromadecisionrelatedtoadomesticrelations,parentage,orchildprotectionmatter: thechildsupport affidavits, if child support isat issueonappeal;thefinancialstatementsoftheparties,ifpropertydistributionorchildorspousalsupportisatissueonappeal;thereportoftheguardianadlitem,ifany,ifaparentalrightsorparentagedecisionisatissueonappeal. (7) CriminalAppeals. If the appeal is froma decision in a criminalmatter:thepresentencereport, ifany, ifasentenceisat issueonappeal;the

85

searchwarrantorarrestwarrantandanyaffidavitinsupportofissuanceofthewarrant,ifasearchwarrantorarrestwarrantoractionspursuanttoasearchwarrantorarrestwarrantareat issueonappeal;andtheAttorneyGeneral’sauthorization,ifrequired,foranyStateappealbroughtpursuanttoRule21. (f) Contents,Discretionary. Thefollowingmaterialsfromthetrialcourtrecordmaybeincludedinanappendixbutarenotrequired: (1) Exhibits. If particular exhibits are essential to the Court’sunderstandingoftheissuesonappeal,theappendixmayincludecopiesofthoseexhibits.Copiesofexhibits,includingphotographs,maps,charts,ordiagramsthatwerepresentedincolortothetrialcourtoradministrativeagencyshallbereproduced in color by anymeans, such as scanning or color printing, thatreproducestheexhibitintheappendixtoappearascloseaspossibletothewaytheexhibitappearedinthetrialcourtrecord. (2) OtherPleadings.Copiesofotherpleadingsorfilingsthatappearinthetrialcourtrecordmaybeincluded,butonlyiftheyareessentialtotheCourt’sunderstandingoftheissuesonappeal. (3) Placement. Documents from the trial court record, other thanthosethataredesignated“mandatory,”thatareessentialforunderstandingthespecific issues on appeal shall be placed in the appendix following thedocumentsrequiredbyRule8(d)or(e). (g) ExclusionsfromtheAppendix.Theappendixshallnotinclude: (1) anydocumentsorimagesthatarenotapartofthetrialcourtfileortherecordonappeal,otherthanasupplementoflegalauthoritiesauthorizedinsubdivision(n)hereof; (2) any documents that are, or include, pictures, videos, or otherimages (A) of persons under 18 years of age, (B) of adults subject to aguardianship or mental health commitment proceeding, or (C) that depictnudityorsexualorsexualizedacts; (3) exceptforanappendixpreparedbytheStateinachildprotectivecase,anydocumentsmadeconfidentialbystatuteorcourtorderthatarenotrequiredtobeincludedintheappendixbysubdivisions(d)or(e)hereof;or

86

(4) anyportionofthetranscriptfromthetrialcourtotherthanontherecordstatementsordiscussionsrequiredtobeincluded intheappendixbysubdivisions(d)or(e)hereof. (h) Failure to Comply with Rules. An appendix that (1) fails toincludemandatorydocuments;(2)doesnotpresentdocumentsintherequiredorder:firstdocumentsrequiredbysubdivision(d),thendocumentsrequiredbysubdivision(e),thendocuments,ifany,includedpursuanttosubdivision(f);(3)includesduplicatecopiesofdocuments;(4)includesdocumentsorimagesexcludedby subdivision (g); or (5)otherwise isnotprepared in compliancewiththeseRulesmayberejected,with thepartythatpreparedtheappendixbeingrequiredtoprepareandfileareplacementappendixthatcomplieswiththese Rules or being subject to another appropriate sanction, includingdismissaloftheappeal. (i) Contents,AgreementoftheParties.ThepartiesshallconferandattempttoreachagreementonthecontentsoftheappendixincompliancewiththisRule.Ifthepartiesdonotagree: (1) Nolaterthan14daysbeforetheappellant’sbriefisduetobefiled,the appellant shall deliver to the appellee a list of the documents that theappellant proposes to include in the appendix. In child protection cases inwhichtheStateistheappellee,theappellantshalldelivertotheappelleethelistofthedocumentsthattheappellantproposestoincludeintheappendixatleast14daysbeforetheappendixisduetobefiled. (2) Iftheappelleewishestohaveadditionaldocumentsincludedintheappendix,theappelleemust,within7daysafternoticeoftheappellant’slistofdocuments,designateadditionaldocumentsforinclusionintheappendix,andtheappellantshallincludethosedocumentsintheappendix,unlessotherwiseorderedbythecourt. (j) Content, Costs. Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, theappellantshallberesponsibleforthecostsofproducingtheappendix.Iftheappelleedesignatesdocumentsforinclusionandtheappellantconcludesthatsuchdocumentsarenotessentialtounderstandingoftheissuesonappeal,theappellantshallincludesuchdocumentsintheappendix,butmayseekrecoveryof the costs for inclusion of such documents after decision on the appeal.Followinganappealinacivilcase,anyofthecostsincurredintheproduction

87

of the appendixmay be taxed to either party by the LawCourt pursuant toRule13. (k) Content,Format. (1) Eachpageoftheappendixshallbenumberedconsecutively.Iftheappendixconsistsof20pagesorfewer, itmaybeboundwiththeappellant’sbrief. Otherwise, it shall be separately bound with a white cover pagedesignated“Appendix”andcarryingtheLawCourtdocketnumber,casetitle,andappearancesofcounselorunrepresentedpartiesfortheappeal. (2) Theappendixshallbereproducedbystandardprintingorbyanyduplicating or copying process capable of producing a clear black image onwhitepaper.Printingshallbeonbothsidesofthepaper.Exceptforoversizeorelectronicexhibits,thepapershallbe8-1/2x11inches. (3) Theappendixshallbespiralboundorboundbyasimilarprocess,suchascombbindingthatpermitsthepagestolieflatwhenthedocumentisopened.Plasticormetalspikes,staples,orpostsshallnotbeusedinbinding. (4) Oversizeexhibits—suchasplansormaps—andelectronicexhibitsondiscoranothermediummaybeattachedtotheappendixinanymethodthatpermitstheappendixtobehandledasaboundvolume. (5) Novolumeofanappendixshallexceed150sheetsofpaperprintedonbothsides,notincludingoversizeandelectronicexhibits,andnoappendixshallexceedonevolumewithoutpriorapprovaloftheCourt. (l) FailuretoFileanAppendix.Thefailuretofileanappendix,orthefailuretoincludeintheappendixanydocumentrequiredtobeincludedassetoutinthisRule,mayresultinthedismissaloftheappealorothersanction. (m) Hearing on theOriginalRecordWithout theNecessity of anAppendix.TheLawCourtmay,ongoodcauseshowninamotionfiledpriortothe filingdeadline for appellant’sbrief, dispensewith the requirementof anappendix and permit appeals to be heard on the original record, with suchcopiesoftherecord,orrelevantpartsthereof,astheLawCourtmayrequire. (n) Supplement of Legal Authorities. A supplement of legalauthorities isnotrequired. Thepartiesmay, at theirdiscretion,provide the

88

Court with a brief supplement, separate from the appendix, containingimportant,relevant legalauthoritiessuchasstatutesorcourtdecisionsfromother jurisdictions. It is not necessary to provide copies of any or all citedauthorities. Thesupplementof legalauthorities isnotcountedincomputingtheappendixpagelimit.

AdvisoryNote–June2018

WhentheMaineRulesofAppellateProcedurewereinitiallyredraftedintheprocess leadingtothe2017restyling,thespecificrequirementregardinginclusionof the transcript in the appendixwas included in thedraft ofRule8(e)(6). As finallyadopted, therestyledRules, andspecificallyRule8(g)(4),barredinclusionoftranscriptsintheappendix,exceptwhererequiredbyotherRules.ThetranscriptrequirementinRule8(e)(6)shouldhavebeenremovedto be consistentwith the later drafted Rule 8(g)(4). Leaving the transcriptrequirementinRule8(e)(6)wasadraftingoversightwhichiscorrectedwiththisamendment.TranscriptsofproceedingsonappealmustbepreparedandincludedintherecordonappealasrequiredbyRule5(b)(2),butfulltranscriptsof domestic relations, parentage, or child protectionmatters should not beincludedintheappendix.

RestylingNotes–June2017

Despiteitsrelativelyexplicitlanguage,compliancewiththerequirementsinRule8,bythebarandbyunrepresentedlitigants,hasbeenlessthanideal.[See Hall v. Camden Hills Farm By The Sea, LLC, 2017 ME 150, ¶¶ 12-20,167A.3d557.]Repeatedproblemshavebeenobservedin(1)failuretoincludein the appendix documents that are required to be included by currentRulesubdivisions8(g)and8(h);(2)failuretoplacedocumentsincludedintheappendixintheorderspecifiedbycurrentRulesubdivisions8(c)(5)and8(g);and (3) inclusion of duplicates of documents in the appendix, despite theexplicitprohibitionincurrentRule8(c)(4)that“[no]documentshallappearintheappendixmorethanonce.” Toaddresstheseproblems,Rule8isreorganizedtoplacetheseexplicitdirectionsearlierandmoreprominentlyintheRule.WhatwereformerlyRule8(g) and 8(h) are now Rule 8(d) and 8(e). In addition, practitioners mayanticipatethattheexplicitdirectionsinRule8willbemorerigorouslyenforcedthaninthepast,withfailuretocomplywiththeRulemorelikelytoleadtoa

89

rejectionoftheappendixandarequirementthatanewappendixbepreparedoranothersanction,includingdismissaloftheappeal,beingimposed. Inadditiontothisreorganizationandtominoreditingtoaccomplishtheobjectivesofrestyling,Rule8(g)isadoptedtoexplicitlylistitemsthatmaynotbe included in the appendix. The listed exclusions include any images ofpersons under 18 years of age, images of adults subject to guardianship ormental health commitment proceedings, and images that depict nudity orsexualorsexualizedacts,and,exceptforchildprotectivecases,anydocumentsdeemed confidential by statute or court order, except documents that aresubject to the mandatory inclusion requirements of Rule 8(d) and 8(e).BecauseRule8(d)and8(e)speakprimarilytopleadings,docketentries,courtorders, and the like, it would be rare for a document made confidential bystatuteorcourtordertobesubjecttomandatoryinclusioninanappendix. Theexclusionsalsoextendtotranscriptsorportionsoftranscripts,otherthanportionsoftranscriptsincludedasmandatoryitemsbyRule8(d)and8(e).Themandatoryitemshavebeenexpandedtoincludedialoguebetweenthetrialcourtandthepartiesthatprecedesacourtruling,order,ordecisionthatisatissueonappeal.Anyrelevantportionofatranscriptmay,ofcourse,becitiedand,ifparticularlyimportant,quotedinaparty’sbrief.Withfilingofelectroniccopiesof transcripts, transcripts are available for reviewbyany Justice. Allitems excluded from the appendix, including print copies of transcripts, doremainpartoftherecordandareavailableforLawCourtreviewonappeal. In other changes, the reference to “Family matters” in formerRule8(h)(6),isexpandedinrestyledRule8(e)(6)toincludedomesticrelations,parentage, and child protectionmatters. Further, themandatory items thatmust be included in the appendix are expanded to include pre- orpost-judgmentmotionsthatareatissueonappeal;wills,deeds,leases,trusts,orinsurancepoliciesthatareatissueonappeal;andseveralitemsrelatedtocriminalappeals. Thelistingofdiscretionaryitemsthatmaybeincludedinanappendix,ifessentialtotheunderstandingoftheissuesonappeal,isclarified.Particularly,Rule 8(f)(1) is amended to require that copies of exhibits, includingphotographs,maps,charts,ordiagramsthatwerepresentedincolortothetrialcourtoradministrativeagencyshallbereproducedincolorbyanymeans,suchasscanningorcolorprinting, thatreproduces the exhibit in the appendix to

90

appear as close as possible to theway theexhibit appears in the trial courtrecord. Thischangeshouldendpastpracticeof includingpoorquality,copymachinereproducedblackandwhitecopiesofcolorphotosintheappendix.

__________________________________________________________________

[AdvisoryNotestoRule8offormerMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure]

AdvisoryNote–July2012 Rule 8(f) is amended in two respects. First, themeaning of “page” isclarified.Astheruleexists,thereisconfusionoverwhetherthelimitof“150pagesprintedonbothsides”means75sheetsofpaperprintedonbothsidesofthepaperforatotalof150numberedpages,or150sheetsofpaperprintedonbothsidesof thepaper fora totalof300numberedpages. Theamendmentclarifiesthatthelimit is for150sheetsofpaperprintedonbothsidesofthepaper,foratotalof300numberedpages.A“page”isonesideofthepaper,andeachsideofthepapershouldthereforebenumbered. Second, the rule now specifically permits what has been a commonpractice: attaching oversize exhibits and electronic storage media to theappendix.TheCourtencouragesinclusionintheappendixofimportantmaps,plans,andotheroversizeexhibits,aswellasimportantelectronicexhibitssuchasaudioorvideorecordings.Likewithpaperexhibits,oversizeandelectronicexhibitsshouldbe included in theappendixonly if theyare important to anissueonappeal,andshouldbeincludedinthetableofcontents.

AdvisoryNotes-July1,2010 Rule8(b)(1) ischangedtoallowthepartiestoagreethattheappendixwillbefiledlaterthantheduedatesetbytherule.Thecourtdoesnotneedtheappendixuntil theappeal is ready forconsiderationon thebriefsor fororalargument.Ifeachappelleedoesnotobjecttoreceivingtheappendixclosertothe date the appellee’s brief is due, then there is no reason to requirepermissionfrom,orevennoticeto,theLawCourttoenlargethetimeforthefilingoftheappendix.However,theappendixmustbefilednolaterthanthedatethattheappellee’sbriefisfiledorisduetobefiled,whicheveroccursfirst.

91

Theappendixmustbe filedeven if theappellee’sbrief isnot filedby itsduedate.

AdvisoryNotes–August1,2009 Rule 8 is amended in several respects to clarify current practiceregarding preparation and filing of the appendix. In Rule 8(a) and at otherpoints references to the Department of Human Services are replaced withreferencestotheState.StateresponsibilityforpreparationoftheappendixinchildprotectiveactionsislimitedtothosecasesinwhichtheStateinitiatedtheaction.ItdoesnotapplytoactionsinitiatedbyprivatepartiesintheProbateCourts. Rule8(b)(1)isamendedtochangethetimeforfilingtheappendixfromthe present 14 days before the appellee’s brief is due to 14 days after theappellant’sbriefisdue.Theappellant’sbriefisdueatatimecertain,56days(8weeks)afterthefilingoftherecord.Thischangemakestheappendixdueatatimecertain,70days(10weeks)afterthefilingoftherecord. TheCourt’sscheduleforfilingbriefsandappendicesprovidedtoeachpartyineachcase,willindicatespecificdatesforfilingoftheappellant’sbrief,theappendix,andtheappellee’sbriefasaresultofthechangesadoptedinthisrulesamendmentorder.Ifthetimeforfilingtheappellant’sbriefisextended,thetimeforfilingtheappendixwillbesimilarlyextended. Rule8(c)(3)isamendedtoclarifythatdocumentsthatarenotmandatorypursuanttoRules8(g)and8(h)shouldbeplacedintheappendixfollowingthemandatorydocuments. Rule8(c)(5)isadoptedtospecifyareaswhere,inthepast,therehasbeenasignificantlackofcompliancewiththeappendixrulesandtocautionthatsuchlackofcompliance,inthefuture,ismorelikelytoinvitesanctions.Sanctionsmay range from being required to redo the appendix in proper form todismissaloftheappeal.Theareasinwhichtherehasbeenasignificantlackofcompliancewiththerulesinpastpracticeinclude:failuretoincludewithintheappendix thosedocumentsdesignatedasmandatorybyRules8(g)and8(h);failure to present the mandatory documents in the required order in theappendix;andexcessiveduplicationofdocumentsintheappendixdespitethedirectiveofRule8(c)(4)thatduplicationofdocumentsshouldbeavoided.Afteradocumentappearsintheappendixonce,futureplaceswherethatdocument

92

shouldappearshouldincludeonlyaonepagecross-referencetothedocumentatthepointwhereitoriginallyappears. Therehasbeenasignificantpracticeoffilingappendiceswithdocumentsorganizedinchronologicalorderfromthefirstdocumentsthatappearintherecord to the most recent documents that appear in the record. This isimproper under rules that have been in effect since 2001. All appendicesshould include documents in the following order: (1) a table of contents;(2)thetrialcourtdocketentries,includingalldocketentriesifthematterwastransferredfromtheDistrictCourttotheSuperiorCourtorwassubjecttoavenuetransferfromonecourttoanothercourt;(3)thejudgmentorjudgmentsand court orders that will be addressed in the appeal, including the finaljudgment; (for example, if a ruling on a motion to suppress is subject tochallenge,thecourtorderaddressingthemotiontosuppressmustbeincludedandalsothefinal judgmentmustbeincluded),(4)thechargingdocumentorcomplaintwhichinitiatedtheactionand,ifthecomplaintwasamended,acopyoftheamendedcomplaintthatservedasthebasisforthejudgment.Followingthese documents should be any documents that aremandatory pursuant toRule8(h). Rule8(e)isamendedtoclarifythatanappellantisentitledtorequestthatan appellee pay for part of the cost of preparing an appendix only if thedocumentsthattheappelleeseekstoinclude,andthattheappellantbelievesareunnecessary,arenotmandatorydocuments. Rule8(f)isamended,inamannersimilartoarecentrulesamendmentadoptedbytheFirstCircuitCourtofAppeals,torequirethattheappendixbeprintedonbothsidesofeachpage.Withthischange,thesizeoftheappendixislimitedtoonevolumenotexceeding150pagesprintedonbothsides,unlesstheCourtapproves a largernumberofpages. Theactualamountofprintedmaterialthatmayappearintheappendix(presently300pagesofprinting)isnotchanged,becauseprintingmaynowappearonbothsidesof150pages.Theamendmentalsoclarifiesthatuseofstaplesisnotappropriateforbindinganappendix. Rule 8(g)(3) is amended to clarify that in the appendix, following thedocket entries, each trial court judgment, order, or decision that will beaddressedintheappeal,includingthefinaljudgment,mustappear.

93

Rule 8(h)(2) is amended to add a requirement that for appeals frommunicipalagencydecisions,theappendixmustincludeacopyofthosesectionsofthemunicipalordinanceauthorizingtheactionofthemunicipalagencyfromwhichtheappealistaken.Entirevolumesofmunicipalordinancesshouldnotbeincluded.Onlythosesectionsoftheordinancerelatedtotheissuesonappealandthemunicipalagency’sauthoritytoactonthemattershouldbeincluded.This is to assure that the Court has available the authorizing ordinance todetermine,forexample,whethertheagencyshouldhaveconsideredthematterdenovoorasanappellatebody,andwhether theagencyhad jurisdiction tohearthematterpresentedtoit. Rule8(h)(7) isamendedtoremovetherequirementthattheappellantfile with the Court an additional copy of the transcript of any proceeding,beyond the copy that has already been provided to the court by the courtreporter. As amended, Rule 8(h)(7) notes that the portions of transcriptsincluded in the appendix should include only those limited and focusedportions of the transcript that are necessary to a full understanding of theissuesonappeal.

AdvisoryNotes–September10,2001 Theamendmenttosubdivision(f)clarifiesthatprintingshallonlybeononesideofeachpage. TheamendmentchangesinRule8(h)(7)aretoremovetherequirementthattheappellantprovideanoriginaltranscripttotheCourt. Theoriginal isseparately filed by the court reporter pursuant to Rule 6(c). The appellantremains responsible for filing one complete copy of the transcript ortranscripts.Unlessthetranscriptisverybrief,itshouldnotbeincludedinfullintheappendix.Theappendixshouldincludeonlythoselimitedandfocusedportions of the transcript that are necessary to a full understanding of theissuesonappeal.

AdvisoryNotes–January1,2001 Theruleregarding the appendix to thebriefs issignificantlyrewrittenandintendedtochangecurrentpractice.Thus,itissignificantlydifferentfromM.R.Civ.P.74C. OtherthanabriefreferencetoanappendixinM.R.Crim.P.39B(a)(6),thereisnocounterpartprovisioninthecurrentcriminalrules.The

94

termsofRule8areself-explanatory.ItmakessignificantchangefromcurrentpracticebecauseofdissatisfactionwiththecurrentpracticewhichfrequentlyresultsinnecessarymaterialsnotbeingintheappendixandthusavailabletothejusticesoftheLawCourtandinappendixeswhich,whilelackingimportantmaterials,aresometimesdisorganizedandover-inclusive.Keyfeaturesoftherevisedrule: —Makescertaincontentsmandatoryandrequiresthatthoseportionsoftheappendixthataremandatoryforallcasesappearinacertainorderintheappendix. —Specifiesthat8copiesoftheappendixaretobepreparedandfiled,suchthatonecopywillbeavailabletoeachjustice. —Changesthetimeforfilingtheappendixto14daysbeforethedateonwhich the appellee’s brief is due to be filed. This is later than the currentpracticewhich requires filing contemporaneouslywith the appellant’s brief.ForDepartmentofHumanServicesChildProtectivecases,theappendixmustbefiled14daysbeforetheappellant’sbrief isdue. ThisdifferencereflectsarequestbytheAttorneyGeneral’sOfficeandrecognizesthedifferingnatureofchildprotectivecases,whereDHS,astheappellee,mustpreparetheappendix. —Limitsthelengthoftheappendixto150pagesforeachvolumeandnomorethan2volumes(i.e.300pages)withoutpriorapprovaloftheLawCourt). —Authorizesaseparatesupplementoflegalauthoritieswhichdoesnotcounttowardstheappendixpagelimit. TherulecontinuesthepresentpracticeunderM.R.Civ.P.74C(f)whichallows hearing on the original record without the necessity of an appendixwhere the Law Court allows such on demonstration of good cause. Thisprovision,insubdivision(k)ofRule8,appliestobothcriminalandcivilcases.

RULE9.[RESERVED][MovedtobecomeRule7A.]

95

RULE10.MOTIONSANDOTHERPAPERSINTHELAWCOURT

(a) Motions.

(1) UnlessanotherformisprescribedbytheseRules,anapplicationtotheLawCourtforanorderorotherreliefshallbebymotion,shallstatewithparticularitythegroundstherefor,andshallsetforththeorderorreliefsought.Supporting papers shall be served and filed with the motion. Motions andsupportingpapersshallbetypewrittenandshallconformtosubdivision(d)ofthisRule. (2) Anymotionfiledbycounselrepresentingapartyinanappealthatseeks an extension of time or a delay of more than 7 days or that seeks acontinuance of any scheduled hearing, oral argument, or other courtproceeding, shall indicate that the party represented by counsel filing themotion has been notified of the filing of the motion, and in fact the partyrepresentedbycounselshallbenotifiedbycounselofthefilingofthemotion. (3) Motionswillnotnecessarilybegrantedeventhoughassentedtobyotherparties. (4) TheChiefJustice,oranotherJusticedesignatedbytheChiefJustice,mayactonmotionsonbehalfoftheCourt,ormayrefermotionstotheentireCourt. Allmotionswillbeactedonwithoutoralargumentunlessotherwiseordered. Motions may be acted upon at any time, without waiting for aresponsethereto. (b) CertificateofServiceRequired.Everymotionshallbeservedonthe other parties to the appeal and shall be accompanied by a certificate ofserviceupontheotherparties.Ifthecertificateisnotincludedwiththemotion,theClerkoftheLawCourtshallreturnthemotionasincomplete.TheClerkwillnotdockettheattemptedfilingbutwillretainacopyandthenoticeofreturn.Ifthemovingpartyrefilesthemotionwiththepropercertificateofservice,thecompletemotionwillthenbeacceptedanddocketed. (c) Responses.Anypartythatplanstofilearesponsetoamotionshalldosowithin7daysafterthemotionis filed. TheLawCourtmayshortenorextendthetimeforrespondingtoanymotionandmayactonamotionbeforereceivinganyresponse.Anysupportingpapersshallbeservedandfiledwith

96

theresponse.Responsesandsupportingpapersshallbetypewrittenandshallconformtosubdivision(d)ofthisRule. (d) Form of Motions and Other Papers; Number of CopiesRequired.Motions,responses,andotherpapersnotrequiredtobeproducedin a manner prescribed by Rule 7A(g) may be typewritten or otherwiseduplicateduponopaque,unglazedpaper8-1/2x11inchesinsizeandshallbestapledintheupper-leftcorner.Thetypedmattermustbedoublespacedinatleast 14-point font, except that footnotes and quotations may appear in11-pointfont.EachpapershallcontainacaptionsettingforththenameoftheCourt(i.e.,theSupremeJudicialCourtsittingastheLawCourt),thetitleofthecase,theLawCourtdocketnumber,andabriefdescriptivetitleofthepaper.Theoriginalandonelegiblecopyofeverymotion,response,andotherpapershallbefiledwiththeCourt.AdditionallegiblecopiesshallbefiledasrequestedbytheClerkoftheLawCourt.

RestylingNotes–June2017

Rule10relatingtofilingofmotionsandotherpapersintheLawCourtotherthanbriefsandappendicesissubjecttoonlyminoreditingexceptforonesubstantivechange.Rule10(a)(2)isadoptedtorequirethatanymotionfiledbycounselrepresentingapartythatseeksanextensionoftimeoradelayofmorethan7daysorseeksacontinuanceofascheduledhearing,oralargument,orotherproceedingmustbenoticedtothepartythatcounselrepresents.Theproposed amendment is designed to eliminate or reduce opportunities forcounseltoplaceblamefordelaysthattheythemselveshavesoughtontoeithertheCourtorotherparties. Aswithbriefs,theamendedRule10(d)requiresthatthetextofmotions,otherthanfootnotesorquotations,mustbein14-pointfont.ThisisconsistentwithFirstCircuitpractice.

__________________________________________________________________

[AdvisoryNotestoRule10offormerMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure]

97

AdvisoryNote–July1,2010 Rule10isamendedtoreflectpracticalexperienceoftheCourtinthenineyears since theMaineRules of Appellate Procedure took effect. The rule ischangedsubstantiallyto:(1)removethedistinctionbetweenproceduralandsubstantive motions; (2) require that every motion be accompanied by acertificatethatthemotionwasservedontheotherparties;and(3)clarifytherequired format of motions and oppositions. The distinction betweenproceduralandsubstantivemotionsisremovedbecauseitcreatedconfusioninpractice,andfrequentlyresultedintheincorrectnumberofcopiesofmotionsandresponsesbeingfiled.NotealsothatmotionsforreconsiderationofLawCourtdecisionsarenotgovernedbyRule10;theyaregovernedbyM.R.App.P.14(b). ThechangestoRule10arelistedbelow: The language inM.R. App. P. 10(a) regarding responses tomotions isremovedfromthissubdivisionandplacedinsubdivision(c)ofthisrule. Formersubdivision10(b)dealingwithproceduralmotions is replacedwithanewsubdivision(b)whichrequiresthateverymotionbeservedontheotherpartiesandaccompaniedbyacertificateofserviceontheotherparties.Motionsfiledwithoutacertificateofservicemaybereturnedtothepartyfilingthemotion. Formersubdivision10(c)dealingwithsubstantivemotionsisreplacedwithanewsubdivision(c)whichsetsthetimeandrequirementsforresponsestomotions. Subdivision 10(d) is changed to: (1) apply tomotions, responses, andother papers filedwith the LawCourt; (2) clarify thatmotions need not beboundalongtheentireleft-handsideofthepaper,butneedonlybestapledintheupper-leftcorner;(3)requiretheoriginalandonecopybefiledforeverymotionandresponse;and(4)provide that the filingpartyshallprovideanyadditionalcopiestotheCourtasrequestedbytheClerkoftheLawCourt.TheCourtmayrequestthatthefilingpartyfileadditionalcopieswhenitdeterminesthatthemotionwillbeconsideredbytheentireCourt.

98

AdvisoryNotes–January1,2001 Rule10(a)generallytracksthelanguageofM.R.Civ.P.75B(a)andM.R.Crim.P.39C(a). Rule10(b)generallytracksthelanguageofM.R.Civ.P.75(B)(b).Thereis no comparable provision of the criminal rules. However, the distinctionsmadeinthecivilrulesbetweenmotionsforproceduralordersandmotionsforsubstantivereliefarecontinuedinthenewruleinlightofthedifferentmannerofaddressofsuchmotions.ProceduralmotionsaregenerallyaddressedbytheChiefJusticeorasingle justice.SubstantivemotionsaregenerallyaddressedbytheCourt. Rule10(c), relating to substantivemotions, followsM.R.Civ.P. 75B(c)andhasnocriminalcounterpart.BothRules10(b)and10(c)intheserulesareapplicabletobothcriminalandcivilcases.MotionsforreconsiderationarenotconsideredmotionsforsubstantivereliefandareseparatelyaddressedbyM.R.App.P.14(b). Rule10(d)generallyfollowsthesimilar languageofM.R.Civ.P.75B(d)and M.R. Crim. P. 39C(b). The requirement that footnotes and quotationsappearin11-pointtypeistakenfromthecivilrules.

RULE11.CONSIDERATIONBYTHELAWCOURT

(a) SchedulingofOralArgument. (1) Scheduling.Iftheappealissetfororalargument,theClerkoftheLawCourtshalladviseallpartiesofthetimeandplaceatwhichoralargumentwillbeheard. (2) Continuance. An application for continuance of oral argumentmust be made by motion filed reasonably in advance of the date fixed forhearing.Whenarequesttocontinueanoralargumentisgranted,theLawCourtshallhavetheoptionofconsideringtheappealonbriefswithoutoralargumenttoavoidunduedelayinconsiderationandresolutionoftheappeal. (b) Time Allowed for Argument. Each sidewill be allowed up to15minutes for argument. The appellant may reserve up to 3 minutes for

99

rebuttal. Onmotionfiledatleast7daysinadvanceofthedatescheduledfororalargumentandforgoodcauseshown,theLawCourtmayallowadditionaltimeforargument. (c) Order and Content of Argument. The appellant is entitled toopenandconcludetheargument. (d) Cross-Appeals and Separate Appeals. A cross-appeal or aseparate appeal in thesamecaseshall bearguedwith the initial appeal atasingle hearing, unless the Law Court otherwise directs. If separate partiessupport the same argument, care shall be taken to avoid duplication ofargumentatthehearing. (e) NonappearanceatArgument.Ifanappellantfailstoappearfororal argument, the Law Court may dismiss the appeal, or it may hear theargumentonbehalfoftheappelleeifpresentanddecidethecaseonthebriefsandtheargumentheard. Ifanappelleefailstoappearatoralargument,theLawCourtmayhearargumentonbehalfoftheappellantanddecidethecaseon thebriefsandargumentheard. Ifneitherpartyappears, thecasewillbedecidedonthebriefsunlesstheLawCourtotherwisedirects. (f) UseofExhibitsatArgument. (1) Disclosure.AnypartyplanningtouseanyexhibitordisplayatoralargumentshallnotifytheotherpartiestotheoralargumentandtheClerkoftheLawCourtoftheplanneduseoftheexhibitordisplayatleastonebusinessdaypriortothetimescheduledfororalargument. (2) Display.AnyexhibitordisplaymustbepresentedinamannerthatpermitsittobeeasilyseenbyeachoftheJusticeswithoutlimitingobservationoftheCourtbythepublicoropposingpartiesorcounsel. (3) Removal.Anexhibitordisplayshallberemoveduponcompletionoftheargumentforwhichitisusedunlesstheopposingpartyrequeststhattheexhibitremainavailableforuseinthatparty’sargument. (g) SubmissiononBriefs.

100

(1) TheClerkoftheLawCourtwilladvisecounseloranunrepresentedpartywhentheLawCourthasdecidedtoconsideracaseonbriefswithoutoralargument.Within7daysaftertheClerkhassentthisnoticeofthedecisiontoconsider the case on briefs, a party may file a statement setting forth thereasonswhyoralargumentshouldbeentertainedandrequestingthesame. (2) Inanappealscheduledfororalargument,onmotionjoinedbyallparties and for good cause shown, the Law Court may allow the parties tosubmittheappealonthebriefswithoutoralargument.

RestylingNotes–June2017 Rule11issubjecttoeditingforclarificationintherestylingprocess.ItaddsasentenceinRule11(a)(2)thatwhenacontinuanceofanoralargumentisrequestedandgranted,theCourtmayresettheappealforconsiderationonbriefs.ThisaddednotereflectscurrentpracticeoftheCourt.

__________________________________________________________________

[AdvisoryNotestoRule11offormerMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure]

AdvisoryNotes–June1,2007

This [amendment to M.R. App. P. 11(b)] changes [the] time for oralargumentto15minutesforeachside,tomakeoralargumenttimingsimilartothatoftheUnitedStatesCourtofAppealsfortheFirstCircuit.SeeF.R.App.P.34,LocalRule34(c)(1).Aswithcurrentpractice,thetimeallocationistoeachsideofanappeal.Wheremorethanonepartyappearsfororalargumentasanappellantoranappellee, thepartiesmustestablishamong themselvesa fairallocation of the 15 minutes available for argument. The amendment alsorecognizesthattheappellantmayreserveuptothreeminutesforrebuttal. Rule11(f)relatingtosubmissiononbriefsisredesignatedasRule11(g),andanewRule11(f)isadoptedtogovernuseofdisplaysatoralargument.Theamendment is intended to promote better planning for use of exhibits ordisplaysatargumentbyrequiringnoticeofplanneduseofexhibitsordisplaysandsuggestingmorecarefulconsiderationofwhetheranyexhibitthatisusedcan be viewed by the Court without disrupting the capacity of interested

101

personstoobservetheargument.ThenewM.R.App.P.11(f)(1)requiresthatanypartyplanningtouseanyexhibitordisplayatoralargumentmustnotifytheotherparties to theoralargumentand theClerkof theLawCourtoftheplanneduseoftheexhibitordisplayatleastonebusinessdaypriortothetimescheduledfororalargument. M.R.App.P.11(f)(2)directsthatanyexhibitordisplaymustbepresentedinamanner thatpermits it tobe easilyseenbyeachof the Justiceswithoutlimiting thecapacityofother interestedpersons toobserve theproceedings.Anyexhibitshouldhaveletteringornumberingsufficientlylargethatitcanbeeasilyseenby the Justiceson thebench,andexhibitsshouldavoidexcessivediagrammingthatmakesthemtoo“busy”ordifficulttoexplainorfollow.Oncean argument is completed,M.R. App. P. 11(f)(3) requires that an exhibit ordisplaymustberemovedsoitisnotvisibletotheCourtunlesstheopposingparty requests that the exhibit remain available for use in that party’sargument.

AdvisoryNotes–January1,2001 Rule11relatingtoLawCourtconsiderationessentiallyadoptsthesimilarprovisionsofM.R.Civ.P. 75CandM.R.Crim.P. 39D,but the rule recognizesdifferenttracksfororalargumentoronbriefsconsideration.Thetimefororalargument is changed from 20 minutes to “up to” 20 minutes to allow thepotentialformoreschedulingflexibility.Subdivision[(g)]relatingtoonbriefsconsiderationisintwoparagraphs,thefirstofwhichrelatestosubmissiononbriefsbydeterminationoftheLawCourt,andthesecondofwhichrelatestosubmission on briefs at the request of the parties. The special findingssuggestedinthecurrentruleregardingeitherfrivolityofappealorcontroloftheissuesbyrecentlydecidedauthorityareeliminated.Suchfindingsarenotnecessaryandcanbemisinterpretedasan implicitadversecommenton thesignificanceofcasessubmittedfordecisiononbriefs.

RULE12.COMPOSITION,CONCURRENCE,ANDSESSIONSOFTHELAWCOURT

(a) ConstitutionoftheLawCourt;ConcurrenceRequired. (1) When sitting as the Law Court to determine questions of lawarisinginanycivilorcriminalactionorproceeding,theSupremeJudicialCourt

102

shallbecomposedof those Justices thenavailable tositandqualified toact.Whenanappeal is inorder forconferenceororal argument and fewer thanthreeof the Justices are then available andqualified to act, thematter shallstandcontinuedtosuchtimeastheCourtshalldetermine. (2) TheCourtshallhearanddeterminesuchquestionsof lawbytheconcurrenceofamajorityoftheJusticessittingandqualifiedtoact.AqualifiedJusticemayparticipateinadecisioneventhoughnotpresentatoralargument. (b) SessionsoftheLawCourt.TheSupremeJudicialCourtsittingastheLawCourtshallholdsessionseachyearatsuchtimesandplacesasshallbedeterminedbytheChiefJustice. (c) DecisionsoftheLawCourt. DecisionsoftheLawCourtmaybereportedbyseveralmethods,includingasignedopinion,apercuriamopinion,oramemorandumofdecision.AmemorandumofdecisiondecidesanappealbutdoesnotestablishprecedentandwillnotbepublishedasanopinionoftheCourtintheMaineReporter.

RestylingNotes–June2017 Rule12issubjectonlytominoreditingforclarificationandadditionalinternalnumberingintherestylingprocess.

__________________________________________________________________

[AdvisoryNotestoRule12offormerMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure]

AdvisoryNote–July2008

Thedirection [removed fromtherule] thata judgment imposinga lifesentencebereversedifthreejusticesconcursupportingareversalwasbasedonasentencestatingasimilarrequirementthatappearedin15M.R.S.§2115(2007).In2008,theLegislatureamended§2115toremovethatsentenceandeliminate the possibility that a judgment imposing a life sentence could bevacatedbyaminorityvoteoftheCourt.PL2008,ch475.

103

Thethreejusticesprovisionin§2115wasneverintendedtorequirethata judgmentbevacatedonaminorityvoteon theseven-memberCourt. TheprovisionthatthreevotescouldvacateaconvictionthathadresultedinalifesentencewasaddedtothelawwhenthesizeoftheSupremeJudicialCourtwasreducedfromeightmemberstosixmembersin1929.Priortothattime,thevoting requirements regarding a life sentence were stated in the RevisedStatutesof1916,c.136,§28.Thatsectionprovided,inpertinentpart,thatonappealbyanypersonconvictedof “anyoffense forwhich thepunishment isimprisonmentforlife...theconcurrenceofamajorityofthejusticesshallbenecessaryto[orderanewtrial].” AspartofthecreationofthestatewideSuperiorCourt,P.L.1929,c.141wasenacted.Section1ofchapter141reducedthesizeoftheSupremeJudicialCourtfromeightmemberstosixmembers.Section3amendedR.S.136,§28toprovide that in the caseof a person convictedof “anyoffense forwhich thepunishmentisimprisonmentforlife. . .if3justicesconcur,themotion[foranewtrial]shallbegranted.”Adoptingthisprovisionaspartofthelawreducingthe size of the Court from eight members to six members was intended toaddresssituationsinvolvinganevenlydividedcourt,nottocreatethepotentialthataconvictioncouldbevacateduponthevotesofaminorityofthejusticesparticipatinginthedecision. Thislawremainedessentiallyinthesameform,seeR.S.1954,c.148,§30,untilamendedintothepresent§2115byP.L.1965,c.356,§63.Throughoutall of this time the Supreme Judicial Court included a Chief Justice and fiveAssociateJustices. In1976,byenactmentofP.L.1975,c.623,§3-A,thesizeoftheSupremeJudicialCourtwasincreasedfromsixtosevenmembers.Nochangewasmadein the voting requirements for vacating a judgment that resulted in a lifesentence.Asaconsequence,withsevenjusticesontheCourt,itwaspossiblethatavoteofaminorityoftheCourtcouldresultinthevacatingofajudgmentthathadledtoalifesentence. However,thatpossibilitydidnotoccurinthethirtytwoyearsbetweenthe1976increaseinthesizeoftheCourtandthe2008amendmentto§2115.

104

AdvisoryNotes–August2004 TheaddedM.R.App.P.12(c)addressesthevariousformsforreportingdecisionsbytheLawCourt. AsignedopinionisanopinionoftheLawCourt,includingallofthe justiceswhojointheopinion,althoughit is issuedbytheindividual justicenamedatthestartof theopinion. Apercuriamopinionislikewise an opinion of all of the justices in the panelwho join the opinion,althoughitisnotsignedbyanyparticularjustice.Bothsignedopinionsandpercuriam opinions receive an official citation number, e.g., 2004ME 108, andbecome part of the permanent record of decisions of the Law Court, beingpublishedon the Judicial Branchwebsite and in print versionsof theMaineReports. The discussion of amemorandum of decision replaces AdministrativeOrdersissuedin1989.Amemorandumofdecisiondecidesacaseandgovernsanyfutureproceedingsinthatcase,butitdoesnotestablishprecedentforothercasesandwillnotbepublishedontheJudicialBranchwebsiteorintheMaineReports.Amemorandumofdecisionhasaseparatecitationformat,e.g.,Mem04-128.However,exceptwhererelevanttothehistoryoftheparticularcaseaddressedbythememorandumofdecision,amemorandumofdecisionhasnoprecedential value and should not be cited as precedent in legal briefs ormemorandaorinjudicialopinionsinunrelatedproceedings. Amemorandumofdecisionmaybeusedtodecidecasesinwhichthelawgoverningresolutionofthecaseisclearandnolegalprincipleisbeingnewlyestablished ormodified. A memorandum of decisionmay affirm, vacate ormodifythejudgmentordecisionbeingreviewed.Itsfunctionistoprovideasuccinct explanation of the Law Court’s decision to the trial court and thepartiestotheappeal. Thefactthatacasemeritsamemorandumofdecisiondoesnotsuggest that thedecision isnot importantornotrelevant to futurerelatedproceedings.Forexample,inthecriminalcasecontext,amemorandumdecisioncontinuestobehighlyrelevantwhen,subsequenttothedecision,thedefendantseekstocollaterallyattacktheunderlyingcriminaljudgmentatthestate levelbywayofpost-convictionreview(15M.R.S.A.ch.305-A)oratthefederallevelbywayofhabeascorpus(28U.S.C.§2254).

105

AdvisoryNotes-January1,2001 Rule 12(a) relating to the composition of the LawCourt and requiredconcurrenceswhendecidingcasesisbasedonM.R.Civ.P.75D(a).Thereisnocomparable provision in the criminal rules, but the new rule will apply tocriminal and civil cases. It reflects currentpractice inhearing anddecidingcriminalandcivilcases.Additionally,therulerecognizesthataqualifiedjusticemayparticipateinadecisioneventhoughnotpresentatoralargument.ThispracticeisanticipatedtooccurrarelyandisconsistentwithpracticeintheU.S.SupremeCourtandotherappellatecourts.Referencesto“consideration”aresubstitutedforthecurrentreferences“oralargument” inM.R.Civ.P.75D(a).The last sentence requiring that a sentence to life imprisonment must bereversedif3justicessupportreversal,evenwitha7justicecourt,reflectsthestatutoryrequirementin15M.R.S.A.§2115tothateffect. Rule12(b)relatingtosessionsoftheLawCourtisbasedonM.R.Civ.P.75D(b).Thereisnocomparableprovisioninthecriminalrules.Thecourtshallholdsessionsfordecision-makingattimesandplacesdeterminedbytheChiefJustice. M.R. Civ. P. 75D(b) required that such determinations of times andplacesbeannouncedbeforeJuly1ofeachyear.However,withthecontinuousoperationoftheLawCourt,requiringanyparticulardeadlinefordeterminationoftimesandplacesbytheChiefJusticeappearstoservenopurpose.

RULE12A.THECLERKOFTHELAWCOURT (a)(1) Clerk’sOfficeandFiling.Allpapersorelectronicordigitalcontent required by theseRules to be filedwith the LawCourt orwith anyJusticeoftheLawCourtshallbefiledwiththeClerkoftheLawCourt. FilingshalloccurattheofficeoftheClerkoftheLawCourt,205NewburyStreet,Room139,Portland,Maine04101-4125,unlessanotherofficeisdesignatedbyorderoftheChiefJustice.TheofficeoftheClerkoftheLawCourtshallbeopenandavailabletoreceivefilingsduringsuchhoursastheChiefJusticemaydesignateonalldaysexceptSaturdays,Sundays, legalholidays,andsuchotherdaysastheChiefJusticemaydesignate. (2) After-HoursFilings.TheClerkoftheLawCourtmaynot,unlessauthorizedbyaJusticeoftheLawCourt,acceptfilingsforothercourtsoracceptfilings, pleadings, or other documents filed with or left for the Clerk afternormalbusinesshours,exceptwhenaJusticeoftheLawCourthasexplicitly

106

authorizedanafter-hours filingonaspecificdate. Anydocument filedafterhourswithoutexplicitauthorizationshallbedate-stampedanddeemedtobefiledonthenextregularbusinessday.

(3) [Reserved] (4) ElectronicFilingsandFaxFilings.Exceptasotherwisepermittedor required by these Rules, filings by electronic transmission of data or bymeansofa faxmachineCD,DVD, flashdrive,email,oranyothermethod forelectronicorInternetfilinginplaceofthefilingofpaperdocumentsrequiredbytheseRulesisnotpermitted. (b) Clerk’sAuthority.TheClerkoftheLawCourtisauthorizedtotakethefollowingactionsfortheCourt: (1) GrantmotionsfiledpursuanttoM.R.App.P.10to: (A) Enlargethetimeforthefilingofabrieforappendixforupto7days. (B) With the agreementof theparties, consolidate appeals involvingthesameparties. (2) Dismiss an appeal, pursuant to M.R. App. P. 7(d), when theappellanthasfailedtofiletherequiredbriefwithin7daysafterexpirationofthetimespecifiedbyM.R.App.P.7(b). (3) DismisssentencereviewproceedingsfiledpursuanttoM.R.App.P.20, when the sentence sought to be appealed was less than one year ofincarceration,asaddressedin15M.R.S.§2151.

AnyorderenteredbytheClerkoftheLawCourt,pursuanttoparagraphs1,2,or3,above,grantingordenyingamotiontoenlargetimeordismissinganappealmaybereviewedbyasinglejusticeoftheLawCourtuponthefilingofamotion for review, filedpursuant toM.R.App.P. 10,within7days after theentryoftheClerk’sorderfromwhichreviewissought.

(4) EnterOrdersonCourtActions.AfterappropriateconsiderationbytheCourt,orapanelthereof,theClerkshallenterordersreflectingtheCourt’saction on motions for reconsideration pursuant to M.R. App. P. 14(b), and

107

petitionstoallowfullappellatereviewpursuanttoM.R.App.P.19,20,or23.

RestylingNotes–June2017 Rule 12A is subject to editing for clarification, including upgradedreferences to digital transfer devices, in the restyling process. The Clerk’sauthoritytoreceivefilingsisexpandedtoincludeelectronicanddigitalcontent,butonlywhenexplicitlyauthorizedorrequiredbytheRulesorbyanorderofa Justice of the Court. For example, Rule 5(b)(2)(B)(iii) allows filing of anelectronicrecordingincertaincircumstances;Rule6(c)(1)requiresfilingofanelectroniccopyofthereporter’stranscript;andRule7A(i)(2)requiresfilingofanelectroniccopyofeachbrief.TheprohibitionsonelectronicorfaxfilingsincurrentRules12A(3)and(4)arecombinedintoRule12A(4). TheRule12Aamendment includesonlyonesubstantivechange. ThatchangeamendsRule12A(b)(2) to eliminate thedirection to theClerkof theLawCourttonotifyanappellantwhenthatappellant’sbriefhasnotbeentimelyfiled.Instead,theClerkisdirectedtodismisstheappealiftheappellant’sbriefisnotfiled7daysafterthefilingdeadline.

__________________________________________________________________

[AdvisoryNotestoRule12AofformerMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure]

AdvisoryNote–October2012

Theamendment[toRule12A(a)(1)]recognizesthenewaddressfortheLawCourtClerk’sOffice.

AdvisoryNote–July2012Rule12A(a)(4) isamendedtobeconsistentwithnewrule7(c)(2). Itmakesclearthattherulesdoinplacesencourageorpermitelectronicfilings,butthatelectronicfilingsareneveracceptableassubstitutesforprintedcopies.Rule7(c)(2)requiresthatanyelectroniccopiesbefiledbyemailandreplacesthedeletedprovisionsofRule12A(a)(4)thatallowedthefilingsbyCDandnotbyelectronictransmissionofdata.

108

AdvisoryNotes-August1,2009 Theamendment toRule12A(b)(1)(A) authorizes theClerkof theLawCourttoenlargethetimeforfilingabrieforappendixforuptosevendaysuponrequest.TheClerk’sauthorityunderthisRulewasprimarilyutilizedtoextendthetimeforfilingbriefs.WiththeextendedbriefingschedulesandconcurrentrestrictionsonobtainingextensionsoftimetofilebriefsadoptedinRule7(b),theClerk’sauthoritytograntextensionsfor21daysfromfilingdeadlinesforbriefsandsomemotionsiseliminated.

AdvisoryNote-January,2008 Thisamendment[toRule12A]authorizestheClerkoftheLawCourttosign orders that reflect the Court’s actions granting or denyingmotions forreconsideration and petitions to allow full appellate review of discretionaryappeals regarding post-conviction and post-sentencing reviews, sentencingappeals andworker’s compensation appeals. The Clerk could only actwithCourtapprovalafterCourtreviewasauthorizedbystatuteorrule.

AdvisoryNotes–July2006 Rule12AisaddedtotheMaineRulesofAppellateProceduretogovernoperationsoftheofficeoftheClerkoftheLawCourt. M.R.App.P.12A(a) isdevelopedfromsimilarprovisionsofM.R.Civ.P.77thatgovernsoperationsoftheofficesoftheclerksofthetrialcourts.M.R.App.P.12A(a)(1)issimilartoM.R.Civ.P.77(c).ItestablishesthatallpapersrequiredtobefiledwiththeLawCourtoranyjusticeoftheLawCourtmustbefiledwiththeClerkoftheLawCourt. ItthendesignatestheproperofficeaddressforfilingpaperswiththeClerkoftheLawCourt. FilingsusingtheUnitedStatesPostalServiceshouldbedirectedtothepostofficebox.FilingsrelyingonpersonaldeliveryorotherdeliveryservicesshouldbeaddressedtotheNewburyStreetaddress. TheofficeoftheClerkoftheLawCourtislocatedonthefirstfloorofthenewsectionof theCumberlandCounty Courthouse. Anotherplace for filingmaybedesignated,butsuchwouldoccuronlyinspecialcircumstancesbasedonanorderoftheChiefJustice.TheofficeoftheClerkoftheLawCourtisopenandavailabletoreceivefilingsduringnormalbusinesshoursasdesignatedby

109

the Chief Justice. Presently those hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.,althoughtheremaybetimeduringthosehourswhentheofficeisclosedduetoshortageofstaff.TheofficeisnotopenonSaturdays,Sundays,legalholidaysandotherdaysdesignatedbytheChiefJustice. M.R.App.P.12A(a)(2)addressesafter-hoursfilingsandissimilartoM.R.Civ.P.5(g)and77(a).Essentially,theClerkoftheLawCourtandtheofficeoftheClerkoftheLawCourt isprohibitedfromreceivingafter-hoursfilingsorfilings for other courts unless authorized to do so in specific instances by aJusticeoftheLawCourt.Documentsfiledorattemptedtobefiledafter-hourswillbedatestampedanddeemedtobefiledonthenextregularbusinessday. M.R. App. P. 12A(a)(3) addresses fax filings by incorporating M.R.Civ.P.5(j)byreference. Thisruleprohibits fax filingsexcept incertainverylimited instances. Fax filings are also covered by Administrative OrderJB-05-12. M.R.App.P.12A(a)(4)prohibitselectronicfilings.ItissimilartoM.R.Civ.P. 5(k) incorporating an electronic filing prohibition into the Civil Rules.However,M.R.App.P.12A(a)(4)thenincludesaprovision,notincludedintheCivilRules,thatencouragesvoluntaryelectronicfilingofbriefsandappendices.Thevoluntaryelectronicfilingisencouragedonlywhenadocumenthasbeenpreparedelectronicallyandit ispossibleforthepartyfilingthedocumenttosubmitanelectroniccopyofthedocumentalongwiththepapercopyforusebytheLawCourtinpreparingandreviewingthecase.However,evenwhenthereisvoluntaryelectronicfilingofacopyofabrieforanappendix,thisfilingisinadditiontoandnotinreplacementofthepapercopiesthatarerequiredtobefiledbytherules.CompliancewiththefilingrequirementsoftherulescanonlybeachievedbyfilingtherequisitenumbersofpapercopiesintheproperformwiththeClerkoftheLawCourt. M.R.App.12A(b)isadoptedtogivetheClerkoftheLawCourtauthoritytoactfortheCourtregardingcertainroutinemattersthatnowmustbeactedonbyaJusticeoftheLawCourt. Subparagraph(b)(1)(A)allowstheClerktogrant extensions or enlargements of time for filing a brief, appendix,memorandumorpetitionwhennopartyobjectstotherequestedextensionandthe enlargement of time requested is 21 days or less. Extensions orenlargementsoftimeexceeding21daysmaynotbegranted.TheClerkoftheLawCourtdoesnothaveauthoritytoextendthetimeforfilinganynoticeof

110

appealpursuanttoM.R.App.P.2ortoextendthetimespecifiedforfilinganymotionforreconsiderationorothermotiongovernedbyM.R.App.P.14. M.R.App.P.12A(b)(1)(B)authorizestheClerkoftheLawCourt,withtheagreementoftheparties,toconsolidateappealsinvolvingthesameparties. Subsection (b)(2) authorizes the Clerk of the Law Court to dismissappealswhereanappellanthasfailedtofiletherequiredbriefwithinthetimelimits specified byM.R. App. P. 7(b) and, additionally, the appellant has notresponded,within10days,toanoticefromtheClerkoftheLawCourtthatthebriefhasnotbeentimelyfiled. Subsection (b)(3) authorizes the Clerk of the Law Court to dismisssentencereviewproceedingspursuanttoM.R.App.P.20when,uponreview,itisapparentthatthesentencesoughttobechallengedonappealislessthanone-yearofincarceration,theminimumsentencefromwhichasentenceappealisauthorizedby15M.R.S.A.§2151. Theconcludingparagraphofsubsection(b)indicatesthatanypartywhoseekstoreviewanorderenteredbytheClerkoftheLawCourtinaccordancewithsubsection(b)mayrequestareviewoftheClerkoftheLawCourt’sorderbyasingleJusticeoftheLawCourt.ReviewisallowedonlyifthepartyseekingreviewfilesthemotionpursuanttoM.R.App.P.10(b)within7daysoftheentryoftheorderoftheClerkoftheLawCourtfromwhichreviewissought.

RULE12B.PUBLICACCESSTOPROCEEDINGSANDRECORDS (a) Record on Appeal. The record on appeal in each case, or anyportionoftherecordonappeal,shallbeavailableforinspectionandcopyingbyanypersontothesameextentasthatrecordwasavailableforinspectionandcopyinginthetrialcourt. (b) LawCourtFile.ThefilemaintainedbytheClerkoftheLawCourtforeachappeal,otherthanfilesforappealsfromchildprotectionproceedingsand other files made confidential by statute, shall be available for publicinspection and copying, except that any documents or images that weretransmittedtotheLawCourtbythetrialcourtundersealandanydocumentsprovidingidentifyinginformationregardingparties,witnesses,orjurorsshall

111

beavailableforinspectionandcopyingonlytothesameextentasinthetrialcourt. (c) Briefs. Thebriefs filedwith theLawCourt, other thanbriefs inappealsfromchildprotectionproceedings,shallbeavailableforinspectionandcopyingbyanyperson. (d) Appendices.Theappendixshallbeavailableforpublicinspectionand copying, except that the appendix shall not be available for publicinspection and copying in the followingmatters: (1) an appeal from a childprotectionproceeding;(2)proceedingsinvolvinganadoptionorguardianshiporapetitionforadoptionorguardianship;(3) juvenileproceedingsinwhichthe record is sealed in the trial court; (4) anyproceeding inwhich the care,custody, and supportof aminor child is an issue; and (5)anyproceeding inwhichadocumentthatisconfidentialbystatuteorwasfiledundersealinthetrialcourtiscontainedintheappendix. No appendix shall be filed as “under seal” or “confidential” except onorderoftheChiefJusticeorotherJusticedesignatedtoactfortheChiefJusticepursuanttoRule10(a)(4). (e) Oral Arguments. Oral arguments on themerits of appeals arepublicproceedings. (f) Decisions.OpinionsoftheLawCourtonappealsanddecisionsofsingleJusticesoftheLawCourtarepublicdocuments.

RestylingNotes–June2017 Rule 12B is subject tominor editing for clarification, with addition ofinternal numbering, particularly regarding treatment of certain confidentialdocuments,intherestylingprocess.Itincludesnosubstantivechanges.

__________________________________________________________________

[AdvisoryNotestoRule12BofformerMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure]

112

AdvisoryNotes–July1,2010 Rule12B isadopted toclarify for litigantsand thepublic theextent towhichoralargumentsarepublicandrecordsheldbytheClerkoftheLawCourtareavailableforinspectionandcopying.Counselandpartiesmustbeawarethat filings that the parties make in the Law Court, including copies of anydocumentsthatwerealsofiledinthetrialcourt,aregenerallyavailabletothepublicwithoutlimitation. Subdivision(a)providesthatanymaterialsthataretransmittedbythetrialcourttotheLawCourtretaintheirpublicorconfidentialstatuswhileinthepossessionoftheLawCourt. Subdivision(b)provides that theLawCourt file inappeals,other thanappealsfromchildprotectionproceedings,isavailabletothepublic,exceptthatdocuments transmitted by the trial court to the Law Court, and documentsidentifying and providing personal information about parties andwitnessesmaintaintheirpublicorconfidentialstatusintheLawCourt. AnydocumentfiledwiththeLawCourtbyapartyisavailabletothepublicwhenitbecomespartofthecourtrecordandisconfidentialthere.Thissubdivisionisintendedtoprotectfrompublicinspectionthedocketsheets,transcriptorderforms,andnotices of appeal in cases with statutory confidentiality requirements,including child protection, adoption, and guardianship proceedings; andpresentence investigation reports filed as part of Sentence Review Panelappeals; and other documents entitled to statutory confidentiality that aretransmittedbythetrialcourttotheLawCourt. Subdivision(c)provides thatbriefsare available to thepublicwithoutlimitationinappealsotherthanappealsfromchildprotectionproceedings. Subdivision(d)providesthattheappendixinanappealisavailabletothepublic except in adoption, guardianship, child protection, and some juvenileproceedings; in any proceeding involving the care, custody or support of aminorchild;andinanyappealinwhichtheappendixcontainsadocumentthatisconfidentialaspartofthetrialcourtrecord.Anappellantorappelleeshouldconspicuouslylabeltheappendixasconfidentialifitcontainsadocumentthatisconfidentialbylaw,exceptinchildprotection,guardianship,adoption,andjuvenile cases, when it is clear from the type of case that the appendix isconfidential.

113

Subdivision(e)statesthatoralargumentsofappealsarepublic. Subdivision(f)statesthatLawCourtopinionsinappealsanddecisionsofsinglejusticesarepublicinformation. If a partywishes tomaintain the confidentiality of information that isotherwisepublicunderthisrule,thepartymaymovetosealtheinformationpursuanttoRule14(c). Theconfidentialityofinformationinatrialcourtrecordisdeterminedbyapplicablestatute,rule,oradministrativeorder.

RULE13.COSTSANDINTERESTONJUDGMENTSINCIVILCASES

(a) ToWhomCostsAreAllowed. Costs shall be taxed against theunsuccessfulpartytoacivilappealunlesstheLawCourtotherwisedirects.Ifanappealinacivilcaseisdismissed,costsshallbetaxedagainsttheappellantunless otherwise agreed by the parties or ordered by the Court. When ajudgmentisaffirmedinpart,costsshallbeallowedonlyasorderedbytheLawCourt. (b) CostsintheLawCourt.CostsintheLawCourtshallbeallowedasfollows: (1) Briefs.Theactualcostofprintingorotherwisereproducingbriefs,butnotmorethan$5.00perpage,fornotmorethanatotalof70pagesforaninitialbriefand20pagesforareplybrief. (2) The Appendix. The actual cost of printing or otherwisereproducingtheappendix,butnotmorethan$5.00perpage,fornotmorethanatotalof300pages(150sheetsofpaper,printedonbothsides). (3) AnyTranscripts.Thecostoftranscriptsmadebyareportermaybetaxedattherateactuallypaidtothereporter,butnotexceedingtherateestablishedbyorderoftheChiefJusticeoftheSupremeJudicialCourt. (4) Travel.Travelandattendanceasinthetrialcourt.

114

(5) OtherCosts.Otheritemsofcostsmaybeallowedasdeterminedby theprovisionsofM.R.Civ.P.54(d)-(g),whensuch itemsarerequired toprosecuteordefendtheappeal. (c) FilingBillofCosts.Apartythatdesiressuchcoststobetaxedshallstatetheminaverifiedbillofcosts,whichthepartyshallfilewiththeClerkoftheLawCourt,withproofofservice,within14daysaftertheissuanceofthemandate. (d) ClerktoCertifyCosts.OnrequestoftheprevailingpartytheClerkof theLawCourt shall certify indetail to the trial court the amountof coststaxedintheLawCourt. (e) InterestonJudgments.Whenajudgmentformoneyinacivilcaseisaffirmed,whateverinterestisallowedbylawshallbepayableasprovidedbylaw.Whenajudgmentismodifiedorreversedwithadirectionthatajudgmentformoneybeenteredinthetrialcourt,theopinionshallcontaininstructionswithrespecttoallowanceofinterestiftheprevailingparty’sclaimtointeresthasbeenbroughttotheattentionoftheLawCourtbybriefororalargument. (f) Sanctions.If,afteraseparatelyfiledmotionoranoticefromthecourtandareasonableopportunitytorespond,theLawCourtdeterminesthatanappeal,motionforreconsideration,argument,orotherproceedingbeforeitis frivolous,contumacious,or institutedprimarilyforthepurposeofdelay, itmayawardtotheopposingpartiesortheircounseltreblecostsandreasonableexpenses,includingattorneyfees,causedbysuchaction.

RestylingNotes–June2017

Rule13 is subject to editing forclarificationandadditional separationandinternalnumberingintherestylingprocess.Rule13(b)(1)isamendedtolimitrecoverablecostsforbriefsto70pagesforaninitialbriefand20pagesforareplybrief.ThecurrentRule13(b)limitsrecoverablecostsforbriefstoatotalof75pages.

__________________________________________________________________

[AdvisoryNotestoRule13offormerMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure]

115

AdvisoryNote–October2012

The amendment [to Rule 13(c)] makes the reference to “a reporter”consistentwiththedefinitioninRule16(4).

AdvisoryNote–November2011 This amendment changes the process for imposition of sanctions,reflectingtheevolutionofmodernpracticetoallownoticeandopportunitytobeheardbeforesanctionsareimposed.Thus,Rule13(f)nowprovidesthatapartytotheappealmayfileaseparatemotionrequestingsanctions,orthecourtmay issue a notice or an order to show cause indicating that the courtmayconsidersanctions,andthepartyorattorneyatwhomthemotionornoticehasbeendirectedwillbeaffordedareasonableopportunitytorespond.TheRuledoesnotspecifythemethodofresponse,whichwillbelefttothediscretionoftheCourt.Whenapartyrequestssanctions,therequestforsanctionsmustbepresentedbyaseparatemotion.AstheAdvisoryCommitteetothechangesintheFederalRulesnotedregarding1994amendmentstoFed.R.App.P.38:

A separately filed motion requesting sanctionsconstitutes notice. A statement inserted in a party'sbriefthatthepartymovesforsanctionsisnotsufficientnotice.Requestsinbriefsforsanctionshavebecomesocommonplace that it is unrealistic to expect carefulresponsestosuchrequestswithoutanyindicationthatthe court is actually contemplating such measures.Only a motion, the purpose of which is to requestsanctions,issufficient.Ifthereisnosuchmotionfiled,noticemustcomefromthecourt. Theformofnoticefrom the court and of the opportunity for commentpurposelyarelefttothecourt'sdiscretion.

TheRule is also amended to clarify that itmay be applied to conductoccurringatoralargumentandtoanycontumaciousconduct.

116

AdvisoryNotes–September10,2001 Theamendmenttosubdivision(f)changestheheadingtomorecorrectlyidentifythesubjectofM.R.App.P.13(f).

AdvisoryNotes–January1,2001

Rule13,whichgovernsawardofcostsandinterestonjudgmentincivilcases,isidenticaltopresentM.R.Civ.P.76,exceptthatprovisionfor$2.50forasecondattorneyiseliminated.

RULE14.MANDATE;RECONSIDERATION;ANDSUSPENSIONOFTHERULESINTHELAWCOURT

(a) Issuance ofMandate. Themandate of the Law Court, with anopinionororderresolvinganyappeal,shallbeissuedbytheClerkoftheLawCourtbytransmittinganattestedcopythereoftothetrialcourt.Copiesofthemandateshallbeemailedtothosepartiestotheappealwhohaveprovidedaproperemailaddress.Nopapercopyofthemandatewillbeprovidedtothepartiestotheappealwhoarerepresentedbycounsel.Theopinionordecisionof the Law Court sent to the parties on the day the opinion or decision ispublished,withthemandateappearingattheend,shallconstitutenoticeofthemandate,andnofurthernoticeshallbeprovided. (1) CriminalAppeals. Themandateof theLawCourt in a criminalappealshallissuethedaythatthedecisionresolvingtheappealispublishedorthefirstbusinessdaythereafter. (2) Civil Appeals. Themandate of the Law Court in a civil appealinvolvingachildprotectivematter,aparentalrightsmatter,aguardianship,anadoption,acontempt,oratemporaryorpermanentinjunctionshallissuethedaythatthedecisionresolvingtheappealispublishedorthefirstbusinessdaythereafter.ThemandateoftheLawCourtinanyothercivilappealshallissue14daysafterthedateofdecisionoftheLawCourt,unlessthetimeisshortenedorenlargedbyorderoftheLawCourt. (3) (A) StayoftheMandate.Amotionforastayofthemandate,orforastayoftheeffectofamandatealreadyissued,mustbefiledwiththeClerkoftheLawCourtwithin14daysafterthedateofthedecision.Thetimelyfiling

117

of a motion for reconsideration in a civil appeal, prior to issuance of themandate,willstaythemandateuntildispositionofthemotionunlessotherwiseorderedbytheLawCourt.Theissuanceofthemandatemaybestayedortheeffect of amandate already issuedmaybe stayedonmotion for good causeshown,accompaniedbyanaffidavitofthemovingpartyorthemovingparty’sattorneysettingforthallrelevantfacts. (B) Law Court Action. After receipt of a motion for stay of themandate,theLawCourtmayactonthemotionsuasponteorseekcommentsfrom other parties to the appeal. After appropriate consideration, the LawCourtmaygrantordenythemotion,andifthemotionisgrantedinwholeorinpart,attachsuchtermsandconditionstograntingthatstayasitdeemsjust. (C) AppealstotheUnitedStatesSupremeCourt.WhentheissuanceofthemandatehasbeenstayedpendingapetitiontotheSupremeCourtoftheUnitedStatesforawritofcertiorari,thereceiptbytheClerkoftheLawCourtofanordergrantingthepetitionshallbeeffectivetocontinuethestayuntilfinaldispositionofthematterbytheSupremeCourtoftheUnitedStates. (b) MotionsforReconsideration. (1) (A) A motion for reconsideration of any decision of the LawCourt,togetherwiththefeespecifiedintheCourtFeesSchedule,shallbefiledwiththeClerkoftheLawCourtwithin14daysafterthedateofthatdecision.The motion shall state with particularity the points of law or fact that themovingpartyassertstheCourthasoverlookedormisapprehendedandshallcontainsuchargumentinsupportofthemotionasthemovingpartydesirestopresent.Anoriginaland7copiesofthemotionandanysupportingpapersshallbefiledandshallconformtoRule10(d). (B) NoresponsetoamotionforreconsiderationshallbefiledunlessrequestedbytheLawCourt.ThemotionisnotsubjecttooralargumentexceptbyspecificorderoftheCourt. (2) AmotionforreconsiderationwillnotbegrantedunlessorderedbyaJusticewhoconcurredinthedecisionandwhoactswiththeconcurrenceofamajorityof the Justiceswhoparticipated in theoriginaldecisionandremainavailableandqualifiedtoactonthemotion.

118

(3) Ifamotionforreconsiderationisgranted,theLawCourtmaymakea final disposition of the cause without re-argument, may restore it to thecalendar for reconsideration, or may make such other orders as areappropriate.Frivolousorrepetitivemotionsforreconsiderationmayresultintheimpositionofappropriatesanctions. (c) SuspensionofRules.Intheinterestofexpeditingdecisionuponany matter, or for other good cause shown, the Law Court may modify orsuspend any of the requirements or provisions of these Rules, except thoseaddressingfilingrequirementsandtimelimitsinRules2A,2B,2C,and14(b),onapplicationofapartyoronitsownmotion,andmayorderproceedingsinaccordancewithitsdirection.

RestylingNotes–June2017 Rule 14 is amended to add internal separations and numberingconsistent with the restyling practice. Consistent with what appears to becurrentpractice,theformformotionsforreconsiderationmustfollowtheformfor othermotions filedwith the LawCourt, as specified inRule 10(d). ThepreviousRulehadreferencedformerRule9(f),whichaddressedtheformforbriefs,includingcovers. Themandateruleisalsoclarifiedtospecifythatthemandateincivilcasesinvolving child protective matters, parental rights matters, guardianship,contempt,or temporaryorpermanent injunctionsshall issuepromptlyafterdecision.Aspresently,themandateinothercivilappealswouldissue14daysafterdecision.Therulesarealsoclarifiedtoindicatethatastayofthemandateor the effect of the mandate may be sought for any further appeals orreconsideration, so that such appeals or reconsideration are not barred ifrequestedwithin14daysafterthedateoftheLawCourtdecisionatissue.ThecopyofthedecisionprovidedtothepartiesconstitutesthenoticeofissuanceofthemandatethatappearsattheendoftheLawCourtdecision.Nofurthernoticeisprovided.

__________________________________________________________________

[AdvisoryNotestoRule14offormerMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure]

119

AdvisoryNotes–July2008 TheamendmenttoM.R.App.P.14(b)(1)addsareferencetothealreadyexisting requirement of the Court Fees Schedule that a motion forreconsiderationbeaccompaniedbyafilingfee. Thereferenceis intendedtoavoidconfusionthathasresultedinfilingmotionsforreconsiderationbecausethefeepaymentrequirementwasnotstatedintheRule. The amendment also clarifies the third sentence by removing theconfusing reference to “opinion” and adding the word “asserts” so that thesentenceisclearer.

AdvisoryNotes–January1,2001

Rule14(a)(1)relatingtoissuanceofthemandateincriminalcasesdoesnothaveacomparableprovisioninthecriminalrules.TheresultsofissuanceofamandateareaddressedinferentiallyinM.R.Crim.P.38(b),butthereisnospecificdirectiontoissuethemandatepromptlyafterdecisionatanypointinthe rules. Thus, Rule 14(a)(1) is a newprovision. However, it does reflectcurrentpracticewhere, incriminalcases, themandate issuespromptlyafterdecision. Rule14(a)(2)appliestocivilcasesandisnearlyidenticaltothelanguageinpresentM.R.Civ.P.76A(a). Rule14(b)governspracticeregardingmotionsforreconsideration.ItisbasedonM.R.Civ.P.76A(b).Thereisnocomparableprovisioninthecriminalrules.However,subdivision(b)appliestobothcriminalandcivilcases.Asamatterofpractice,motionsforreconsiderationarefrequentlyfiledincriminalcases. However, they are not presently subject to any particular time limit.Underthenewrules,motionsforreconsiderationincriminalcaseswouldbesubjecttothesame14-daytimelimitascurrentlyappliedincivilcases. Rule14(c)relatingtosuspensionoftherulesisnearlyidenticaltoM.R.Civ.P. 75A(c). There is no comparable provision in the criminal rules.However,itappearsappropriatetoapplytheseprovisionstobothcriminalandcivilcasesassuchapplicationappearstoreflectcurrentpractice.

120

RULES15-18.[RESERVED][FormerRules15and16movedtobecomeRules1Aand1B.]

II.SPECIALAPPEALPROCEEDINGS

RULE19.DISCRETIONARYCRIMINALAPPEALS

(a) (1) AppealsCovered.ThisRulecoversthosecriminalappealsthat are subject to preliminary review and full consideration as amatter ofdiscretionbytheLawCourt,otherthantheappealsfromsentencesofayearormorethatareaddressedbyM.R.App.P.20. (2) SpecificallyIncludedAppeals.TheappealscoveredbythisRuleinclude: (A) Anappealfromarulingonamotiontocorrectorreduceasentence,pursuant to M.R.U. Crim. P. 35(a) or (c), when the appeal is taken by thedefendant; (B) An appeal by a person whose probation is revoked, or whoseconditions of probation are modified pursuant to 17-AM.R.S. §1202(2), orwhoserequestformodificationisdeniedpursuantto17-AM.R.S.§1202(2); (C) Anappealbyapersonwhosesupervisedreleaseisrevoked,whentheappealisauthorizedpursuantto17-AM.R.S.§1233;

(D) An appeal by a person determined to have inexcusably failed tocomplywithacourt-imposeddeferreddispositionrequirementandthereaftersentenced,whentheappealisauthorizedpursuantto17-AM.R.S.§1348-C;

(E) An appeal by a personwhose administrative release is revoked,whentheappealisauthorizedpursuantto17-AM.R.S.§1349-F;

(F) An appeal from a final judgment in a post-conviction reviewproceedingpursuantto15M.R.S.§2131(1),whentheappealistakenbythepetitioner; (G) An appeal from a final judgment in an extradition proceedingpursuantto15M.R.S.§210-B(1),whentheappealistakenbythepetitioner;

121

(H) An appeal from an order on a motion to order DNA analysis,pursuant to15M.R.S. §2138(6),when theappeal is takenby the convictedpersonorbytheState; (I) An appeal from an order on a post-judgment motion seeking acourtdeterminationoffactual innocenceandcorrectionofcourtrecordsandrelatedcriminaljusticerecordsorasubsequentvacatingofthatdeterminationand record correction, pursuant to 15M.R.S. § 2184(1), when the appeal istakenbythepersonwhofiledamotionoronwhosebehalfthemotionwasfiled;and (J) Anappealfromafinaljudgmententeredunder15M.R.S.§2254(5)or(7),pursuantto15M.R.S.§2258(1),whentheappealistakenbythepersonwhofiledthemotionforobtainingthespecialrestrictionsondisseminationanduse of criminal history record information relating to a qualifying criminaljudgment. (b) RulesApplicable.ThediscretionaryappealscoveredbythisRuleshall proceed in accordance with the Maine Rules of Appellate Procedure,subject to themodifications stated in this Rule or as otherwise required bystatute. (c) MemorandumRequired on Appeal. Within 21 days after thedate onwhich the transcript is filed in the LawCourt, or, if no transcript isordered,within21daysafterfilinganoticeofappeal,thepartyfilingtheappealshall filewith theClerkof theLawCourt8 copiesof amemorandumgivingspecific and substantive reasons why the issue or issues identified forprosecutionoftheappealwarranttheissuanceofacertificateofprobablecauseauthorizingconsiderationoftheappealonthemeritsbytheLawCourt.Thememorandumshallnot exceed20pagesandshallotherwiseconformto therequirementsofRule7A(g)relatingtotheformofbriefs. Onmotionandforgood cause shown, the Law Court may allow additional time to file amemorandum. No reply memorandum shall be filed by a party who did not file theappeal.

122

Until the Law Court rules on the request for a certificate of probablecause,nofurtherbriefingpursuanttoRule7or7AshallbesubmittedandnoappendixpursuanttoRule8shallbeprepared. (d) (1) Duty of Reporter to Prepare and File Transcript ofProceedingSubjecttoAppeal.UnlesstheLawCourtotherwisedirects,within56daysafterthedateofthefilingofthenoticeofappealandtranscriptorderform,thereportershallprepareandfileatranscriptofthehearingthatisthesubjectoftheappeal, ifahearingonthematterwasheldandrecorded. Thetranscript shall be filed in accordancewithRule6(c). Unless theLawCourtordersotherwise,oracertificateofprobablecauseissues,noothertranscriptofanyrelatedproceedingshallbepreparedpendingrulingontherequestforacertificate of probable cause. The hearings for which a transcript shall bepreparedpursuanttothissubdivisionare: (A) Foranappealfromarulingonamotionforcorrectionorreductionofsentence, thehearing, if any,on themotion forcorrectionorreductionofsentence. (B) For an appeal from a ruling on a motion for revocation ormodification of probation, the hearing on the motion for revocation ormodificationofprobation. (C) For an appeal from a ruling on a motion for revocation ofsupervised release, the hearing on the motion for revocation of supervisedrelease.

(D) Foranappealfromarulingofinexcusablefailuretocomplywithacourt-imposeddeferreddispositionrequirement,thehearingonthemotionforterminationoftheperiodofdefermentorthehearingattheconclusionoftheperiodofdeferment.

(E) For an appeal from a ruling on a motion for revocation ofadministrative release, the hearing on the motion for revocation ofadministrativerelease. (F) For anappeal from a final judgment in apost-conviction reviewproceeding,thehearingonthemotionforpost-convictionrelief,ifany.

123

(G) Foranappealfromafinaljudgmentinanextraditionproceeding,notranscriptasspecifiedbyRule19(d)(2). (H) ForanappealfromarulingonamotiontoorderDNAanalysis,thehearingonthemotiontoorderDNAanalysis. (I) (i) For an appeal from an order on a post-judgment motionseekingacourtdeterminationoffactualinnocenceandcorrectionofthecourtrecords and related criminal justice agency records, the hearing on thepost-judgmentmotion. (ii) Foranappealfromanordervacatingtheearlierordercertifyingadeterminationoffactualinnocenceandmodifyinganyrecordcorrectionearliermade,thehearingrelatingtotheallegedfraudormisrepresentation. (J) For an appeal from a final judgment on a motion for specialrestrictionsondisseminationanduseofcriminalhistoryrecordinformation,thehearingonthemotion. (2) Generally No Duty to Prepare and File Transcript ofExtraditionHearings. (A) No transcript shall be prepared of any hearing on a petitioncontestingextradition. In lieuofa transcriptofhearing, the justiceor judgewhoheardthepetitionforextraditionshall,within14daysafterthefilingofthenoticeofappeal,prepareandforwardtotheClerkoftheLawCourtwrittenfindings of fact upon which the determination of the petition contestingextraditionwasbased. (B) Upon a finding that special circumstances exist, which findingsshallbeinwritingandshalldetailthesubstanceofsuchspecialcircumstancesand the necessity for the ordering of a transcript, the trial court, in lieu ofpreparing findings of fact, may order that a transcript of all or part of theproceedingsbepreparedandtransmittedtotheLawCourt. Thepreparationandtransmissionofsuchatranscriptshallbeexpedited. (3) Compensation for Hearing Transcript. Compensation for thehearingtranscriptshallbeasprovidedinRule5(b)(1)(B).

124

(e) DenialofaCertificateofProbableCause.IftheLawCourtdeniesacertificateofprobablecause,theClerkoftheLawCourtshallforthwithsendtoeachpartyawrittennoticeofthatdenial. (f) Granting ofaCertificateofProbable Cause. If theLawCourtissuesacertificateofprobablecauseauthorizingconsiderationoftheappealonthemerits,theClerkoftheLawCourtshallforthwithnotifythepartiesandthetrialcourtfromwhichtheappealwastaken. Forpurposesoftimingandtheapplicabilityof theMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure, thedocketing in theLawCourtofanordergrantingacertificateofprobablecauseshallbetreatedinthesamemannerasthefilingofanoticeofappealpursuanttoRule2A(b)(1).If an appeal is pending pursuant to Rule 2A involving the same criminaljudgment,theRule19appealshallbetreatedaspartoftheRule2Aappeal. (g) AdditionalTranscriptOrders. (A) Within7daysafterthedocketingbytheClerkoftheLawCourtoftheordergrantingthecertificateofprobablecause,theappellantshallfilewiththereporterandtheClerkoftheLawCourtandshallserveontheappelleeatranscript order for any other transcripts or portions thereof, not alreadyprepared, that the appellant deems necessary for prosecution of the appeal.Within7daysafterreceiptoftheappellant’stranscriptorder,theappelleemayorder additional transcripts or portions thereof in accordance with Rule5(b)(1)(A). (B) Costs of the transcript shall be paid in accordance withRule5(b)(1)(B). (C) Ifanon-indigentappellantfailstomakeappropriatearrangementswiththereporterforpaymentofthetranscriptwithin7daysasprovidedbyRule5(b)(1)(B),theClerkoftheLawCourtshallbenotifiedinaccordancewithRule5(b)(1)(B),andtheappealshallproceedwithoutanyadditionaltranscript. (h) Clerk’s Record. After docketing of the order granting thecertificateofprobablecauseandnotification to theclerk,any furtherclerk’srecordshallbefiledwiththeLawCourtinthesamemannerasprovidedbyRule6. (i) Noticeof Schedule forFilingBriefsand theAppendix. Uponfilingoftherecord, includinganyadditionaltranscripts,theClerkoftheLaw

125

CourtshallnotifythepartiesofthescheduleforfilingbriefsinaccordancewithRule7.TheappealshallthenproceedasotherappealsundertheMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure.

AdvisoryNote–June2019

Rule19(a)(2)(B)isamendedtoclarifythatappealsfromordersdenyingprobationmodificationorders—likeordersmodifyingprobationconditions—aresubject toRule19. Thereference to17-AM.R.S.§1207(1) isdeletedasunnecessary.

AdvisoryNote–July2017

TheamendmentcorrectsanerrorinsubdivisionletteringandnumberingfromRule19(d)onwardintherestyledMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure,asadoptedbyRuleAmendmentOrder2017Me.Rules07.

RestylingNotes–June2017

Rule19was revised, effective July29, 2016. It is further amendedasfollows. Rule 19(a) is separated into two subdivisions. Rule 19(a)(2)(B)—formerly Rule 19(a)(2)—is amended to cover appeals of probationmodificationorders. Rule19(c)isamendedtorecognizethatsometimestheStatemaybeanappellant;accordingly,theprohibitiononfilingreplymemorandaisextendedtoanyotherpartytothetrialcourtaction. Rule19(d)(1)isamendedtomodifythe56-daytranscriptfilingdeadlineasinRule6(c)(1). Rule19(d)(2)(A)isamendedtoallowajudge14daysfromthefilingofthenoticeofappealtofilewrittenfindings. Finally, as part of this restyling, the Rule is amended to addsubparagraphstoRule19(d)(2)andRule19(g).

126

__________________________________________________________________

[AdvisoryNotestoRule19offormerMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure]

AdvisoryNote–July2016

Rule19isamendedinthefollowingrespects. (1) Rule19(a) isamended to addnumbers foreachseparate appealaddressed and have those numbers correspond to the existing amendednumbersinRule19(d)(1). ThenumberingandorganizationinRule19(d)isaltered to (1) add a reference to extradition appeals, (2) add letters to thesimilarlynumberedrecordchoicesforfactualinnocenceappeals,and(3)addareferencefortherecordofcriminalhistoryrecordappeals. (2) Rule 19(a) is amended to change the words “criminal appeals,whichare subject topreliminaryreview” to “thosecriminalappeals thataresubjecttopreliminaryreview.” (3) Rule 19(a) is amended to correct the statutory referenceaddressinganappealbyapersonwhoseprobationisrevokedtoreflectnew17-A M.R.S. §1207(1), enacted by P.L. 2015, ch. 431, § 41 (effectiveJuly29,2016). (4) In Rule 19(a), thewords “by the Superior Court, but not by theDistrictCourt,”areomitted.TheSuperiorCourtisnolongerhearingappealsfrom the District Court. The Supreme Judicial Court has taken over thatfunctionintheformofadiscretionaryappeal.SeeM.R.U.Crim.P.36. (5) InRule19(a),thecitationtoformer“M.R.Crim.P.35(a)or(c)”isreplacedbyaciteto“M.R.U.Crim.P.35(a)or(c).” (6) InRule19(a)(iv)and(d)(1)(iv),theterm“deferment”ischangedto“deferreddisposition.” (7) In Rule 19(a), the statutory reference to “15 M.R.S. § 210-A” iscorrectedtoreflectcurrent15M.R.S.§210-B(1).

127

(8) InRule19(a),theprovisionregardingappealfromanorderonamotion toorderDNAanalysis is reworded forclarity. Thewords“whentheappealistakeneitherbytheconvictedpersonortheState”arereplacedwith,“whentheappealistakenbytheconvictedpersonorbytheState.” (9) Rule 19(a) and 19(d)(1) are amended to account for a newdiscretionaryappealtotheLawCourt,whichnowexistspursuantto15M.R.S.§2258(1),enactedbyP.L.2015,ch.354,§1(effectiveOctober15,2015,butwithasunsetofOctober1,2019).Thatstatutecreatesadiscretionaryappealprocedure from a judgment in a proceeding where a person seeks a courtdeterminationthatheorshehassatisfiedthestatutoryprerequisitesspecifiedin 15M.R.S. § 2252 that allow restrictions on the dissemination and use ofcriminal history record information relating to a criminal conviction, see15M.R.S.§§2254(5),2255,orfromasubsequentjudgmentthatthepersonhasbeen convicted of a new crime and is therefore no longer eligible for suchrestrictions,see15M.R.S.§§2254(7),2255. (10) Rule 19(d)(1) is amended to omit the words “by the SuperiorCourt”becauseoftheinstitutionoftheUnifiedCriminalDocketstatewide. (11) Rule19(d)(2)isamendedtochangereferencestothejudgeoftheDistrict Court to the “justice or judge” and the “trial court” because of theinstitutionoftheUnifiedCriminalDocketstatewide. (12) Rule19(f)isamendedtocorrectatypographicalerror.

AdvisoryNote–August2015 BecauseoftheadoptionoftheMaineRulesofUnifiedCriminalProcedure,effective throughout theStateofMaineasof July1,2015, all referencesandcitations to theMaineRulesofCriminalProcedurehavebeen replacedwithreferencesandcitationstotheMaineRulesofUnifiedCriminalProcedure.

AdvisoryNote–November2011 Rules19(a)and(d)(1)areamendedtoreflectstatutorychangesmadeto15M.R.S.§§2138(6)and(11)intheFirstRegularSessionofthe125thMaineStateLegislature,P.L.2011,ch.230,§§1,2(effectiveSept.28,2011).Title15M.R.S.§2138(6)asamendedprovidestothestateadiscretionaryappealfrom

128

acourtordergrantingamotion toorderDNAanalysis. Previously thestatecouldnotappealfromsuchanorder.Title15M.R.S.§2138(11)asamendedprovides to anaggrievedperson an appeal asof right froma courtdecisiondenyinganewtrial.Previouslytheperson’sappealwasdiscretionary.

AdvisoryNote–July1,2010

The amendment to Rule 19(c) changes the filing date for thememoranduminsupportoftheappellant’srequestforacertificateofprobablecauseincriminaldiscretionaryappeals.Manyappellantsmovetoenlargethetimefortheirmemorandainordertobeabletoreviewthetranscriptbeforefilingthememoranda.TheCourtdoesnotreviewthememorandumuntilafterthe transcript is filed. Theamendmentchanges the time for the filingof thememorandumtoallowtheappellanttoreceiveandreviewthetranscriptbeforefiling the memorandum. In cases when no transcript is ordered, thememorandum remains due 21 days after the notice of appeal is filed. Theamendmentalsoprovidesfor8copiesofthememorandumtobefiled,sothatone copy may be retained by the Clerk’s Office and the remaining sevendistributedtotheCourt.

AdvisoryNote–February2010 M.R.App.P.19(a)and(d)(1).TheamendmentsaddtoRule19twonewdiscretionaryappealsfoundin15M.R.S.§2184(1)enactedinthe2009FirstRegularSessionofthe124thMaineStateLegislature(P.L.2009,ch.308,§1,effectiveSeptember12,2009)aspartofanewstatutorypost-judgmentreliefmechanism for persons whose identity has been stolen and falsely used byanother person in, as relevant here, a criminal proceeding. The first of thediscretionary appeals provides for a conditional appeal by a person whosepost-judgmentmotionseekingacourtdeterminationoffactualinnocenceandcorrectionofcourtrecordsandrelatedcriminaljusticerecordshasbeendeniedfollowingthehearingrequiredpursuantto15M.R.S.§2183(5).Thesecondofthediscretionaryappealsprovidesforaconditionalappealbythatpersonintheeventthecourtsubsequentlyvacatesitsearlierordergrantingtheperson’smotion (oronwhosebehalf suchmotionwas filed)based upona findingoffraudormisrepresentationpursuantto15M.R.S.§2183(7).

129

TheamendmentalsochangesthereferencestoM.R.S.A.intheamendedsectionstoreferencestoM.R.S.,asM.R.S.isnowtheprimaryMainestatutoryreferenceusedbythecourts.

AdvisoryNotes–August2004

This amendment toM.R.App.P.19(a) and(d)(1) addsadiscretionaryappealunintentionallyomittedwhendiscretionaryappealswereconsolidatedintoRule19in2002,andaddstwonewdiscretionaryappealsenactedbythe121stMaineLegislatureduringtheSecondSpecialSession(P.L.2004,ch.711,§A-19).Thethreeaddeddiscretionaryappealsare: AppealfromSuperiorCourtrulingsrevokingsupervisedrelease.Thisisnot a new discretionary appeal, having been enacted as part of supervisedrelease for sexoffenders, 17-AM.R.S.A. ch. 50 [§§1231-1233], byP.L. 1999,ch.788,§7.DistrictCourtsupervisedreleaserevocationordersmayonlybeappealedtotheSuperiorCourtpursuantto17-AM.R.S.A.§1233.Rules36and36AoftheMaineRulesofCriminalProcedurearebeingamendedconcurrentlywiththisruletospecificallyincludeasection1233appealtotheSuperiorCourt. Appeal from District Court or Superior Court findings of inexcusablefailure to comply with court-imposed deferment requirements. This newdiscretionaryappealwasenactedaspartofthenewsentencingalternativeofdeferreddisposition,17-AM.R.S.A.ch.54-F[§§1348to1348-C],byP.L.2004,ch.711,§A-19. AppealfromSuperiorCourtrulingsrevokingadministrativerelease.Thisnewdiscretionaryappealwasenactedaspartofthenewsentencingalternativeof administrative release, 17-A M.R.S.A. ch. 54-G [§§ 1349 to 1349-F], byP.L.2004, ch. 711, § A-19. District Court administrative release revocationordersmayonlybeappealedtotheSuperiorCourtpursuantto17-AM.R.S.A.§1349-F.Rules36and36AoftheMaineRulesofCriminalProcedurearebeingamendedconcurrentlywith thisrule tospecifically includeasection1349-FappealtotheSuperiorCourt.

AdvisoryNotes–October15,2001 Rule 19 of the Maine Rules of Appellate Procedure is adopted toconsolidate therulesgoverningdiscretionaryappeals to theLawCourtfrom

130

variousordersincriminalcases,whichpreviouslyweregovernedbyanumberofprovisions in theMaineRulesofCriminalProcedure. Theonly exceptionamong discretionary appeals is sentence appeals, which, because of theirsignificantlydifferentnature,areaddressedinnewRule20oftheMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure. ThediscretionaryappealsconsolidatedintoRule19include: ¾ AppealfromordersonmotionstocorrectorreduceasentenceintheSuperiorCourtpursuanttoM.R.Crim.P.35(a)or(c),wheretheappealistakenbythedefendant.TheruleislimitedtoappealsofSuperiorCourtorders,asappealsofDistrictCourtrulingspursuanttoM.R.Crim.P.35mustbetakentotheSuperiorCourtpursuanttoM.R.Crim.P.36.Also,theruleonlyaddressesM.R.Crim.P.35appealsbydefendants,astheStatehasanappealasofrightfrom any adverse ruling pursuant to M.R. Crim. P. 35. See 15 M.R.S.A.§2115-A(2-A) & (2-B). M.R. Crim. P. 35 appeals to the Law Court wereformerlyaddressedbyM.R.Crim.P.37C,37D,and37E. ¾ Appeal from Superior Court orders revoking probation. DistrictCourtprobationrevocationordersmayonlybeappealedtotheSuperiorCourtpursuant to M.R. Crim. P. 36. Probation revocation appeals were formerlyaddressedbyM.R.Crim.P.37F,37Gand37H. ¾ Appealfromfinaljudgmentinpost-convictionreliefmatterswheretheappealistakenbythepetitioner.AswithappealsfromordersforcorrectionorreductionofsentenceunderM.R.Crim.P.35,theStatehasarightofappeal,whichisnon-discretionary,fromanadverseorderinapost-convictionreviewproceeding.TheseprovisionsreplaceM.R.Crim.P.76,77,and78whichhavegovernedappealsofpost-convictionreviewordersbypetitioners. ¾ Appeal from final judgments in extradition proceedings, againwheretheappealistakenbythepersonsubjecttotheextraditionorder.TheStatehasanappealasofrightinsuchmatters.TherulesgoverningextraditionproceedingsreplaceM.R.Crim.P.88,89,and90whichhavegovernedappealsinextraditionproceedings. ¾ AppealfromordersonmotionstoorderDNAanalysisorordersonmotions for new trials based on DNA analysis. These matters are newdiscretionary appeals enacted as part of legislation governing use of DNAanalysis relating to completed cases, 15 M.R.S.A. §§ 2136-2138, which was

131

adoptedbyP.L.2001,ch.469,§1.AmendmentstotheMaineRulesofCriminalProcedureaddressingtheconsiderationandtestingprocesswhererequestsforDNAtestingaremadearebeingadoptedconcurrentlywiththisrule.SeeM.R.Crim.P.95-99.Becausethisisanewareaofdiscretionaryappeals,nopresentprovisions of theMaine Rules of Criminal Procedure are being replaced fortheseDNArelateddiscretionaryappeals. Rule19(b)indicatesthat,exceptwhereexplicitlyaddressedinRule19,practice for discretionary appeals is in accordancewith the Maine Rules ofAppellateProcedure.Thus, forexample,noticesofappealchallengingordersmust be filed within 21 days after entry of the challenged order, M.R.App.P.2(b)(2)(A), except for extradition cases in which case the notice ofappealmustbefiledwithin10daysafterentryofthechallengedorder.M.R.App.P.2(b)(2)(B). Rule19(c) requires that, fordiscretionaryappeals, theparty filing theappealmust filewith theClerkoftheLawCourt7copiesofamemorandumgiving specific and substantive reasonswhy the issues identified for appealwarrant the issuance of a certificate of probable cause authorizingconsiderationoftheappealonthemeritsbytheLawCourt.The7copiesofthememorandummustbefiledwiththeClerkoftheLawCourtwithin21daysafterfilingofthenoticeofappeal.Thememorandumislimitedto20pagesinlengthandmustconformtotherequirementsofM.R.App.P.9(f)relatingtotheformofbriefs. Onmotionandashowingofgoodcause,theLawCourtmayallowadditionaltimetofileamemorandum. Aswithpresentpractice,norespondingmemorandumistobefiledbytheState.Exceptforthememorandumfiledbythedefendantorthepetitioningparty,nofurtherbriefingandnoappendixisrequireduntiltheLawCourtrulesontherequestforacertificateofprobablecause. Rule 19(d) addresses what transcripts may be prepared to supportdiscretionary appeals. Subdivision (d) provides that, unless the Law Courtotherwiseorders,thecourtreportermustprepareandfileatranscriptofthehearingthatisthesubjectofthediscretionaryappealwithin56daysofreceiptofacopyofthenoticeofappealandtranscriptorderform.Obviously,suchatranscriptmustbepreparedonlyifahearingonthematteratissuewasheldandrecorded.Noothertranscriptsaretobeprepareduntilafterarulingonthe request for a certificate of probable cause. The hearings for which a

132

transcript is to be prepared unless the Law Court orders otherwise areexplicitlylistedintheruleinsubparagraphs(i)through(v)ofparagraph(d)(1). Asindicatedinparagraph(d)(2),notranscriptistobepreparedofanyextraditionhearing.Thisisspecifiedbecauseoftheacceleratedconsiderationthatsuchappealsreceive.Inlieuofatranscript,thejudgeoftheDistrictCourtthatheardtheextraditionproceedingmust,within10daysoffilingthenoticeofappeal,prepareandforwardtotheClerkoftheLawCourtwrittenfindingsoffactuponwhichthedeterminationofthepetitioncontestingextraditionwasbased.TheDistrictCourtJudgemay,inlieuofpreparingfindingsoffact,orderthatatranscriptofallorpartoftheproceedingsbepreparedandtransmittedtotheLawCourt.However,suchanordermayonlybeenterediftheDistrictCourtfindsthatspecialcircumstancesexistanddetails inwritingthespecialcircumstancesthatjustifytheorderingofatranscript. Compensation for all transcriptspreparedpursuant to subdivision (d)shallbeasprovidedinM.R.App.P.5(b)(1). Rule19(e)providesthat,iftheLawCourtdeniesacertificateofprobablecause,theClerkoftheLawCourtistosendeachpartyawrittennoticeofthedenial. Rule19(f)providesthatiftheLawCourtissuesacertificateofprobablecause authorizing consideration of the appeal on themerits, the Clerk is tonotifyboththepartiestotheappealandthetrialcourtfromwhichtheappealwas taken. Forpurposesof timingof theapplicabilityof theMaineRulesofAppellateProceduretoRule19appeals,thedocketingintheLawCourtoftheorder granting a certificate of probable cause is to be treated in the samemanner as the filing of a notice of appeal pursuant to M.R. App. P. 2(b)2.However, if an appeal under M.R. App. P. 2 involving the same criminaljudgmentisalreadypending,theRule19appealistobeconsolidatedwithandtreatedaspartofthealreadypendingM.R.App.P.2appeal. Rule 19(g) governs the procedure for ordering additional transcriptsbeyondthetranscriptalreadypreparedpursuanttoRule19(d).Insomecases,transcripts of other portions of the proceedings, which are needed for theappealmayalreadyexistaspartofthefile.Insuchcases,thosetranscriptsmaybeforwardedandcopiedasnecessarytocomplywiththerequirementsoftheMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure.Ifnewtranscriptsmustbeordered,then,

133

within7daysafterdocketingbytheClerkoftheLawCourtoftheordergrantingthecertificateofprobablecause,theappellantmustfilewiththereporterandtheClerkoftheLawCourtandserveontheappelleeatranscriptorderforanyadditionaltranscriptsthattheappellantdeemsnecessaryforprosecutionoftheappeal.Afterreceiptoftheappellant’stranscriptorder,theappellee—usuallytheState—mayorderadditionaltranscripts. TheordersandcostsregardingthetranscriptaretobeaddressedinthesamemannerasprovidedinM.R.App.P. 5(b)(1). Non-indigent appellants must make appropriate paymentarrangementswiththereportersregardingthetranscriptortheordermaybecanceledandtheappealwillproceedwithoutatranscript. Rule19(h)providesthattheClerk’srecord,afterdocketingoftheordergrantingthecertificateofprobablecause,istobefiledwiththeLawCourtinthesamemannerasprovidedinM.R.App.P.6. Rule 19(i) specifies that the briefing schedule is set upon filing of therecordandanyorderedtranscriptsinthesamemannerasunderM.R.App.P.7. Fromthatpointforward,theappealproceedsinthesamemannerasanyotherappealundertheMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure.

RULE20.APPEALOFSENTENCE (a) (1) Application for Leave to Appeal. An appeal to the LawCourtbyadefendantforreviewofsentenceshallbeasprovidedin15M.R.S.§§2151-2157andtheseRules.Anydefendantqualifiedunder15M.R.S.§2151toseeksentencereviewmayapplytotheLawCourtbyfilinganapplicationtoallowanappealofsentencewiththeclerkofthecourtinwhichsentencewasimposed. (2) TheapplicationforreviewofsentenceshallconformtotheJudicialBranchformforsentenceappeals.Thedefendantorthedefendant’sattorneyshallsigntheapplication.Theclerkofthecourtinwhichsentencewasimposedshallmailadate-stampedcopyof theapplication to thecourtreporter. Theclerkshallnoteinthecriminaldocketthegivingofsuchnotification,withthedatethereof. (3) Whenacourtimposesasentenceforwhichadefendant,pursuantto15M.R.S.§2151,isqualifiedtoseeksentencereview,thedefendantshallbeadvisedof therighttoseeksentencereview. Ifanunrepresenteddefendant

134

requests, the court shall cause an application for review of sentence to bepreparedandfiledonbehalfofthedefendantforthwith. (b) TimeforFilinganApplication forLeavetoAppeal. The timewithinwhichtofileanapplicationtoallowanappealofsentenceshallbeasprovidedinRule2B(b)(1). (c) DocketingtheApplicationintheLawCourt.Uponreceiptoftheapplication to allow an appeal of sentence, the clerk of the court in whichsentencewasimposedshallforthwithtransmittotheLawCourtthefollowing:acopyoftheapplicationwiththedateofthefiling;acopyofthedocketentries,thecharginginstrument,andtheorderofjudgmentandcommitment;acopyofthe M.R.U. Crim. P. 32 pre-sentence report, if any; and a copy of any othermaterial, including documentary exhibits, offered to or considered by thesentencingcourtinconnectionwiththesentencingproceeding.Thecaseshallbemarked“SentenceAppeal,”onthedocket. The court inwhich sentencewas imposed shall takeno further actionpendingdispositionbytheLawCourtoftheapplicationforreviewofsentenceand,iftheapplicationisgranted,shalltakenofurtheractionpendingrulingonthe sentence appeal except as provided in Rule 3(b), but with the furtherlimitation,asreflectedin15M.R.S.§2157,thatthecourtmaynotstayexecutionofsentenceorsetbail. (d) DutyofReporter toPrepareandFileSentencingTranscript.UnlesstheLawCourtotherwisedirects,within42daysafterthedateoffilingoftheapplicationtoallowappealofsentence,withnoticeprovidedbythedate-stampedcopyoftheapplicationfromtheclerkofthecourtinwhichsentencewas imposed, the court reporter shall file the transcript of the sentencinghearingwiththeClerkoftheLawCourt. If thecourtreporteranticipatesthatthetranscriptcannotbepreparedwithin the 42-day limit, the court reporter shall file an application for anextensionasprovidedinRule6(c)(2). (e) Correction or Modification of Record. The court in whichsentence was imposed, the Sentence Review Panel of the Supreme JudicialCourt,andtheLawCourtmaycorrectorsupplementtherecordasprovidedinRule 5(e), except that the Panel and Law Court may, without motion or

135

suggestion,directthatasupplementalrecordbetransmittedbytheclerkofthecourtinwhichsentencewasimposed. (f) Denial of Application for Leave to Appeal. If the SentenceReviewPaneloftheSupremeJudicialCourtdeniestheapplicationtoallowanappealofsentence,theClerkoftheLawCourtshallforthwithsendtotheclerkof thecourt inwhichsentencewas imposedand toeachcounselof recordawrittennoticeofthatdenial. Asprovidedin15M.R.S.§2152,adenialoftheapplicationisfinalandsubjecttonofurtherreview. (g) Docketing Sentence Appeal in Law Court. If the SentenceReviewPaneloftheSupremeJudicialCourtgrantstheapplicationtoallowanappealofsentence,theClerkoftheLawCourtshallforthwithsendtoeachpartyandtotheclerkofthecourtinwhichsentencewasimposedacopyoftheordergrantingtheapplication,togetherwithawrittennoticeoftheLawCourtdocketnumberandthedatewithinwhichanyfurtherrecordonappealmustbefiled. (h) AppealProcessing.Theordergrantingtheapplicationtoallowanappealofsentenceshallhavethesameeffectforappealprocessschedulingasanoticeof appealpursuant toRule2A(b)(1). A sentenceappeal in theLawCourt after an application for leave to appeal is granted shall proceed inaccordance with the general appeal provisions of Maine Rules of AppellateProcedure, except that any party desiring transcripts of the proceeding notalreadyinthefileshallfileatranscriptorderformwithin7daysafternoticethatleavetoappealhasbeengranted.IfanappealispendingpursuanttoRule2A involving the same criminal judgment, the sentence appeal shall beconsideredaspartofthatappeal. (i) Relief.IftheLawCourt,pursuantto15M.R.S.§2156,remandsthecasetothecourtinwhichsentencewasimposedforfurtherproceedingsandresentencingorsolelyforresentencing,anyjusticeorjudgeofthatcourtmayactthereon,unlesstheLawCourtotherwisedirects.

RestylingNotes–June2017

Rule20wasnotsubjecttorevision,exceptforchangingthecalculationofthe42-daydeadlineforfilingareporter’stranscripttoconformtothechangein inRule6(c)(1),andminorediting andcitationcorrection, in therestylingprocess.

136

__________________________________________________________________

[AdvisoryNotestoRule20offormerMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure]

AdvisoryNote–August2015

BecauseoftheadoptionoftheMaineRulesofUnifiedCriminalProcedure,effective throughout theStateofMaineasof July1,2015, all referencesandcitations to theMaineRulesofCriminalProcedurehavebeen replacedwithreferencesandcitationstotheMaineRulesofUnifiedCriminalProcedure. All references to the Maine Revised Statutes Annotated in the MaineRules of Appellate Procedure are updated to refer to the Maine RevisedStatutes.

AdvisoryNotes–October15,2001

Thediscretionarysentencereviewprocessgovernsappealofsentencesofone-yearormorewherethedefendantclaimsthatthesentenceisexcessiveorinappropriate.Statev.Ricker,2001ME76,¶18,770A.2d1021,1026-27.Asentence of any length may be appealed as a matter of right where thedefendantclaimsthatthesentenceis illegal, imposedinanillegalmannerorbeyondthejurisdictionofthecourt,wheretheillegalityappearsplainlyintherecord. Id., State v. White, 2001 ME 65, ¶ 3, 769 A.2d 827, 828; State v.Cunningham,1998ME167,¶5,715A.2d156,157. Rule20oftheMaineRulesofAppellateProceduregovernsdiscretionaryappeals of sentences of one-year or more addressed in 15 M.R.S.A.§§2151-2157.Rule20replacesM.R.Crim.P.40,40A,40Band40C.Personswhomay seek sentence reviews pursuant toRule20 arepersonswhohavebeensentencedtoasentenceofone-yearormore,wherethesentenceisnotmandatoryandnotasentencebyagreementinaccordancewithM.R.Crim.P.11A. Theapplication forappealofsentencemustbe filedwithin21daysofentryofthesentencingorder.M.R.App.P.20(b).

137

Practitionersshouldnotethatsentenceappealsaredistinctfromappealsfromconvictions. If an individual isconvictedand that individualwishes toappealboththeconvictionandthesentencethen:(1)toappealtheconviction,anoticeofappealmustbefiledinaccordancewithM.R.App.P.2(b)(2)(A);and(2)toappealthesentence,theapplicationtoallowanappealofsentencemustbe filed under M.R. App. P. 20. A discretionary sentence appeal is notautomaticallyconsideredaspartofanappealofaconviction.TheLawCourtmuststillengageinitsdiscretionarychoiceastowhetheranallowofasentenceappeal. If the application to allow an appeal of sentence is granted by theSentenceReviewPanel and an appeal of the conviction is also pending, thesentence appeal will be consolidated with the conviction appeal forconsideration. If there is no conviction appeal pending, the merits of thesentencingappealwillbeconsidered independentlyby theLawCourt. Ifanapplication to allow an appeal of sentence is denied by the Law Court, thesentenceappealshallnotproceed,andthedenialoftheapplicationisfinalandsubjecttonofurtherreview.15M.R.S.A.§2152,M.R.App.P.20(f). The application for review of sentence must conform to the JudicialBranchformforsentenceappeals.M.R.App.P.20(a)(2).Itmustbesignedbythedefendantorthedefendant’sattorney.Theapplicationmustbefiledwiththeclerkofthecourtinwhichthesentenceisimposed.Theclerkwillthenmailadatestampedcopyoftheapplicationtothecourtreporter. Whenacourt imposesasentenceforwhichadefendantisqualifiedtoseek sentence review, the defendantmust be advised of the right to seek asentencereview. M.R.App.P.20(a)(3). Ifadefendantisnotrepresentedbycounsel,andrequeststheCourttodoso,theCourtmustcauseanapplicationforreviewofsentencetobepreparedandfiledonbehalfofthedefendant. Rule20(c)coversdocketingofthesentenceappealinthetrialcourtandtheLawCourt. TherulealsospecifiesthematerialsthattheclerkofthetrialcourtistoforwardtotheLawCourtincaseswhereasentenceappealisfiled.Asprovidedin15M.R.S.A.§2157,asentencemaynotbestayed,andbailmaynotbesetpendingasentencereview.Thus,settingofbailorastayofexecutionof sentence is only appropriate in circumstances where an appeal of theconvictionisfiledandastayofsentenceorbailrequestisconsideredpursuant

138

to M.R. Crim.P.38 in connection with the appeal of the conviction, not thesentenceappeal. Rule20(d)provides thatpreparationof thesentencing transcript is toreceiveexpeditedconsideration,withthecourtreporterrequiredtopreparethe transcript within 42 days from receipt of the application for sentencereview. This differs from the 56 days which reporters are usually given toprepare appeal transcripts. See M.R. App. P. 6(c). Reporters may requestextensionsoftimeinappropriatecircumstances. Rule20(e)addressescorrectionormodificationoftherecord.ItbasicallyincorporatestheprovisionsofM.R.App.P.5(e),exceptthatitallowseithertheSentenceReviewPanelortheLawCourt,onitsown,torequestthefilingofasupplementalrecordiftheCourtdeterminesthatthereareadditionalportionsoftherecordthatmayaiditsreviewofthesentence. Rule 20(f) addresses denial of the application for leave to appealsentence,notingitisfinalandnotsubjecttofurtherreview.15M.R.S.A.§2152. Rule 20(g) specifies that, where the Sentence Review Panel grants anapplication to allow appeal of sentence, the Clerk of the Law Court mustpromptlysendtotheclerkofthetrialcourtinwhichthesentencewasimposedacopyoftheordergrantingtheapplication.Acopyoftheorderwouldalsobesent to each party together with a written notice of the Law Court docketnumberandthedatewithinwhichanyfurtherrecordonappealmustbefiled. After the application for leave to appeal is granted, theorder grantingleaveistreatedlikeanoticeofappeal.Rule20(h)specifiesthattheappealshallproceed in the samemanner as any other appeal under theMaine Rules ofAppellate Procedure, except that any party desiring transcripts of theproceedingwhicharenotalreadyinthefilemustfileanadditionaltranscriptorderwithin7daysofthenoticethatleavetoappealhasbeengranted.IfanappealoftheconvictionisalreadypendingunderM.R.App.P.2,thesentenceappeal would be consolidated with that appeal under the same Law Courtdocketnumber. Rule20(i)providesthatwheretheLawCourtgrantsasentenceappealandremandsacase for furtherproceedingsandresentencing,any justiceor

139

judgeofthecourttowhichthematterisremandedmayactontheremandedmatterunlesstheLawCourtotherwisedirects.

RULE21.CRIMINALAPPEALSBYTHESTATE (a) Procedure. Appeals by the State in criminal cases whenauthorizedbystatuteshallbesubjecttothesameprocedureasthatforotherappeals,exceptasprovidedbythisRule. (b) AppealsbytheStateRequiringApprovalofAttorneyGeneral.AstoanyState-initiatedappealrequiringapprovaloftheAttorneyGeneralofMaine,thenoticeofappealshallbeaccompaniedbythewrittenapprovaloftheAttorneyGeneral,whichshallbecomepartoftherecord.Thewrittenapprovalmaybefiledatalaterdate,providedthattheattorneyfortheStatefilingthenoticeofappealstatesinthenoticethattheAttorneyGeneralhasorallystatedthattheapprovalwillbegranted. (c) DismissalofAppeal. TheLawCourtshall,onmotion,orderthedismissalofanappealbroughtpursuanttothisRuleifitfindsthatsuchappealhasnotbeendiligentlyprosecuted. (d) CounselFeesonAppealbytheState.WhenanappealistakenbytheState,theLawCourtshallallowthedefendantreasonablecounselfeesandcostsfordefenseoftheappeal. (e) TollingofAppealPeriod.IftheStatefilesamotionforfindingsoffact and conclusions of law pursuant to M.R.U. Crim. P. 41A(d), the appealperiod shall be tolled during the pendency of the motion. If the motion isgranted,theappealperiodshallbegintorunonceeither(1)writtenfindingsandconclusionsareenteredor (2)anotationreflecting thatno findingsandconclusionshavebeenmadeisenteredonthecriminaldocket.

RestylingNotes–June2017 Rule21wasnotsubjecttosubstantiveeditingintherestylingprocess.Rule21(b)regardingthewrittenapprovaloftheAttorneyGeneralforappealswaseditedtocreateaseparatesentencereferencingthesubsequentfilingofawrittenapproval.

140

__________________________________________________________________

[AdvisoryNotestoRule21offormerMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure]

AdvisoryNote–August2015

BecauseoftheadoptionoftheMaineRulesofUnifiedCriminalProcedure,effective throughout theStateofMaineasof July1,2015, all referencesandcitations to theMaineRulesofCriminalProcedurehavebeen replacedwithreferencesandcitationstotheMaineRulesofUnifiedCriminalProcedure.

AdvisoryNote–October15,2001

M.R.App.P.21(b)isbeingamendedtorecognizethatM.R.Crim.P.76,presentlyreferenced inM.R.App.P.21(b) isbeingabrogatedby theserules.The amendment does not change the present practice that State appeals ofpost-convictionreviewordersneednotbeapprovedbytheAttorneyGeneral.Such appeals may still proceed on initiative of a District Attorney’s office,without approval of the Attorney General. The amendment of the rulerecognizes that Rule 21 governs State initiated appeals which do requireapprovaloftheAttorneyGeneral.

AdvisoryNotes–January1,2001

Rule21 isnearly identical,except forsometechnicalwordchanges, toM.R.Crim.P.37B.ItisamendedtorecognizethatAttorneyGeneralapprovalisnotneededforStateappealsfrompost-convictionjudgments.

RULE22.REVIEWOFRULINGSANDORDERSOFTHEPUBLICUTILITIESCOMMISSION

(a) (1) Review of rulings and orders of the Public UtilitiesCommission,includingapplicationsforreliefpendingfinaldetermination,shallbegovernedbytheseRules. (2) Wheneverastatuteorruleregulatingthetakingofanappealfroma judgment of the trial court in civil actions uses the term “the court,” “theclerk,”orasimilarterm,theyshallforthepurposeofaproceedinggovernedby

141

this Rule be read, respectively, as “the commission,” “the secretary of thecommission,”orotherappropriateterms. (b) On an appeal from the Public Utilities Commission to the LawCourt,theappellantshallpaythefilingfeebycheck,payabletotheClerkoftheLawCourt,tothesecretaryofthecommissionwhenfilingthenoticeofappeal,andthesecretaryofthecommissionshalltransmitthatcheckrepresentingthefilingfeetotheClerkoftheLawCourtalongwiththecertifiedcopyofthenoticeofappealpursuanttoRule3(a).

RestylingNotes–June2017 Rule22issubjecttominoreditingforinternalnumberingintherestylingprocess. It includes no substantive changes. The new Rule 6(d) regardingelectronicordigitalrecordfilingpracticewillapplytomanyRule22appealstotheLawCourt.

__________________________________________________________________

[AdvisoryNotestoRule22offormerMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure]

AdvisoryNotes–January1,2001

Rule22relatingtoreviewofrulingsbythePublicUtilitiesCommissionisidenticaltoM.R.Civ.P.73(h).

RULE23.REVIEWOFDECISIONSOFTHEWORKERS’COMPENSATIONBOARDANDAPPELLATEDIVISION

(a) WhenandHowTaken. (1) ApartyininterestmayseekreviewbytheLawCourtofadecisionoftheWorkers’CompensationBoardoritsAppellateDivisionbyfilingwiththeClerkof theLawCourtacopyofthedecisionwithin20daysafterreceiptofnoticeofthefilingofthedecisionbytheAppellateDivisionortheBoard.Thepartypetitioningforappealshallfilewiththecopyofthedecisionanoticeofappealindicatingthepointsintendedtobeaddressedonappeal.

142

(2) ThepetitioningpartyshallalsopaytotheClerkoftheLawCourttherequiredfilingfee. (3) Withintheoriginal20daysafterreceiptofnoticeofthedecisionorwithin14daysafterthedateofthefirstfilingofanoticeofappealwiththeClerkof the Law Court, any other party in interest may file a notice of appealindicatinganyadditionalpointthattheotherpartymaywishtoaddressinanappeal. (4) Whenmorethanonepartyfilesanoticeofappeal,thepartywhofilesthefirstnoticeofappealshallbedeemedtobethepetitionerforpurposesofapplicationofthisRule. (b) PetitionforAppellateReviewandResponse. (1) FormofPetition. (A) Within20daysofthefilingofthedecisionorthelastfiled,timelynotice of appeal, the petitioner shall file with the Clerk of the Law Court10copiesofapetition forappellatereview,whichshall state theproceduralandfactualhistoryofthecase,theerrorallegedtohavebeencommitted,andthe manner in which the petition meets the criteria for granting appellatereviewstatedinRule23(b)(2). (B) Thepetitionforappellatereviewandanyresponseshallbetypedinatleast14-pointfontwithdoublespacingbetweeneachlineoftypeexceptforblockquotations. Thepetitionandanyresponsefiledbyanyotherpartyshallbeinasingledocumentnotexceeding12pages. (2) ReviewCriteria.TheLawCourtmaygrantapetitionforappellatereviewwhen: (A) Thecaseclearlyraisesanimportantquestionoflawthatshouldbeaddressedbecause(i)thequestionoflawisonethat islikelytorecurunlessresolved, or (ii) there is a need to consider establishing, implementing, orchanginganinterpretationoflaw;or

143

(B) Thedecisiononappealcontainsasubstantialerroronaquestionof lawresulting insubstantialprejudice tooneormoreof theparties to theBoardortheAppellateDivisionproceeding;or (C) The decision on an appeal is affected by a substantial andprejudicialviolationofthestatutoryordueprocessproceduralrightsofoneormoreofthepartiestotheBoardproceeding. (3) NoAppealofFact-Finding.Asprovidedbystatute,thereshallbenoappealuponfindingsoffact. (4) PetitionAttachments.Thereshallbeappendedtothepetitionforappellatereview,acopyofthedecisionoftheAppellateDivisionorWorkers’CompensationBoard,andcopiesofanyotherrelevantdecisionsoftheBoard,theAppellateDivision,ortheformerWorkers’CompensationCommissionthatarenecessarytoevaluatetheissuesraisedinthepetition.FailuretoattachtoapetitionforappellatereviewacopyofthechallengeddecisionoftheAppellateDivision or the Workers’ Compensation Board may result in a summarydismissalofthatpetition. (5) Response.Within14daysanyotherpartyininterestmayfilewiththeClerkoftheLawCourt10copiesofaresponsetothepetitionforappellatereview.Theresponsemaynotexceed10pages. (6) ServiceofCopies.Atthetimeoffilingofapetitionforappellatereviewortheresponsethereto,thepartyfilingthepetitionorresponseshallalso file one copy with the General Counsel of the Workers’ CompensationBoardandserveonecopyoneachoftheotherpartiesininterest. (c) Granting orDenying thePetition forAppellateReview. Thepetition for appellate review shall be granted or denied as provided in39-AM.R.S.§322(3).Ifthepetitionisgranted,theordergrantingthepetitionshallbetreatedasthenoticeofappeal, thefirstpetitionershallbetreatedastheappellant,andtheappealshallproceedinaccordancewiththeseRulesasapplicabletoanappealinacivilaction;exceptthat: (1) IncaseswhenthelegalerrorisapparentonthefaceofthedecisionoftheAppellateDivisionortheBoard,theLawCourtmaysummarilymodifyor

144

vacate the decision and remand to the Appellate Division or the Board forfurtherproceedings. (2) WhentheappealisfromadecisionoftheAppellateDivisionoftheWorkers’CompensationBoardissuedpursuantto39-AM.R.S.§321-B: (A) Theappellantshallpreparetherecordonappealandfiletherecordwith theClerkof theLawCourtwithin35daysafter thedate thepetition isgranted; (B) Theappellantshallfiletheappendixtothebriefs,andbothoftheparties shall file theirbriefs,within14days after the filingof the recordonappealwiththeClerkoftheLawCourt; (C) Eitherpartymayfileareplybriefwithin14daysafterserviceofthebriefoftheotherparty; (D) The record on appeal shall consist of the Appellate Division’sdocketsheet,thehearingofficer’sdocketsheet,allpleadings,transcriptsofallproceedings, all exhibits, all evidence of which the hearing officer or theAppellate Division has taken judicial notice, a copy of the decision of theAppellateDivision,andacopyofthedecisionandfindingsofthehearingofficer. (3) WhentheappealisfromadecisionoftheWorkers’CompensationBoardissuedpursuantto39-AM.R.S.§320: (A) TheExecutiveDirectoroftheWorkers’CompensationBoardshallfiletherecordonappealwiththeClerkoftheLawCourtwithin14daysafterthedatethepetitionisgranted; (B) Theappellantshallfiletheappendixtothebriefsandbothofthepartiesshallfiletheirbriefswithin14daysafterthepetitionisgranted; (C) Eitherpartymayfileareplybriefwithin14daysafterserviceofthebriefoftheotherparty; (D) Therecordonappealshallconsistofthehearingofficer’sdocketsheet,allpleadings,transcriptsofallproceedings,allexhibits,allevidenceof

145

whichthehearingofficerhastakenjudicialnotice,andcopiesofthedecisionandfindingsofthehearingofficerandthedecisionoftheBoard. (4) If after granting a petition for appellate review and afterconsideration of the briefs and any oral argument, the Law Court is of theopinionthatthecriteriastatedinparagraph(b)(2)havenotbeenmetandthatthepetitionwasimprovidentlygranted,theLawCourtmaydismisstheappeal.

AdvisoryNote–May2018

TherestyledMaineRulesofAppellateProcedurechangedthefontsizerequired by Rule 23(b)(1)(B) from 12-point to 14-point for petitions forappellatereview.Thechangetoa12-pagelimitallowspetitionsforappellatereviewtohaveapproximatelythesameamountoftextaswasallowedpriortothechangeinthefontsizerequirement.

RestylingNotes–June2017

Rule 23 is subject to editing for clarification and additional internalseparationandnumberingintherestylingprocess.Itincludesnosubstantivechanges. The 20-day period for filing appeals in Rule 23 is set by statute,39-AM.R.S.§322(1).Therefore,itisnotchangedtoatimeperiodmeasuredinweeklyincrements,asisthepracticewithtimelimitsintheRulesnotcontrolledbystatute.ThetransitionprovisionadoptedwhentheAppellateDivisionwascreatedin2012iseliminated.

__________________________________________________________________

[AdvisoryNotestoRule23offormerMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure]

AdvisoryNote–August2012

EffectiveSeptember1,2012, theWorkers’CompensationActhasbeenamendedbyP.L.2011,ch.647,§§19-21.TheamendmentcreatesanAppellateDivisionwithin theWorkers’ CompensationBoard and requires that partiesseeking to challenge a decision of a single Workers’ Compensation BoardHearingOfficerbring the appeal first to theAppellateDivision. There is nolongerthecapacitytobringadirect,discretionaryappealtotheLawCourtfrom

146

a decision of a single hearing officer. Appeals to the Law Court from theAppellateDivisionortheWorkers’CompensationBoardwouldcontinuetobebroughtasdiscretionaryappealsaccordingtothesamediscretionaryreviewprocess as has existed in the recent past. The amendments to Rule 23accommodate these statutory changes. It should alsobe noted that the lastsentenceinsubdivision(a)ofthepresentrulewasduplicatedinsubdivision(b)(6).Accordingly,thesentenceinsubdivision(a)iseliminated. Thetransitionprovisionrecognizesthattheremaybesomeappealsfromhearing officer decisions published before September 1. The process thatappliedbeforeadoptionoftheseamendmentswouldapplytoappealsofsuchdecisions.ItwouldbeanticipatedthatwhenahearingofficerissuesadecisionbeforeSeptember1,butdecidesamotiontoreconsider,amotiontoamend,orarequestforfurtherfindingsafterSeptember1,thenewpracticeofappealtotheAppellateDivisionwouldgovernappealsofsuchhearingofficerrulings.

AdvisoryNotes–July2003 TheseamendmentstoM.R.App.P.23aredesignedtomoreclearlydefinethe criteria and practices the Law Court will apply in its consideration ofpetitions for appellate review of Workers’ Compensation Board decisions.Authorityforthisrulemakingisprovidedby4M.R.S.A.§8and39-AM.R.S.A.§322(2). Section 322 gives only very general direction as to the nature ofappealsthatmaybeconsideredonpetition,thosebeingappealsthatraisean“errororerrorsoflaw,”§322(1).Thestatutealsodirectsthat:“theremaybenoappealuponfindingsoffact.”§322(3). Inspiteofthisstatutorydirection,manypetitionsforappellatereviewprimarilyseekreviewoffact-findingandmanyothersseektoraiselegalissuesthatarelargelygovernedbyprecedentorstatutorylanguage.TosavetimeandresourcesforpartiescontemplatingappealsandtheCourt,theseamendmentsmore clearly identify the criteria forpetitions for appellate review thatmaymeritseriousconsiderationofthecaseintheCourt’sdiscretionarydecisiontograntordenyappellate reviewon themerits. The amendments also clarifyotherpracticesthatwillbeappliedinconsideringappealsunderM.R.App.P.23. Theamendmenttosubdivision(a)specifiestheappealfilingtimelimitsdirectly in theRule insteadof referencing to the statute. The20days from

147

notice limit for filing the notice of appeal and decision is taken from 39-AM.R.S.A. §322(1). The time limit is based on receipt of notice rather thandocketingduetothelessformaldocketingpracticesofadministrativeagencies.Under current practice, a letter often accompanies the initial filing of thedecisiontobeappealed.Therulechangerequiresanoticeofappeal,indicatingtheanticipatedpointsonappeal,similartothecivilnoticeofappealaddressedinM.R.App.2(a)(2)and5(b)(2)(A).Aspresently,acopyofthedecisionsoughttobeappealedmustbefiledwiththenoticeofappeal. Theamendmentstosubdivision(a)alsocreateanexplicitprocedureforcross-appeals to recognize current practice where cross-appeals regularlyoccur. A party intending to petition for a cross-appealmust file a notice ofappeal indicating intended points on a cross-appeal within the later of theinitial filingperiodor14daysafterthedateofthefilingofthefirstnoticeofappeal.Wherethereismorethanonenoticeofappealfiled,thepartyfirstfilinganoticeofappealisdeemedtobethepetitioner. A petition for appellate review is amemorandum addressingwhy theLawCourtshouldconsiderthemeritsofanappeal. Undersubdivision(b)(1),thepetitionsforappellatereviewfiledbyanypartymustbefiledwithin20daysafterthelaterofthefirstnoticeofappealoranysubsequentandtimelynoticeofappeal.Thischangemayhavetheeffectofextending,byupto14days,thestatutorytimeforfilingpetitionsforreview.However,suchanadjustmentisnecessarytoaccommodateresponsiblecross-appealpracticeandmaybeadoptedby thecourtpursuant to4M.R.S.A.§8.Wherepossible,aparty’spetitioninsupportoftheirappealandresponsetoanyopposingappealshouldbecontainedinasingle10-pagedocument.Theamendment to subdivision (b)(1) also adopts aminimum12-point type sizelimit,similartothatappliedtobriefs,byM.R.App.P.9(f). By the amendments, subdivision (b) is divided into six numberedparagraphs. Paragraph1discussedabove,governsthebasicform,contentandtimingfor petitions for appellate review and indicates that such petitions shouldaddressthecriteriastatedinparagraph2.

148

Paragraph2statesthereviewcriteria,whichtheLawCourtwillconsiderimportant ifapetitionistobegranted. Thus,apetitionforappellatereviewmaybegrantedunder(A)whenthecasecleanlyraisesanimportantquestionoflawthatshouldbeaddressedbecause(i)thequestionoflawisonethatislikelytorecurunlessresolved,or(ii)thereisaneedtoconsiderestablishing,implementingorchanginganinterpretationoflaw.Theemphasisin(A)isonimportantquestionsofinterpretationoflaworchangesininterpretationoflawthatwillhavegeneralsignificanceinWorkers’CompensationLawpractice.Thelegal issue must be cleanly raised; meaning that procedural problems orfact-findingshouldnotpreventreachingthelegalissuedirectly. Under (B) an appeal may be allowed when the decision on appealindicatesasignificanterrorinapplicationofastatuteorprecedentwhenthelawasappliedbytheBoardorahearingofficeriscomparedwiththeoverallobjectivesandgoalsoftheWorkers’CompensationLaw.SubstantialprejudicetoapartytotheBoardproceedingmustalsobedemonstrated. Subparagraph(C)lookstotheproceduresinaparticularcase.Anappealmay be allowed under (C) if there has been a substantial and prejudicialviolationofthestatutoryordueprocessrightsofoneormoreoftheparties.Ashowingofactualprejudicewouldbecriticaltosupportconsiderationofanyappealbasedonaclaimedproceduralviolation. Paragraph 3,which reflects the terms of the current rule, emphasizesthat, pursuant to § 322(3), the Court may not consider appeals contestingfindingsoffact. Theamendmenttoparagraph(b)(4)emphasizespresentrequirementsthat copies of the challenged decision and other relevant decisionsmust beattachedtothepetitionforappellatereview.Despitetheserequirements,therehas been a significant problem with petitions being filed without requisitedecisionsattached.Thisrequirementmaybeenforcedmorevigorouslyinthefuture, resulting in summary dismissal of petitions that do not have thechallengeddecisionsattached.Attacheddecisionsmustincludetheparticulardecisionfromwhichtheappealissoughtandanyearlierdecisions,whicheffecteligibility,benefitcalculation,resjudicata,ortimelinessissuesinthedecisiontobeappealed.

149

Thenewsubdivision(c)(1)reflectscurrentpracticethatwhereanerroris clear, upon facial review of a petition for appellate review and any othermaterialsincludingtheBoardDecision,theLawCourtmay,onsomeoccasions,summarily modify or vacate and remand, saving the parties the time andexpenseofacompleteappealprocess. Except for being renumbered, subdivisions (c)(2) and (c)(3) areunchangedfromsubdivisions(c)(1)and(c)(2)inthecurrentrule. Thenewsubdivision(c)(4)statesthattheLawCourtmaylaterdismissanappealthatwasoriginallyallowedifitappearsafterbriefingthatthecriteriaforgrantinganappealarenolongerservedbyreachingthemeritsoftheappealandthattheappealwasimprovidentlyallowed.Thismayoccurwhen(i)closerreview of the case indicates procedural, fact-finding or case organizationproblemsthatpreventtheCourtfromdirectlyaddressingtheanticipatedlegalissue,(ii)subsequentdevelopmentsinthecaseorrelatedtothecaserenderthelegalissuemootoroflesserconsequencethanwhentheappealwasallowed,or (iii) the quality of the parties briefing of the issues indicates insufficientpreparationorattentiontotheimportantlegalmattersoriginallypresentedintheappeal. Workers’CompensationLawisahighlyspecializedareaoflaw.Qualitybriefing of issues is vital to adequate appellate review. Briefing of the legalissuesafterapetitionforappellatereviewhasbeengrantedshouldaddresstheprocedural and factual history of the case, including any prior decisions ororders in the case that may have significance. The legal argument shouldconsider, where relevant, several sources of authorities, including:(A)statutory language; (B) case law from Maine; (C) Board Rules;(D)legislativehistoryofthestatuteatissue;(E)judicialopinionsandstatutesinotherjurisdictionsaddressingtheissue,ifany;(F)workers’compensationlaw treatises; and (G) interpretations of similar statutory language by theformer Workers’ Compensation Commission Appellate Division, whenparticularlyappropriate.

AdvisoryNotes–January1,2001

Rule23relatingtoreviewofWorkers’CompensationdecisionsisnearlyidenticaltoM.R.Civ.P.73(i).TheonlysignificantdifferencesarethatthedatefortheappellanttofiletherecordwiththeLawCourtinparagraph3(c)(1)(A)

150

ischangedfrom40to35daysandthedatefortheExecutiveDirectoroftheWorkers’CompensationBoardtofiletherecordonappealwiththeClerkoftheLawCourtinparagraph3(c)(2)(A)ischangedfrom10to14days.

RULE24.REPORTOFCASES

(a) Report by Agreement of Important or Doubtful Questions.Whenthetrialcourtisoftheopinionthataquestionoflawpresentedtoitisofsufficient importance or doubt to justify a report to the Law Court fordetermination,itmaysoreportwhen: (1) allpartiesappearingagreetothereport; (2) thereisagreementastoallfactsmaterialtotheappeal;and (3) the decision thereon would, in at least one alternative, finallydisposeoftheaction. (b) [Reserved] (c) ReportofInterlocutoryRulings.IfthetrialcourtisoftheopinionthataquestionoflawinvolvedinaninterlocutoryorderorrulingmadebyitoughttobedeterminedbytheLawCourtbeforeanyfurtherproceedingsaretaken,itmayonmotionoftheaggrievedpartyreportthecasetotheLawCourtforthatpurposeandstayallfurtherproceedingsexceptsuchasarenecessarytopreservetherightsofthepartieswithoutmakinganydecisiontherein. (d) DeterminationbytheLawCourt.AnyactionreportedpursuanttothisRuleshallbeenteredintheLawCourtandproceedasanyotherappeal,withtheplaintifforthepartyaggrievedbyareportedinterlocutoryrulingbeingtreatedastheappellant.Inacivilcase,theappellantshallpaythefeeforfilingofanoticeofappealpromptlyfollowingentryoftheorderofreport.

RestylingNotes–June2017 In current Rule 24 regarding report of cases, Rule 24(a) and (b) areessentiallyduplicative. CurrentRule24(a)purportstoaddressimportantordoubtfulquestionsoflaw;currentRule24(b)purportstoaddressissuesoflawrelating to agreed facts. However, both address reports of what were

151

essentiallyquestionsoflaw.Intherestyling,currentRule24(a)isreorganized,without substantive change, and the duplication in current Rule24(b) iseliminated. Rule 24(c) addresses reports when parties may not be inagreement on the report of the interlocutory ruling. When facts are not indispute,themattercanbesubmittedtotheLawCourtonreport,assumingitotherwisequalifiesforconsideration.Ifthereareanymaterialfactsindispute,themattercannotbereferredtotheLawCourtuntilthefactualdisputeshavebeenresolvedbyafinaljudgmentinthetrialcourt.

__________________________________________________________________

[AdvisoryNotestoRule24offormerMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure]

AdvisoryNotes-September10,2001

Theseamendmentstosubdivisions(a)and(b)clarifysomewhatarchaiclanguagethatwascarriedoverfromformerM.R.Civ.P.72(a)and(b).

AdvisoryNotes–January1,2001 Rule24relatingtoreportofcases,tracksverycloselyM.R.Civ.P.72andM.R.Crim.P.37A.Incivilcases,theappealfeemustbepaid“promptly”afterentryoftheorderofreport. Subdivision (b), relating to report on agreed facts does not have acomparableprovisioninM.R.Crim.P.37A.However,thereappearsnogoodreasonnottomakeavailabilityofareportonagreedfactsequalforcriminalandcivilcases.

RULE25.CERTIFICATIONOFQUESTIONSOFLAWBYFEDERALCOURTSTOTHELAWCOURT

(a) WhenCertified.WhenitshallappeartotheSupremeCourtoftheUnitedStatesortoanyoftheCourtsofAppealsorDistrictCourtsoftheUnitedStatesthatthereareinvolvedinanyproceedingbeforeitoneormorequestionsoflawofthisStatethatmaybedeterminativeofthecauseandthatthereisnoclearcontrollingprecedentinthedecisionsoftheSupremeJudicialCourt,suchfederalcourtmay,uponitsownmotionoruponrequestofanyinterestedparty,

152

certifysuchquestionsoflawofthisStatetotheSupremeJudicialCourtsittingastheLawCourt,forinstructionsconcerningsuchquestionsofstatelaw. (b) ContentsofCertificate.Thecertificateprovidedforhereinshallcontainthenameanddocketnumberofthecase,astatementoffactsshowingthenatureofthecaseandthecircumstancesoutofwhichthequestionoflawarises,andthequestionorquestionsoflawtobeanswered.SubjecttootherdirectionbytheSupremeJudicialCourt,thecertificateshallalsospecifywhichpartyshallbetreatedastheappellantintheproceedingsbeforetheSupremeJudicialCourt. (c) PreparationofCertificate. The certificatemaybepreparedbystipulationorasdirectedbythecertifyingfederalcourt.Whenpreparedandsignedby thepresiding judgeof the federalcourt,12copies thereofshallbecertified to the Supreme Judicial Courtby the clerk of the federal court andunderitsofficialseal.TheSupremeJudicialCourtmay,initsdiscretion,requiretheoriginalorcopiesofalloranyportionoftherecordbeforethefederalcourtto be filed with said certificate where, in its opinion, such record may benecessaryinansweringanycertifiedquestionoflaw. (d) CostsofCertificate.ThecostsofthecertificateandfilingfeeshallbeequallydividedamongthepartiesunlessotherwiseorderedbytheSupremeJudicialCourt. (e) HearingBeforetheLawCourt.Forthepurposeofmeasuringthetimeforfilingbriefsandforholdingtheoralargument,thefilinganddocketingofthecertificateintheSupremeJudicialCourtshallbetreatedthesameasthefilinganddocketingoftherecordonanappealfromthetrialcourtpursuanttoRule7.Fromthefilinganddocketingofthecertificate,themattershallproceedasanyappealpursuanttotheseRules. (f) InterventionbytheState.WhentheconstitutionalityofanactoftheLegislatureofthisStateaffectingthepublic interest isdrawninquestionupon such certification towhich the State ofMaine or an officer, agency, oremployee thereof is not a party, the Supreme Judicial Court shall notify theAttorney General and shall permit the State of Maine to intervene forpresentationofbriefsandoralargumentonthequestionofconstitutionality.

153

RestylingNotes–June2017 Rule 25 is subject to minor editing for clarification in the restylingprocess.Itincludesnosubstantivechanges.

__________________________________________________________________

[AdvisoryNotestoRule25offormerMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure]

AdvisoryNotes–January1,2001

Rule25 is identical toM.R.Civ.P.76B. Itestablishes thestructure forcertification of questions of law from the Federal Courts to the Law Court.Thereisnocomparableprovisioninthecriminalrules,buttherewouldappearto be no good reason why the authorization for certification of questionspursuant to 4 M.R.S.A. § 57 would not cover criminal cases. One wouldanticipate thatcertificationofquestions incriminalcaseswouldberare,butsuchcouldoccur.