maine rules of appellate procedure introductory …notes that while such interlocutory appeals are...

STATEOFMAINESUPREMEJUDICIALCOURTAMENDMENTSTOTHE

MAINERULESOFAPPELLATEPROCEDURE

2017Me.Rules07

Effective:September1,2017

All of the Justices concurring therein, the following amendmentsrestylingtheMaineRulesofAppellateProcedureareadoptedtobeeffectiveonthedateindicatedabove. Thespecificamendmentsarestatedbelow. Toaid in the understanding of the amendments, an Introductory Note to the2017restylingoftheRulesappearsbeforethetextoftherestyledRules,andRestylingNotesappearafterthetextofeachrestyledRule.TheIntroductoryNote and the Restyling Notes state the reasons for recommending therestylingamendments,buttheIntroductoryNoteandtheRestylingNotesarenotpartoftheamendmentsadoptedbytheCourt. 1. TheIntroductoryNotetothe2017restylingoftheMaineRulesofAppellate Procedure describing the history of theMaine Rules of AppellateProcedure, the purposes of the restyling, and the significant substantivechangesintheRulesisadoptedtoreadasfollows:


INTRODUCTORYNOTE:2017RESTYLING

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

1 Statewide adoption of the Maine Rules of Unified Criminal Procedure in 2015 resulted in

further reduction of appeals from the District Court to the Superior Court by eliminatingintermediateorfinalappealstotheSuperiorCourtinbailandprobationrelatedmatters.

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The 2001 changes required significant adjustment of practices fortaking most appeals from the District Court. To simplify the transition inappellate practice, the Supreme Judicial Court elected to develop theMaineRules of Appellate Procedure utilizing appeal provisions from the thenexisting Maine Rules of Civil Procedure and Maine Rules of CriminalProcedure. Except for a completelynewrule governingdevelopmentof theappendix, M.R. App. P. 8, the new rules generally tracked provisions thatappeared in either the Civil Rules, the Criminal Rules, or a combination ofboth. TheruledraftingstyleoftheCivilRulesandCriminalRules,transitionedintotheMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure,wasbasedondraftingpracticesof the 1950s through the 1970s, when each of the major Maine rulesgoverning court practice and ethics practice was developed. That draftingpractice included rules thatweredividedby rulenumber, subdivisions, andthen paragraphs, but withmany relatively long paragraphs that sometimesincluded, under a single paragraph heading, sentences addressing severalissueswithoutfurthernumberingorseparationwithintheparagraphs. Thisdraftingstylehad theadvantageofaggregatingunderoneheading therulesdirections related to that heading. However, the individual rules directionswithintheparagraphsweremoredifficulttoidentifyandcouldbemissedbyattorneysandmembersofthepublicwhowerenotthoroughlyfamiliarwithrulespractice. Inthepastdecade,severalinitiatives,nationallyandwithintheStateofMaine,havefocusedonmakingcourtrulesmoreunderstandabletothebench,thebar,andthepublicbymodernizingthelanguageofrulesthatwerebasedon practice and experience from the 1950s through the 1970s. Besidesmodernizinglanguage,changesincludedrevisinglargeparagraphstoseparateeachdirectionwithin theparagraphs into individuallynumbered,orat leastindividually separated, provisions. On some subjects, the American BarAssociationdeveloped revisedmodel rules for areas suchas attorneyethicsand professional conduct, attorney discipline and enforcement, and judicialconduct. TheABAdraftswereutilized, ineachinstancewithadjustmentstorecognize differences in Maine practice, to develop the Maine Rules ofProfessionalConduct,adoptedin2009,therevisedMaineBarRules,adoptedin2015,andtherevisedMaineCodeofJudicialConduct,alsoadoptedin2015.

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AseparateinitiativeledtotherestylingoftheFederalRulesofEvidence,effective in 2012. This restyling resulted in division of large paragraphscontaining several directions into separate smaller subdivisions focused onone subject or direction in implementing the rules. The Maine Rules ofEvidencehadbeenbasedontheFederalRulesofEvidence.AfteradoptionoftherestyledFederalRulesofEvidence,theAdvisoryCommitteeontheMaineRules of Evidence initiated a restyling of the Maine Rules of Evidence,implementing the more modern language and drafting practices, and therestyledsetofruleswasadopted,effectiveJanuary1,2015. TheMaineSupremeJudicialCourtinitiatedreviewoftheMaineRulesofCriminalProcedure,necessitatedbythestatewideimplementationofUnifiedCriminal Dockets. The unification of criminal processes began with rulesinitiatives in Cumberland County in 2009 and continued progressivelythroughseveralothercountiesuntilstatewideadoptionoftheMaineRulesofUnifiedCriminalProcedurein2015. Followingtheseotherrulerevisions,in2015theSupremeJudicialCourtinitiated a restylingof theMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure tobring intoappellatepracticethemoremodernlanguageanddraftingstylerecognizedinother recent rule revisions. The draft restyled Maine Rules of AppellateProcedure, developedwith the assistanceof theAdvisoryCommitteeon theMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure, incorporatemoremodernlanguageandthegreaterinternalparagraphseparationandnumberingpracticeutilizedinother rules revisions. Like the restyled Rules of Evidence, this revisiongenerally tracks the numbering of the existing rules to aid in reading andunderstanding the restyled rules and identifying relevant precedentaddressingeachrule. Within this restyling, several numbering changes are of note. Rule 2,which addressed several different issues, is separated into three rules:Rule2A addressing the notice of appeal and filing the appeal; Rule 2Baddressing the time for filing an appeal and extension of time for filing anappealupon timely filingof certainmotions;andRule2C,applicable to civilcases, addressing cross-appeals, multi-party appeals, and appeal bonds.Rule8, controlling drafting of the appendix to the briefs, is reorganized toplaceitsmostimportantrequirementsearlierintheRulestructure.Whatwasformerly Rule 9 relating to form and content of briefs becomes Rule7A toimmediately follow Rule 7. This puts the two rules that address briefing

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together within the body of the rules. What were formerly Rule 15,addressing time computation, and Rule 16, addressing definitions, areredesignatedasRules1Aand1Btoappearatthestartoftherevisedrules,astheirtermsgoverntherulesthatfollow. TherearesomesubstantivechangestorecognizemattersidentifiedasaresultofpracticeimplementingtheMaineRulesofAppellateProcedureoverthe past two decades, and to recognize modernization of practice in otherMaine Rules or the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure as applied in theFirstCircuit. The substantive changes within the restyling of the Maine Rules ofAppellateProcedureareasfollows: 1. Theneedtoidentifypotentialissuesonappealaspartofthefilingof thenoticeofappeal fromacivil judgment,stated incurrentRules2(a)(2)and 5(b)(2), is eliminated. In practice, this requirement proved notparticularly useful, and sometimes counterproductive, aswhen an appeal isprosecutedordefendedbyadifferentattorneythanhandledthematterinthetrialcourt. 2. Rule2A(b)(2)isnewandaddressesappearancesbycounseloranunrepresentedpartyinanappeal.TheRuleisdesignedtoreduceuncertaintyastowhichparties,otherthanappellants,whowerepartiestoatrialcourtoradministrativeproceeding that is subject toanappealwillparticipate in theappeal. 3. Rule 2A(e) adds a clarification that documents returned by thetrial court clerk as insufficient are not deemed to be filed for purpose ofcalculatingcompliancewithanytimelimits.ThisclarificationreflectscurrentpracticebuthadnotbeenstatedintheAppellateRules. 4. Former Rules 2(b)(2) and 2(b)(3), restyled as Rules 2B(b) and2B(c), areamended to clarify that there isnoneed to fileanoticeof appealfromanoriginal judgmentwhile timelypost-judgmentmotions, listed in theRules,arependinginthetrialcourt.Anappealcaninsteadbetakenfromtheorderon thatpost-judgmentmotion,within21daysafter itsentry,and thatsinglenoticeofappeal,followingrulingonthepost-judgmentmotion,willbe

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treatedasanappeal fromboththeoriginal judgmentandthepost-judgmentorder. Inthealternative,anoticeofappealcanbefiledwithin21daysaftertheentry into the docket of the original judgment, and the subsequent timelyfiling of certain post-judgment motions does not render ineffective thepreviously filed notice of appeal. The previously filed notice of appealpreserves for review any claimof error in the original judgment and in theorder of the post-judgment motion. Former Rule 2(b)(4), relating topreservation of issues in an appeal filed after a ruling on a post-judgmentmotion isremoved,andthecontent is insteadmadepartofRules2B(b)and2B(c). 5. Rule2B(a)(2)isadded,indicatingthatpartieswhoarepresentincourtwhenaparticularfinaljudgmentorothercourtactionisannouncedbythecourtorwho,whileatthecourthouseafterthecourt’sannouncement,signadocumentsignifyingacknowledgmentofthecourt’saction,arepresumedtohave learned of the entry of judgment at that time. The amendment isdesigned tominimize claims of lack of knowledge of entry of judgments atlatertimeswhenappealdeadlinesmayhavebeenmissedandpartiesseektoeitherreopenorcollaterallyattackajudgment. 6. Rule2C(a)(1)clarifieswhenanappelleemust fileacross-appealto preserve an issue. If a change in the judgment is sought, a cross-appealmustbefiled. 7. Rule3 isamendedtoclarifythatthetrialcourtretainsauthorityto act on certain post-judgmentmotions, as provided by Rule 3(c), withoutleave of the Law Court. Rule 3(d) is added to outline the procedure forseeking leave of the Law Court to permit trial court action not otherwisepermittedbyRule3(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,whicharealreadyaddressed in the rule. Adding the reference tomotions to dismiss creates no approval for interlocutory appeals. It only

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notes that while such interlocutory appeals are pending, trial courtconsiderationofthecasecancontinue. 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-appeals that are recognized in the Federal Rules, but have notpreviouslybeenrecognizedintheMaineRules. 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),reference is made directly to M.R. Civ. P. 91(f)(2), addressing thecircumstancesinwhich,forindigentparties,arecordingorstatementinlieuofatranscriptmaybesubmittedinlieuofatranscriptforpartieswhorequestsuchandarequalifiedforsuchinthetrialcourtpursuanttoM.R.Civ.P.91(f). 12. Rule6(a)(1)isrevisedtointroducea28-dayperiodinwhichthetrial court clerk will retain the trial court record for most appeals. Thepurpose of the change, concurrent with amendment to Rule 3(b)-(d) andRule6(a)(2),istoholdtherecordinthetrialcourttoallowforthefilingandtrialcourtresolutionoftimelypost-judgmentmotionslistedinRules2B(b)(2)and2B(c)(2). AspartofthechangeinthetimeforfilingtherecordintheLawCourt,theRuleisalsoamendedtoclarifythattherecordinextraditionappealsmustbefiledwithin7daysafterfilingofthenoticeofappeal. Theamendmenttorestyled Rule 6(a)(3) also clarifies that the trial court record may betemporarily retained for an additional period of time, by order of the trialcourt or stipulation of the parties, when such a retention is necessary, forexample,toaccomplishtrialcourtactionpermittedbyRule3(c)oftheserules. 13. Rule 6(b)-(d) is subject to significant editing to recognizemoremodern issues and developments relating to preparing records and the

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context of records, particularly the treatment of videos anddigital evidenceand themeans bywhich such videos and digital evidencemay be preparedandtransmittedtotheLawCourt. Further,theportionoftheruleregardingwhatmay be retained in the trial court is expanded to include other itemsthat, absent court order or apparentneed, shouldbe retainedwith the trialcourtfileratherthantransmittedaspartoftheappealtotheLawCourt. 14. Rule 6(d) is added, addressing direct appeals to the Law Courtfrom 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 digitalrecorditselfmustincludeasearchfeaturepermittingsearchesfordocumentsoritemsintherecordbyindexnumberortitleandbykeywordswithinthedocument. 15. The Track A briefing schedule in Rule 7(b)(1) is expanded toinclude appeals of any parentage proceeding as defined in the MaineParentageAct. 16. In the briefing schedule for those appeals not subject to theTrackAbriefingschedule,Rule7(b)(2),thetwo-weektimeforareplybriefischangedtothreeweeksinconsiderationofdelaysthatmaybeencounteredinreceivinganappellee’sbrief. 17. Standardsforfilingandconsiderationofamotiontoexpediteanappealareadded toRule7(b)(4). Amotion toexpeditemaybe filed inanyappeal,ratherthanjustinTrackBappeals,asincurrentRule7(b)(2). 18. Rule7A(a)(6)adoptsalistofitemsthatmaynotbeincludedinorattached toabrief. A similar limitationapplies to theappendixpursuant toRule8(g)(1)-(3). 19. The length limits for briefs are placed in one paragraph,Rule7A(f)(1), rather thanbeingstatedseparately foreachcategoryofbriefsfiled.Theallowablelengthofabriefisreducedfrom50pagesto40pagesforthe principal brief of an appellant, an appellee, or an amicus and from20pages to 15 pages for any reply brief. Word limits are added as analternativewaytomeasurelengthofbriefs:10,000wordsforaprincipalbrief,

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4,500wordsforareplybrief.A50-pageor13,000-wordlimitisadoptedforanappellee’sbriefthatalsosupportsthatappellee’scross-appeal.A30-pageor 9,000-word limit is adopted for an appellant’s reply brief that alsoaddressesanappellee’scross-appeal.Aspresently,longerbriefsmaybefiled,butonlywithapprovaloftheCourtuponashowingofgoodcause. The40-and15-page limitscompareto 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,havepagesizeandformatrequirementssimilartothoseinthe 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 line limit(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. Rule 7A(i)(2) is amended to require the filing of one electroniccopyofeachbrief,ratherthanbeingoptionalasinthepresentRule.SeeFirstCircuitLocalRule32.0(a)(requiring,whenapartyisrepresentedbycounsel,the filing of one copy of a brief over 10 pages in length on a “computerreadabledisk”). 22. Rule 7A(j) is adopted to recognize current practice allowing aparty to an appeal to submit a letter indicating supplemental or newlydiscoveredauthoritiestosupportanappealuptothetimeoforalargumentorsixweeksafterthedeadlineforfilingtheappellee’sbriefinanappealinwhichoral argument has not been scheduled. This amendment, and its 350-wordlimit, is similar to Fed. R. App. P. 28(j), though the Federal Rule allowssubmission of post-argument briefs by permitting such letters anytime“before decision.” The draftwould allow post-argument filings only on theinvitationoftheCourt. 23. Becauseofthefrequencyofobservedproblemsincomplyingwiththe directions in the Rules regarding the appendix, Rule 8 is significantly

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reorganized.ThemandatoryitemsthatmustbeincludedintheappendixarenowidentifiedinRule8(d)and(e).Themandatoryitemsarealsoexpandedto include pre- or post-judgmentmotions that are at issue on appeal,wills,deeds,leases,trusts,orinsurancepoliciesthatareatissueonappeal,guardianad litem reports, if any, when parental rights are at issue on appeal, 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)ofadultssubject to a guardianship or mental health commitment proceeding, or(C)thatdepictnudityor sexualor sexualizedacts; and, for casesother thanchildprotectiveproceedings,anydocumentsmadeconfidentialbystatuteorcourtorderandnotrequiredtobe includedintheappendixbysubdivisions(d)or(e). 25. Rule10(a)(2)isadoptedtorequirethatanattorneyrepresentingapartyinanappealwhoseeksanextensionoftimeoradelayofmorethan7days,orwhoseeksacontinuanceofanyscheduledhearing,oralargument,orothercourtproceeding,mustnotifythepartyrepresentedbythatattorneyoftherequestforanextensionoftimeorcontinuance. 26. Aswithbriefs, theamendedRule10(d) requires that the textofmotions, other than footnotes or quotations, must be in 14-point font. SeeFed. R. App. P. 27(d)(1) (cross-referencing to the page formattingrequirementsforbriefs). 27. Rule13(b)(1) isamended to limit recoverablecosts forbriefs to70 pages for a principal brief and 20 pages for a reply brief. The currentRule13(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, or a temporary or permanent injunction shall issue theday of orthedayafterdecision.Concurrentlywiththischange,theprocesstostaythemandateorotherwiseseekfurtherreviewaftercertificationisclarified.

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2. The Maine Rules of Appellate Procedure are repealed andreplacedtoreadasfollows:

STATEOFMAINESUPREMEJUDICIALCOURT


TABLEOFCONTENTS

I. GENERALAPPEALPROCEEDINGSRULE1. SCOPEOFRULESRULE1A. TIMECOMPUTATIONRULE1B. DEFINITIONS RULE2A. NOTICEANDFILINGOFAPPEAL RULE2B. TIMEFORAPPEALRULE2C. MULTIPLEAPPEALSANDBONDSINCIVILCASES RULE3. DOCKETINGTHEAPPEALANDFURTHERTRIALCOURTACTION RULE4. DISMISSALOFTHEAPPEAL RULE5. RECORDONAPPEAL RULE6. FILINGTHERECORDWITHTHELAWCOURT RULE7. SCHEDULEFORBRIEFINGANDCONSIDERATIONRULE7A. BRIEFS:FORMANDCONTENT RULE8. APPENDIXTOTHEBRIEFS RULE9. [RESERVED]

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RULE10. MOTIONSANDOTHERPAPERSINTHELAWCOURT RULE11. CONSIDERATIONBYTHELAWCOURT RULE12. COMPOSITION, CONCURRENCE, AND SESSIONS OF THE LAW

COURTRULE12A. THECLERKOFTHELAWCOURTRULE12B. PUBLICACCESSTOPROCEEDINGSANDRECORDS RULE13. COSTSANDINTERESTONJUDGMENTSINCIVILCASES RULE14. MANDATE; RECONSIDERATION; AND SUSPENSION OF THE

RULESINTHELAWCOURT RULE15.–18. [RESERVED] II. SPECIALAPPEALPROCEEDINGSRULE19. DISCRETIONARYCRIMINALAPPEALS RULE20. APPEALOFSENTENCE RULE21. CRIMINALAPPEALSBYTHESTATE RULE22. REVIEW OF RULINGS AND ORDERS OF THE PUBLIC UTILITIES

COMMISSION RULE23. REVIEW OF DECISIONS OF THE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

BOARDANDAPPELLATEDIVISION RULE24. REPORTOFCASES RULE25. CERTIFICATION OF QUESTIONS OF LAW BY FEDERAL COURTS

TOTHELAWCOURT

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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. The restyled Maine Rules of Appellate Procedure shall apply to allappealsinwhichthenoticeofappealisfiledonorafterSeptember1,2017.

RestylingNotes–June2017

Rule1ischangedtoaddreferencestotheUnifiedCriminalDockets,theBusinessandConsumerDocket,andquestionscertifiedbythefederalcourtsandtoindicateaSeptember1,2017,effectivedatefortherestyledrules.

RULE1A.TIMECOMPUTATION

IncomputinganyperiodoftimeprescribedorallowedbytheseRules,by order of court, or by any applicable statute, the day of the act, event, ordefault afterwhich the designatedperiod of timebegins to run is not to beincluded.Thelastdayoftheperiodsocomputedistobeincluded,unlessitisaSaturday,aSunday,oralegalholiday, inwhicheventtheperiodrunsuntiltheendofthenextdaywhichisnotaSaturday,aSunday,oralegalholiday. When the period of time prescribed or allowed is 6 days or fewer,intermediateSaturdays, Sundays, legalholidays, anddayswhen,byorderofthe Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, pursuant to M.R.U. Crim. P.54(b)orM.R.Civ.P.77(c),theclerk’sofficeisclosed,shallbeexcludedinthecomputation. 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.

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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” in M.R. Civ. P. 6(a) is replaced with the term “6 days or fewer” inRule1A to reduce the potential confusion as to the counting rules thatmayapplytoatimeperiodof7days. Seven-dayorone-weekincrementsarethemost common basis for time calculations in the Maine Rules of AppellateProcedure. Inaddition,court-orderedclosuresonregularbusinessdaysaredirectlyaddressed intheRule. Also, theeffectofaclosureof theLawCourtClerk’s Office before 4:00 p.m. on a regular business day is specificallyaddressed.

RULE1B.DEFINITIONS UnlessspecifiedtothecontrarybystatuteortheseRules,thefollowingwords,wheneverusedintheseRulesshallhavethefollowingmeanings: (a) The term “appellant’s attorney” or “appellee’s attorney” or anylike term shall include the party appearing without counsel, and the word“appellant” or “appellee” or any like term shall include the party appearingwithcounsel. (b) The word “court” or “trial court” shall include any UnifiedCriminalDocket,theBusinessandConsumerDocket,anyjudgeoftheProbateCourt, any judgeof theDistrictCourt, any justiceof the SuperiorCourt, anysingle justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, and any administrative agencyfromwhichanappealliesdirectlytotheLawCourt. (c) The term “plaintiff’s attorney” or “defendant’s attorney” or anylike term shall include the party appearing without counsel, and the word

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“plaintiff” or “defendant” or any like term shall include the party appearingwithcounsel. (d) The word “reporter” means a court reporter, the Office ofTranscriptOperations,oratranscriberofanelectronicallyrecordedrecord.

RestylingNotes–June2017 Rule1BisformerRule16relatingtotimecomputations.Theprincipalchanges fromRule16render thenumberingof subdivisionsconsistentwiththerestof therulesandaddreference toaUnifiedCriminalDocketand theBusiness and Consumer Docket in addressing the definition of “trial court”andaddareferencetotheOfficeofTranscriptOperationsinthedefinitionoftheword“reporter.”

RULE2A.NOTICEANDFILINGOFAPPEAL

(a) CommencingAppeal. Reviewofanycriminalorcivil judgment,order,orrulingoftheDistrictCourt,theSuperiorCourt,anyUnifiedCriminalDocket, theProbateCourts, or a single justiceof theSupreme JudicialCourtthatisbylawreviewablebytheLawCourtshallbebyappeal. (b) NoticeandAppearances. (1) Notice. The appeal shall be commenced by filing a notice ofappealwith theclerkof the trial court fromwhich theappeal is taken. Thenoticeofappealshallbesignedbyeachappellantortheappellant’sattorney.Thenotice of appeal shall specify theparty taking the appeal, designate thejudgment or part thereof appealed from, and notify the other parties of theneedtofileanappearancetobeheardontheappeal.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;andtheattorneyorunrepresentedparty representing the appellee in the trial court at the timetheappealisfiledshallbedeemedtoberepresentingtheappelleeunlessnew

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counsel appears or counselwithdraws pursuant toM.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 attorneyrepresentingeachotherpartyinthetrialcourtatthetimetheappealisfiledshall be deemed to be representing that party in the appeal unless newcounsel appears or counsel withdraws or that other party elects not toparticipateintheappeal.Anunrepresentedparty,otherthantheappellant,inthetrialcourtproceedingatthetimetheappealisfiledshallbedeemedtobeappearing in theappealunless counselappearsor thatunrepresentedpartyelectsnottoparticipateintheappeal. (c) FilingFee. (1) No filing fee is required for appeals in criminal cases. Therequired filing fee for appeals in civil cases shall be paid to the clerk of thetrialcourtatthetimeofthefilingofthenoticeofappeal. (2) A person who believes that he or she cannot afford to pay thefilingfeemayfilearequesttohavethefeewaivedpursuanttoM.R.Civ.P.91.Iftherequesttohavethefilingfeewaivedisdenied,thepartywhosoughtthewaivershallpaythefilingfeeinfullwithin7daysaftertheentryoftheorderdenying the request for waiver of the filing fee, or the appeal shall bedismissedbythetrialcourt. (d) Transcript Order. The appellant shall file with the notice ofappealanorderforthoseportionsofthetranscriptthattheappellantintendstoincludeintherecordonappeal.Thetranscriptordershallbesignedbytheappellantortheappellant’sattorney.Acopyofthetranscriptorderformshallbeservedontheotherparties. (e) InsufficientFiling.Ifanoticeofappealortranscriptorderisnotsigned,theappealshallnotbeacceptedforfiling.Iftheappealisnotacceptedfor filing, the trial court clerk shall docket the receipt and return of thenon-accepted documents, and then return all documents to the party whofiledthem.Documentsthatarereturnedtothepartywhofiledthemshallnotbedeemedasfiledforthepurposeofcalculatingcompliancewithtimelimits.

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(f) CriminalAppeals:ParticularRequirements. (1) In a criminal case, when a court imposes any sentence on adefendant (A) after trial, or (B) after a plea tomurder or a Class A, B, or Ccrime,withatermofoneyearormorethatisnotagreedtopursuanttoM.R.U.Crim.P.11A, thedefendantshallbeadvisedbythetrialcourtof therighttoappeal. If a criminal defendantnot representedby counsel so requests, thetrialcourtshallcauseanoticeofappealtobepreparedandfiledonbehalfofthedefendantforthwith. (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),orarepresentationthattheAttorneyGeneralhas approved the appeal and awritten approvalwill be filedwithin7days.TheState shall servea copyof thewrittenapprovalon theotherparties, inaddition to the notice of appeal and transcript order form as required byRules2A(b)and(d). Theclerkof the trialcourtshall file theapproval,notethefilinginthecriminaldocket,andmailadate-stampedcopyoftheapprovaltothedefendantor,ifthedefendantisrepresentedbycounsel,totheattorneyforthedefendant. (g) TrialCourtClerkActions. (1) Thetrialcourtclerkshallmailadate-stampedcopyofthenoticeofappealandtranscriptorderformto(A)theClerkoftheLawCourt;(B)thecourt reporter or Office of Transcript Operations; and (C) the attorney ofrecordofeachpartyotherthantheappellant,or,ifapartyisnotrepresentedbyanattorney,thentothelastknownaddressofthatparty.Thisnotificationis sufficient notwithstanding the death or incapacity of the party or of theparty’sattorneypriortoorsubsequenttothemailingofthenotification. (2) The clerk shall note in the docket the names of the parties towhom the clerkmails the copies,withdateofmailing. The clerk shall thenmailacopyofthedocketsheettotheClerkoftheLawCourt. (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 noappealshallbedeemedtobefiledandcommencedintheLawCourtpursuant

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toRule3(a)(2)untiltheClerkoftheLawCourtreceivesthecopyofthenoticeofappealfromthetrialcourtclerk. (4) InanyactionbasedontheMaineTortClaimsAct,14M.R.S.§8101etseq.,whethertheactioninvolvestheStateora localgovernment,thetrialcourtclerkshallmailacopyofanynoticeofappealthatisfiledtotheAttorneyGeneralatthesametimeasthetrialcourtclerkmailsthatnoticetothepartiestotheaction.


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. Rule 2A is reorganized to address first the commencement of theappeal,thenthenoticeoftheappeal,thenthefilingfeeandtranscriptorder.The Rule also clarifies the trial court clerks’ actions when filings areinsufficientand, inRule2A(c), specifieswhatmayhappenwhenawaiverofthefilingfeesisrequestedbutisdenied,indicatingthatwhenthereisadenial,thefilingfeemustbepaidwithin7daysafterthedenialortheappealwouldbe dismissed by the trial court clerk. The 7-day payment or dismissalrequirement is drawn from M.R. Civ. P. 91(d) which applies in allcircumstanceswhenafeewaiverisdenied. The requirement of formerRule 2(a)(2) that notices of appeal in civilactionsincludeastatementoftheissuesisremoved. Rule 2A(b)(2) adds requirements for appearances to participate incriminal or civil appeals that the unrepresented party or attorneyrepresenting each party other than the appellant in the trial court shall bedeemed to be representing that party on the appeal unless new counselappears, or counsel withdraws, or a party elects not to participate in theappeal.

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Rules2A(b),(d),and(f)(2)addtherequirementthattheappellantmustserve on the other parties the notice of appeal, transcript order form, and,whenapplicable,writtenapprovaloftheAttorneyGeneralorarepresentationthat the Attorney General’s approval has been obtained and will be filedwithin7days. Rule2A(e)clarifiesthatthedocumentsreturnedbythetrialcourtclerkas insufficientarenotdeemedas filed forpurposeofcalculatingcompliancewithanytimelimits. Rule 2A(f) includes, with slight modification, what were formerlyparagraphs3and4inRule2(a). Rule2A(g)isarestylingofwhatiscurrentlyRule2(a),paragraph5withthe addition of several separations and internal numbering. A requirementthatthetrialcourtclerkmailacopyofthedocketsheettotheClerkoftheLawCourtisaddedtoRule2A(g)(2).

RULE2B.TIMEFORAPPEAL (a) (1) Time of Entry of Judgment. A judgment or order isenteredwithinthemeaningofthisRulewhenitisenteredintothedocket.Anoticeofappeal filedafteraverdictoranorder, finding,or judgmentof thecourt, but before entry in thedocket shall be treated as filedon thedateofentryintothedocket. (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,adisclosureorder, 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), the timewithinwhich an appealmay be taken in a criminal

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case shall be 21 days after entry into the docket of the judgment or orderappealedfrom,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,oneappealoftheoriginaljudgmentandtheorderonthemotionmaybetakenwithin21daysafterentryintothedocketof the order granting, denying, or dismissing the motion. An appealdesignated as being taken from such an order shall be treated as an appealfromboththeorderandtheoriginaljudgment.Inthealternative,ifanoticeofappealfromtheoriginaljudgmentisfiledwithin21daysaftertheentryintothe docket of that judgment, the subsequent timely filing of one of thepost-judgmentmotionslistedinsubsections(A)-(D)abovedoesnotwaiveorotherwiserenderineffectivethepreviouslyfilednoticeofappeal.Thetimelyfiled notice of appeal from the original judgment preserves for review anyclaimof error in the record, includingany claimof error inanorderon thepost-judgmentmotionslistedinsubsections(A)-(D).Thisparagraphdoesnotapply to any post-judgmentmotion that is not listed in subsections (A)-(D)above. (3) ExtraditionAppeals. The timewithinwhich an appealmaybetaken from an order making a final disposition of a petition contestingextraditionshallbe7daysafterentry into thedocketof theorderappealedfrom.

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(c) CivilCases. (1) TimetoFile.Thetimewithinwhichanappealmaybetakeninacivilcaseshallbe21daysafterentryintothedocketofthejudgmentororderappealedfrom,unlessashortertimeisprovidedbylaw. (2) TimetoFileExtendedbyTimelyFilingofCertainMotions.Ifatimelymotion: (A) forjudgmentunderM.R.Civ.P.50(b);or (B) to make or amend findings of fact or conclusions of law underM.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 ruleafterentryof judgment, anoticeofappealfromtheoriginal judgmentneednotbefiledwithin21daysafter the entry into thedocket of that judgment. Instead, one appeal of theoriginal judgmentandtheorderonthemotionmaybetakenwithin21daysafter entry into thedocket of 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 within21days after the entry into the docket of that judgment, the subsequenttimelyfilingofoneofthepost-judgmentmotionslistedinsubsections(A)-(E)above does not waive or otherwise render ineffective the previously filednoticeofappeal.Thetimelyfilednoticeofappealfromtheoriginaljudgmentpreserves forreviewanyclaimoferror intherecord, includinganyclaimoferrorinanorderonthepost-judgmentmotionslistedinsubsections(A)-(E).Thisparagraphdoesnotapplytoanypost-judgmentmotionthatisnotlistedinsubsections(A)-(E)above.

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(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)maybegrantedbythetrialcourtonamotionwithnoticeonlyuponashowing that (A) the trial court clerk, although required to do so, failed tosendnoticeoftheentryofjudgmenttothemovingparty;and(B)themovingparty did not otherwise learn of the entry of judgment; and (C) any otherpartywillnotbeunfairlyprejudicedbytheextensionoftimetofilethenoticeofappeal.


Rule2B(FormerRule2(b))relatingtocalculationofthetimetofileanappeal has been subject to significant editing and addition of manyseparations and internal numbering, with some editing for clarification. Ofparticularnote, themotionswhichcancausethetimeto fileanappealtobeextended in criminal or civil appeals are each separated out for easyidentification. Rule2B(a)(2) isadded, indicating thatapartywho ispresent incourtwhen a particular final judgment or other court action is announced by thecourtorwho,whileatthecourthouseafterthecourt’sannouncement,signsadocument signifying acknowledgment of the court’s action, is presumed tohavelearnedoftheentrythejudgmentatthattime.Thisamendmentisaddedtominimizeclaimsof lackofknowledgeofentryof judgmentsat latertimeswhen appeal deadlines may have been missed and parties seek to eitherreopenorcollaterallyattackajudgment. Former Rules 2(b)(2) and 2(b)(3), restyled as Rules 2B(b) and 2B(c),areamendedtoclarifythatthereisnoneedtofileanoticeofappealfromanoriginal judgment while certain post-judgment motions, if timely filed, are

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pending in the trial court. Anoticeofappeal can insteadbe taken from theorderon thatpost-judgmentmotion,within21daysafter itsentry,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-judgmentmotionsdoes not render ineffective the previously filed notice of appeal. Thepreviouslyfilednoticeofappealpreservesforreviewanyclaimoferrorintheoriginaljudgmentandintheorderonthepost-judgmentmotion. TheprovisioninformerRule2(b)(3)regardingcross-appealsismovedtoRule2C. FormerRule2(b)(4)isremoved,andthecontentisinsteadmadepartofRules2B(b)and2B(c).

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,arguethatalternativegroundssupportthe judgmentthat isonappeal. (2) TimetoFile. Ifa timelynoticeofappeal is filedbyaparty,anyotherpartymay fileanoticeofappeal (accompanied,whenrequired,by thefiling fee or a request to have the fee waived pursuant to M.R. Civ. P. 91)within14daysafterthedateonwhichthefirstnoticeofappealwasfiled,orwithin the time specified by Rule 2B(b) or 2B(c), whichever period lastexpires. (3) StatusofParties. Whenmorethanonepartyhasappealed, theparty who first appeals shall, unless otherwise agreed by the parties ororderedbytheLawCourt,betreatedastheappellantinapplyingtheseRulestosuchcross-appeals,andallotherpartiesshallbetreatedasappellees.

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(b) Joint or Consolidated Appeals. If two or more parties areentitledtoappealfromaciviljudgmentororder,andtheirinterestsaresuchas tomake joinderpracticable, theymay filea jointnoticeofappealormayjoin inanappealafter filingseparate timelynoticesofappeal,andtheymaythereafter proceed on appeal as a single appellant. Appeals may beconsolidatedafterdocketingintheLawCourtbyorderoftheLawCourtuponitsownmotionoruponmotionofaparty. (c) Parents’Appeals.Ifbothparentsofachildappealfromanorderof theDistrictCourtor theProbateCourt finding jeopardy to thechildas tobothparents,terminatingbothparents’parentalrightstothechild,awardinga guardianship 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 Rule 2C replaces Rule 2(c). Rule 2C(a) is added to addresscross-appeals.Across-appealiscommencedbyfilinganoticeofcross-appealwith the trial court. Rule 2C(a)(1) clarifies when an appellee must file across-appeal to preserve an issue. If a change in the judgment is sought, across-appeal must be filed. See Lyle v. Mangar, 2011 ME 129, ¶ 22,36A.3d867;Costav.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,¶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., 517 A.2d 55, 57 (Me. 1986); Givertz v. Me. Med. Ctr.,459A.2d548, 556 (Me. 1983); but see MaineToday Media v. State,2013ME100,¶28n.17,82A.3d104;Langevinv.AllstateIns.Co.,2013ME55,

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¶ 6 n.4, 66 A.3d 585; Millien v. Colby College, 2005 ME 66, ¶ 9 n.3,874A.2d397;Littlefieldv.Littlefield,292A.2d204,208-09(Me.1972). Rule 2C also hasminor editing to further clarify that theRule appliesonlytociviljudgments.RULE3.DOCKETINGTHEAPPEALANDFURTHERTRIALCOURTACTION (a) DocketingtheAppeal. (1) Trial Court Docketing. Upon receipt of the signed notice ofappeal and,when required, the requisite fee orwaiver, the trial court clerkshall mark the case “Law” on the docket. The trial court clerk shall thentransmit a copy of the notice of appeal together with a copy of all docketentriestotheClerkoftheLawCourt. (2) LawCourtDocketing.Uponreceiptofthecopiesofthenoticeofappeal and the docket entries, the Clerk of the Law Court shall forthwithdocket the appeal and send each party of record a written notice of thedocketing, the Law Court docket number, and the date within which therecordonappealandthereporter’stranscriptmustbefiled. (b) FurtherTrialCourtActionLimited.Thetrialcourtshalltakenofurtheractionpendingdispositionof theappealby theLawCourt except asprovidedinRules3(c)and(d)oftheseRules. (c) TrialCourtActionWithoutLeaveof theLawCourt. The trialcourtispermitted,duringthependencyoftheappealandwithoutleaveoftheLawCourt,totakethefollowingaction: (1) Criminal Cases. In criminal cases, to dispose of anypost-judgmentmotion filedwithin21daysafterentryof judgmentpursuantto one of the rules enumerated in Rule 2B(b)(2); to appoint counsel for anindigentdefendant;tograntastayofexecutionandsetorrevokebailpendingappeal;andtoconductproceedingseitherforanewtrialorforthecorrectionorreductionofasentencepursuanttoM.R.U.Crim.P.35(a)or(c); (2) CivilCases.Incivilcases,todisposeofanypost-judgmentmotionfiledpursuanttooneoftherulesenumeratedinRule2B(c)(2)oftheseRules;

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asprovidedinM.R.Civ.P.27(b),54(b)(3),60(a),62(a),62(c),and62(d);andasprovidedinRule5(e)oftheseRules; (3) Child Protection Cases. In child protection cases, to continuecasereviewandprocessingasrequiredbylaw;and (4) Certain InterlocutoryAppeals. The trial court is permitted toact on a case pending resolution of any appeal of an order approving,dissolvingordenyinganattachmentor trusteeprocess,adiscoveryorder,atemporary restrainingorderorpreliminary injunction;or anordergrantingordenyingamotionforsummaryjudgmentoramotiontodismissthatdoesnotresolveallpendingclaims. Any party moving for trial court action permitted by this Rule mayinclude, in itsmotion to the trial court, a request that the clerk of the trialcourt temporarily retainsomeorallof the trial court recordasprovidedbyRule 6(a)(3) of theseRules, or retrieve the same from the Clerk of the LawCourt,ifnecessaryfortherequestedtrialcourtaction. (d) TrialCourtActionWithLeaveoftheLawCourt. Apartymay,duringthependencyofanappeal, fileamotionintheLawCourttopermitaspecific trial courtaction that isnotalreadypermittedbyRule3(c)of theseRules. Themoving party shall include, in itsmotion to the Law Court, thereasonfortherequestfortrialcourtactionandshallattachtotheLawCourtmotiontheproposedtrialcourtmotion.

RestylingNotes–June2017 Rule3isamendedtoaddsignificantclarificationandseparations.Thisrevision clarifies that the trial court retains authority to act as provided byRule3(c)without leaveof theLawCourt. Rule3(d) is added tooutline theprocedureforseekingleaveoftheLawCourttopermittrialcourtactionnototherwisepermittedbyRule3(c). InRule3(b)(4),arulingonamotiontodismissthatdoesnotresolveallpendingclaimsisaddedtothelistoftrialcourtordersfromwhichanappealmay be takenwithout causing the trial court to cease action on thematterpendingresolutionoftheappeal.Thechangeresultsinrulingsonmotionstodismissbeingtreatedthesameasrulingsonmotionsforsummaryjudgment

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that are already addressed in theRule. Adding the reference tomotions todismisscreatesnoapprovalforinterlocutoryappeals.Itonlynotesthatwhilesuch interlocutoryappeals arepending, trial court considerationof the casecancontinue.

RULE4.DISMISSALOFTHEAPPEAL (a) VoluntaryDismissal. (1) CriminalAppeals. Priortothetimestatedinsubdivision(b)ofthisRule,acriminaldefendantmaydismisshisorherappealbyfilingwiththeClerk of the Law Court a written dismissal, personally signed by thedefendant,and theStatemaydismiss itsappealby filingawrittendismissalsignedbytheattorneyfortheState. (2) CivilAppeals.

(A) Appeals.Onorbeforethedatethattheappellant’sbriefisfiledoris due to be filed, whichever is earlier, an appellant may dismiss theappellant’sappealbyfilingwiththeClerkoftheLawCourtawrittendismissalsignedby theappellantor theappellant’sattorney. After thedateonwhichtheappellant’sbriefisfiledorisduetobefiled,anappealmaybedismissedonlybystipulationpursuanttoparagraph(a)(3)ofthisRule.

(B) Cross-Appeals. On or before the date that a cross-appellant’sbrief is filedor isduetobefiled,whichever isearlier,across-appellantmaydismissthecross-appellant’sappealbyfilingwiththeClerkoftheLawCourtawritten dismissal signed by the cross-appellant or the cross-appellant’sattorney.Afterthedateonwhichthecross-appellant’sbriefisfiledorisduetobe filed, a cross-appealmaybedismissedonlyby stipulationpursuant toparagraph(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.

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(c) ForFailuretoPerfectAppeal.Ifanappellantorcross-appellantfailstocomplywiththeprovisionsoftheseRuleswithinthetimesprescribedherein, the Law Court may, on motion of any other party or on its owninitiative,dismisstheappealforwantofprosecution. (d) ForLackofJurisdiction. Wheneveritappearsbysuggestionoftheparties or otherwise 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)isamendedtoclarifythedateafterwhichanappealnotscheduledfororalargumentmaybedismissedvoluntarilyonlywithapprovaloftheLawCourt. Thatdate is42days(6weeks)after thedate for filing theappellee’sbrief. ThecurrentRule referencingonly thedate for “submission”onbriefswasineffectivebecausethespecificdateforconferenceofanappealonbriefsisnotnoticedandsometimeschanges.

RULE5.RECORDONAPPEAL

(a) Contents of Record. The record on appeal shall consist of thetrial court clerk’s record and exhibits filed in the trial court, the reporter’stranscriptoftheproceedings,ifany,andacopyofthedocketentries. (b) Transcripts. (1) CriminalCases. (A) OrderofTranscript. The appellant is responsible for orderingthe transcript. Except as otherwisedesignated, the standard transcript in acriminalappealshallincludethetestimonyofthewitnessesattrial;anybenchconferences;and,inajurytrial,theclosingargumentsandthecourt’schargetothejury.Thestandardtranscriptshallalsoincludeanyhearingonamotion

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tosuppressoramotion in limine, ifarulingonsuchamotion isat issueonappeal,andthesentencinghearing,ifsentencingisatissueonappeal. Appellant’s counsel may add portions to this standard transcript byutilizing the requisite JudicialBranch 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. A copy of any transcript order not filed as part of, orcontemporaneouslywith,thenoticeofappealshallbefiledwiththeClerkofthe LawCourt and served on each other party, or if a party is represented,counselforarepresentedparty. (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. In the caseof an indigent appellant, the cost of the transcript shall bepaid for by theMaine Commission on Indigent Legal Services. An indigentappellant is an appellantwho has been determined indigent (i) by the trialcourtbeforeverdictpursuant toM.R.U.Crim.P.44(b), (ii)by the trial courtafter verdict pursuant to M.R.U. Crim. P. 44A(b), or (iii) by a Justice of theSupremeJudicialCourtpursuanttoM.R.U.Crim.P.44A(c). (2) CivilCases. (A) OrderofTranscript. Anappellant shallorder the transcriptorportionsofthetranscriptdeemednecessaryforappealbyfilingthetranscriptorderformwiththenoticeofappeal. Iftheappellantintendstourgeonappealthatafindingorconclusionisunsupportedbytheevidenceoriscontrarytotheevidence,theappellantshall

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include in the recorda transcriptof all evidence relevant to such findingorconclusion. Ifanyappelleedeemsa transcriptofotherpartsof theproceedings tobe necessary, the appellee shall, within 7 days after the service of theappellant’s transcript order form, file with the Clerk of the Law Court andserveontheappellantadesignationofadditionalpartsofthetranscripttobeincluded.Unlesswithin7daysafterserviceofsuchdesignationtheappellanthas ordered such parts, and has so notified the appellee, the appellee maywithinthe following7dayseitherorderthepartsormove intheLawCourtforanorderrequiringtheappellanttodoso. (B) PaymentforTranscript. (i) Within 14 days after filing the notice of appeal and transcriptorderform,apartymustmakesatisfactoryarrangementswiththereporterorotherpersonfromwhomthetranscriptisorderedforpaymentofthecostofthe transcript. In every instance in which a reporter or the Office ofTranscriptOperations requests adeposit prior tobeginningproductionof atranscript,thatdepositshallbepaidwithin7daysafterthedateonwhichtheattorney,litigant,orotherinterestedpersonwasnotifiedoftheamountofthedeposit. Intheeventthatthedeposithasnotbeenpaidwithintherequiredtime, the reporter or the Office of Transcript Operations shall consider theorder canceled and shall so inform the Clerk of the Law Court, the partyorderingthetranscript,andthecourtinwhichthetranscriptwastobefiled.Theappealorothermattershallthenproceedwithoutthetranscript. (ii) In the case of an indigent parentwho is an appellant in a childprotectioncasebroughtbytheState,thecostofthetranscriptshallbepaidforby the Maine Commission on Indigent Legal Services. An indigentparent-appellant is one who has been determined indigent (a) by the trialcourt before entry of the judgment or order appealed from, (b) by the trialcourtafterentryofthejudgmentororderappealedfrom,or(c)byaJusticeoftheSupremeJudicialCourt. (iii) Anelectronic recordingor statementof theevidence in lieuofatranscriptmaybe filed to support an appeal onlywhen theproceedingwasrecorded 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) has

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determined that the appellant is indigent and (b) has approved the use anelectronicrecordingorstatementoftheevidenceinlieuofatranscript. (c) Condensed Transcript. The party initially ordering thetranscriptorapartthereofinacriminaloracivilcasemayorderatranscriptinanyformatallowedbytheOfficeofTranscriptOperations.Transcriptsfiledas part of the record on appealmay consist of transcripts using condensedpagesreproducedinaccordancewithM.R.Civ.P.5(i)(2). (d) UnavailableTranscript. (1) Intheeventahearingortrialwasnotrecordedoratranscriptofthe evidence or proceedings at a hearing or trial cannot be prepared forreasons not attributable to the appellant, the appellant may prepare astatement of the evidence or proceedings from the best available means,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) After the filing of any statement of the evidence or proceedingsand any objections, the statement and any objections or proposedamendmentsshallbesubmittedtothetrialcourtforsettlementandapprovaland,assettledandapproved,shallbeincludedintherecordonappeal. (e) CorrectionorModificationofRecord. If anydifferencearisesastowhethertherecordonappealtrulydiscloseswhatoccurredinthetrialcourt, or if anythingmaterial to either party is omitted from the record onappeal, thetrialcourtmayonmotionorsuggestion,afterappropriatenoticetotheparties,supplementtherecordtocorrecttheomissionormisstatement,or the Law Court may on motion or suggestion direct that a supplementalrecordbe transmittedby the trial court clerk. All otherquestions as to thecontentandformoftherecordshallbepresentedtotheLawCourt. (f) RecordonAgreedStatement.WhenthequestionspresentedbyanappealtotheLawCourtcanbedeterminedwithoutanexaminationofall

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thepleadings,evidence,andproceedingsinthecourtbelow,thepartiesmayprepareandsignastatementofthecaseshowinghowthequestionsaroseandweredecided,andsettingforthonlysomanyofthefactsaverredandprovedorsought tobeprovedasareessential toadecisionof thequestionsby theLawCourt. The statement shall include a copy of the judgment appealed from, acopyofthenoticeofappealwithitsfilingdate,andaconcisestatementofthepointstobereliedonbytheappellant.Ifthestatementconformstothetruthandissufficientlycomplete,thetrialcourtshallapproveitforcertificationtotheLawCourtastherecordonappeal.

RestylingNotes–June2017 The restyling of Rule 5 reflects significant editing and internalnumbering particularly with regard to reference of the transcript in civilcases. Of particular note, a reference to transcripts for appeals by indigentparents in Title 22 child protection cases is added to track the provisionrelatingtotranscriptsincriminalcasesforindigentdefendants. 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),thestandardtranscriptincriminalcasesisexpandedto include closing arguments in jury trials and hearings on motions tosuppressormotionsinlimineifrulingsonsuchmotionsaretobeatissueinappealandsentencinghearingsifsentencingisanissueonappeal. Aswith the amendment to Rule 2, the requirement that the notice ofappealincludeanissuesstatementisremovedfromRule5. 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 besubmitted in lieuofa transcript forpartieswhoserequestsareapprovedbythetrialcourtpursuanttoM.R.Civ.P.91(f).

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Rule5(c) is expanded to address transcript formatting and copyingoftranscripts. The Rule is clarified to allow transcript formatting choices aspermittedbytheOfficeofTranscriptOperations.

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) is filed, the trial courtclerkshall retain the fileuntil the trial courthasactedonthemotion. Thetrialcourtclerkshallfilethetrialcourtrecordwith the Clerk of the Law Court no later than 7 days after the entry of theorderonthatpost-judgmentmotion. (3) Additional Temporary Retention of the Record by Order oftheTrialCourt.Notwithstandingtheprovisionsofsubsections(1)and(2)ofthisRule,iftherecordoranypartthereofisrequiredinthetrialcourtforusepending the appeal, the trial courtmay order, or the partiesmay stipulate,thattheclerkofthetrialcourtshallretaintherecordorpartsthereof,subjecttotherequestoftheLawCourt. Uponentryofsuchanorderorstipulation,thetrialcourtclerkshalltransmittotheClerkoftheLawCourtacopyoftheorderorstipulation.UponfilingintheLawCourtofthebriefoftheappellee,oratsuchearliertimeasthepartiesmayagreeortheLawCourtmayorder,theappellantshallrequesttheclerkofthetrialcourttotransmittherecordtotheClerkoftheLawCourt. (4) Record forPreliminaryHearing in theLawCourt. Ifprior tothetimetherecordistransmitted,apartydesirestofileandhaveconsideredamotionintheLawCourtfordismissal,forastaypendingappeal,orforany

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intermediate order, the clerk of the trial court, at the request of any party,shalltransmittotheLawCourtsuchpartsoftheoriginalrecordasanypartyshalldesignate. (b) ContentsoftheRecord. Thetrialcourtclerk’srecordshallincludeacopyofthecompletedocketentriesandoriginalsofthefollowing:anyopinion,order,orjudgmentbythetrialcourt;thepleadings;motionsandactionsthereon;documentaryexhibits;a list of retained exhibits; correspondencebetween theparties and the trialcourt;theverdictorthefindingsoffactandconclusionsoflaw,togetherwiththedirectionfortheentryofjudgmentthereon;andthenoticeofappealwiththedateoffiling. Whenmorethanoneappealistakenfollowingasingletrialorhearing,aconsolidatedtrialcourtclerk’srecordshallbeprepared. “Documentary exhibits” include papers, maps, photographs, videos,digitalimages,diagrams,CDs,DVDs,flashdrives,andothersimilarmaterials.Ifadocumentaryexhibitcanbeeasilyandinexpensivelyreproduced,acopythereofshallberetainedbytheclerkofthetrialcourt. Exhibits that consist of tangible objects, such as weapons, articles ofclothing, liquids,computers,harddrives,orotherelectronicdevicesshallberetainedbytheclerkofthetrialcourt,exceptuponorderoftheLawCourt.Ifa documentary exhibit, other than a trial court transcript or a record of anadministrativeproceedingoriginallyappealedtothetrialcourt,isofunusualbulkorweight,itshallberetainedbytheclerkofthetrialcourt,exceptuponorderoftheLawCourt. AnindigentcriminaldefendantorindigentparentinachildprotectionmatterfiledbytheDepartmentofHealthandHumanServicesmayhaveonecopyofthetrialcourtclerk’srecordwithoutcharge. (c) (1) Filing of Reporter’s Transcript. Unless the Law Courtotherwisedirects,within56daysafter the filingof thenoticeof appeal, thereporter shall file the reporter’s transcript reproduced in accordance withM.R.Civ.P.5(i)(2)withtheClerkof theLawCourtandfurnishcopiestotheparties. Withthereporter’s transcript filedwiththeClerkof theLawCourt,

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the reporter shall include aCD,DVD, or flashdrive containing an electroniccopyofthetranscriptinnative.pdfformat,unless,bypriorarrangementwiththeClerkof theLawCourt, thereporter isauthorized toemailanelectroniccopyofthetranscripttotheClerkoftheLawCourt. (2) DelayedFilingofTranscript.Ifthereporteranticipatesthatthe56-day time limitwill notbemet, the reporter shall file anapplicationwiththeClerkoftheLawCourtrequestingadditionaltimeatleastfivedaysbeforethe expiration of the 56-day time limit. The Clerk of the Law Court isauthorizedtograntreasonableenlargementsoftime.Notwithstandingthisorany other provision of these Rules, the party ordering the transcript shallexerciseduediligencetoassureitstimelyfiling. (d) ElectronicRecords. (1) If an appeal from an administrative agency decision is fileddirectlywiththeLawCourt,andtheadministrativerecordispreparedonlyinelectronicordigitalformat,withoutaprintedorpapercopyoftherecord,therecordfiledwiththeLawCourtshallincludeaprintedorpaperindextoeachseparatedocumentoritemintherecord,andtheelectronicordigitalrecorditself shall include a search feature permitting searches for documents oritems in the record by index number or title and by key words within thedocument. (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.

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),istoholdtherecordinthetrial

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courttoallowforthefilingandtrialcourtresolutionoftimelypost-judgmentmotionslistedinRules2B(b)(2)and2B(c)(2). AspartofthechangeinthetimeforfilingtherecordintheLawCourt,theRuleisalsoamendedtoclarifythattherecordinextraditionappealsmustbefiledwithin7daysafterfilingofthenoticeofappeal. Theamendmenttorestyled Rule 6(a)(3) also clarifies that the trial court record may betemporarily retained for an additional period of time, by order of the trialcourt or stipulation of the parties, when such a retention is necessary, forexample, to accomplish trial court action permitted by Rule 3(c) of theseRules. BecauseRule6(b)specifiesthecontentsofthetrialcourtclerk’srecord,theprovisioninthecurrentruleallowingpartiestodesignateadditionalitemsfortherecordiseliminated.Theprovisionhadcreatedconfusionandeffortsto add items to the record. Corrections to the record are addressed inRule5(e). Rule 6(b)-(d) is subject to significant editing to recognize moderndevelopments relating to preparing records, particularly the treatment ofvideosanddigital evidenceand themeansbywhich suchvideosanddigitalevidencemaybepreparedandtransmittedtotheCourt.Further,theportionof theRuleregardingwhatmayberetained in thetrialcourt isexpandedtoinclude other items that, absent court order or apparent need, should beretainedwiththetrialcourtfileratherthantransmittedaspartoftheappealto theLawCourt. The amendment also adds indigentparents in appeals ofchildprotectioncasesfiledbytheDepartmentofHealthandHumanServicesasentitledtoreceivewithoutchargeacopyoftherecordonappeal.Presentlythatentitlementislimitedtoindigentcriminaldefendants. In Rule 6(c)(1), the deadline for filing the reporter’s transcript ischangedto56daysafterthefilingofthenoticeofappeal,ratherthanthelaterreceiptofthenoticeofappealmailedfromthetrialcourtclerk.Thereferenceto “native” .pdf formatmeans a .pdf format that allows limited cutting andpastingfromthe.pdfdocumenttoaWorddocument. Rule6(d)isadded,addressingappealsfileddirectlywiththeLawCourtfrom proceedings in which a recordmay be prepared only in electronic ordigitalformat,withoutaprintedorpapercopyoftherecord.Insuchappeals,

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therecordfiledwiththeLawCourtmustincludeaprintedorpaperindextoeach separate document or item in the record, and the electronic or digitalrecorditselfshallincludeasearchfeaturepermittingsearchesfordocumentsoritemsintherecordbyindexnumberortitleandbykeywordswithinthedocument. Rule6(d)(2) indicates the procedure for preparing and submittingdigitalrecordstotheLawCourt,whichincludessubmittingtherecordbyuseof a CD, DVD, flash drive, or hard drive, with the record submitted in twoidenticalelectroniccopiesbywhatevermeanssubmitted.Further,thecopiesmust be in a format that allows them to be read as .pdf documents or isotherwise compatible with Maine Judicial Branch computer systems forreadingdocuments. As thisdraft isbeingprepared, theonlyagencyknowntoprepareandfilesuchelectronicordigitalrecordsinLawCourtappealsistheMainePublicUtilities Commission. However, the Rule anticipates that this record filingpracticemayexpandtootheragencies in the future,andmayapply tocourtrecords after implementation of electronic filing. At that time, withexperiencegainedbyimplementationofthischange,furtheradjustmentoftheelectronicrecordfilingrequirementmaybenecessary.

RULE7.SCHEDULEFORBRIEFINGANDCONSIDERATION

(a) BriefingSchedule. Upondeterminingthattherecordonappealiscomplete,theClerkoftheLawCourtshallpromptlysendtoeachcounselofrecord 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, procedural motion, or court order unless the Law Court ordersotherwise. (b) TimeforFilingBriefs. (1) TrackAAppeals.InaTrackAappeal,theappellantshallfiletheappellant’s briefwithin28days (4weeks) after thedate that the recordonappealiscomplete.Theappelleeshallfiletheappellee’sbriefwithin56days

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(8 weeks) after the date that the record on appeal is complete, and theappellant may file a reply brief within 14 days after the date that theappellee’sbriefisfiled.

An appeal is aTrackA appeal if it results froma trial court judgmentthat:

(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, ordenies the terminationof, a guardianship for an adult

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

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;or

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(L) resolvesanappealfromanagency’sdenialofarequestpursuanttotheFreedomofAccessAct,1M.R.S.§400etseq. (2) TrackBAppeals. Inanappeal fromatrialcourt judgmentthatdoesnotfallwithinTrackA,theappellantshallfiletheappellant’sbriefwithin56days(8weeks)afterthedatethattherecordonappeal iscomplete. Theappellee shall file the appellee’s briefwithin 105 days (15weeks) after thedatethattherecordonappealiscomplete,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)uponashowingofasignificantandunanticipatedemergencythatpreventsatimelyfilingofabrief. (4) ExpeditingAppeals. If aparty to anappealwishes to expeditethe appeal, that partymay file a motion for expedited consideration of theappeal, followingtherequirementsformotionpracticecontainedinRule10.Themotionshall(A)statethereasonswhyanexpeditedappealisrequested;(B)proposeascheduleforduedatesforfilingthebriefsandtheappendixthatallowsthenon-movingpartyorpartiesnolesstimethanthemovingpartytomeettheproposedbriefingandappendix 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 themotionforexpeditedconsiderationoftheappeal. (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,beinorderfororalargumentorotherconsideration

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21daysafterthedateonwhichtheappellee’sbriefisduetobefiledorisfiled,whicheverisearlier.

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 fewparentalrightsdeterminationsnotaddressed inotherpartsof theRule. With this expandedcoverage, there issomeduplicationbetweensubdivisionHandothersubdivisionsinTrackAtoassure thatmostmatters directly impacting the interests ofminor childrenarecoveredinTrackA. In Rule 7(b)(1)(F), the Track A briefing schedule is also expanded toincludethedenialofaterminationofanadultguardianship. Each category in Track A, set forth in Rule 7(b)(1), is given a letterdesignation,andthetimeforfilingreplybriefsisextendedfrom10to14daystofollowthetimingpracticeofusing7dayincrements. In Rule 7(b)(2), for Track B appeals, the briefing schedule is notchanged except that the time for filing a reply brief for Track B appeals isextendedfrom2weeksto3weeksafterfilingoftheappellee’sbrief. In Rule 7(b)(3)(B), a new category for appeals with extra large trialcourt records is added to the grounds thatmay support the granting of anextensionoftimetofilebriefs.Theextralargerecordmusthavebeencreatedinthecourtfromwhichtheappealistaken,notinapreviousproceedingthatwas reviewed by the court from which the appeal is taken. Previousproceedingswithlargerecordsthatwouldnotjustifyanextensionoftimetofile a brief would include criminal trial records that were reviewed in apost-convictionreviewproceedingoradministrativeappealrecordsthatwerereviewedinaRule80Bor80Cproceeding.

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The capacity to file a motion to expedite appeals, Rule 7(b)(4),previously limited toTrackB appeals, nowextends to all appeals. Allowinganypartytoanappealtofileamotiontoexpeditetheappeal.Inaddition,thedraft ruleaddsspecific standards for filingandconsiderationofamotion toexpediteanappeal. Rule7(c)addressingprintedandelectroniccopiesofbriefsismovedtobecome restyled Rule 7A(i), placing it more appropriately in the Ruleaddressingtheformofbriefs.

RULE7A.BRIEFS:FORMANDCONTENT (a) Brief of the Appellant. (1) The brief of the appellant shallcontainunderappropriateheadingsandintheorderhereindicated: (A) A table of contents, with page references, and a table of cases,statutesandotherauthoritiescited. (B) A statement of the facts of the case, including its proceduralhistory. (C) Astatementoftheissuespresentedforreview. (D) A summary of the argument, if the argument is not adequatelysummarizedinthestatementoftheissuespresentedforreview. (E) Anargument. Theargumentshallcontainthecontentionsoftheappellant with respect to the issues presented and the reasons supportingeach contention, with citations to the authorities and the particulardocumentsorexhibitsintherecordreliedon,withcitationtopagenumbersoftheappendixwhentheyexist.Theargumentforeachissuepresentedshallbeginwith a statement of the standard(s) of appellate review applicable tothatissue. (2) Abriefshallnotinclude: (A) anydocumentsorimagesthatarenotapartofthetrialcourtfileortherecordonappeal;

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(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,exceptthatastatementoftheissuesandstandardsofappellaterevieworofthefactsorproceduralhistoryof the caseneednot be includedunless the appellee is dissatisfiedwith thestatementsoftheappellant. (c) ReplyBrief.Anyreplybrieffiledbytheappellantmustbestrictlyconfinedtoreplyingtonewfactsassertedorargumentsraisedinthebriefoftheappellee.NofurtherbriefsmaybefiledexceptbyleaveoftheLawCourt. (d) Briefs on Cross-Appeals. If a cross-appeal is filed, the brief ofthesecondpartytotheappealshallcontaintheissuesandargumentinvolvedinthecross-appealaswellastheanswertothebriefoftheappellant. (e) BriefofanAmicusCuriae. (1) General. (A) Exceptasprovidedinparagraph(2)ofthissubdivision,orwhenamicusbriefsareinvitedbyanoticefromtheLawCourt,abriefofanamicuscuriaemaybefiledonlyifaccompaniedbywrittenconsentofallpartiesorbyleaveof theLawCourt. Amotion for leave shall identify the interest of 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. Anypartymayfileareplybriefaddressingnewmatterraisedbyanamicuscuriaewithin14daysafterserviceofthebriefof

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anamicuscuriaeorwithinsuchother timeas theLawCourtmayspecify ingrantingleaveforlaterfilingtotheamicuscuriae. (C) Themotionofanamicuscuriaeforleavetoparticipateintheoralargumentshallbegrantedonlyforextraordinaryreasons. (2) MaineTortClaimsAct. (A) Inanyactionunder theMaineTortClaimsAct,14M.R.S.§8101etseq., the Attorney General shall have the right to appear before the LawCourt by brief and oral argument as an amicus curiae when the AttorneyGeneralisnototherwiseappearingonbehalfofapartytotheaction. (B) Unlessallpartiesotherwiseconsent,inanysuchactionwhentheAttorneyGeneralhasreceivednoticeofappealasprovidedinRule2A(g)(4),the Attorney General shall file an amicus brief within the time allowed thepartywhosepositionastoaffirmanceorreversalthebriefwillsupport,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. Anappellant’s replybrief that also responds to an appellee’s cross-appeal shallnotexceedthegreaterof30pagesor9,000words. (2) Attachment. The principal brief of an appellant or an appelleemay include, as an attachment not exceeding 3 pages, copies of documents,photographs, ordiagrams that arepartof the trial court recordandarenotprohibited 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) Page or Word Limit Calculations. The table of contents, thetable of authorities, the certificate of service, and any appendix boundwith

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theappellant’sbriefarenotcountedincalculatingthepageorwordlimitssetinthisRule. (g) FormofBriefs. (1) (A) Signature. At least one paper copy of each party’s brieffiled with the Law Court shall be signed by an attorney who prepared thebrief,or,ifthepartyorpartiesfilingthebriefwasunrepresentedbycounsel,byeachpartyfilingthebrief.Theattorney’sorparty’ssignatureonthebriefshall constitutea representation that thebrief, togetherwithanyassociateddocuments,isfiledingoodfaithandconformstothepageorwordlimitsandthe form and formatting requirements of this Rule. A separate certificateindicatingthatthefilingconformstothewordlimitssetinthisRuleshallbefiledonlyifthelengthofthedocumentexceedstheapplicablepagelimits. (B) Electronic Signature. As an alternative to the signature on aprintcopyofabrief,anattorneyinactivepractice,registeredwiththeBoardof Overseers of the Bar, may file with the electronic copy of the brief acertificate of signature indicating that the attorney (i) has prepared orparticipated in preparing the brief and (ii) makes the representations andcertificationsasrequiredbyRule7A(g)(1)(A).Thecertificateofsignature,ona form prepared by the Clerk of the Law Court, shall identify the party onwhosebehalf thebrief is filed, and shall include the attorney’sname,MaineBar Registration Number, email address, street address, and businesstelephonenumber. (2) Form and Formatting. Briefsmay be reproduced by standardprintingorbyanyduplicatingorcopyingprocesscapableofproducingaclearblackimageonwhitepaper,withprintingononlyonesideofeachpage. Allprinted matter must appear in at least 14-point font on opaque, unglazedpaper, except that footnotes and quotations may appear in 11-point font.Pages shallbe8-1/2x11 incheswithmarginsof1 inchon the top,bottom,andeachsideofthepage,andwithdoublespacingbetweeneachlineoftextexceptforblockquotations. (3) Binding.Briefsshallbeboundontheleft-handmarginwithcomborspiralbindingthatpermitsthepagestolieflatwhenthedocumentisopen.

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(4) FrontCover. The front cover of thebrief shall contain: (A) thename of the Supreme Judicial Court sitting as the Law Court and the LawCourtdocketnumberofthecase;(B)thetitleofthecase;(C)thenatureoftheproceedingbeforetheLawCourt(e.g.,Appeal;Report;CertifiedQuestion)andthenameofthecourt,agency,orotherentityfromwhichtheappealistakenor the question is presented; (D) the title of the document (e.g., Brief forAppellant); and (E) the names and addresses of counsel representing thepartyonwhosebehalf thedocument is filedor thenameandaddressof thepartyfilingthebrief,ifnotrepresentedbycounsel. (5) The cover of the brief of the appellant shall be blue; that of theappellee, red; that of an intervenoror amicus curiae, green; and that of anyreplybrief,gray.

(h) Briefs in an Appeal Involving Multiple Appellants orAppellees. In an appeal involving more than one appellant or appellee,includingconsolidatedcases,anynumberofappellantsorappelleesmayjoininabrief, andanypartymayadoptby referenceanother’sbrieforanypartthereof. Partiesmayalso join inreplybriefs. AdoptionofabrieforportionthereofmaybebylettertotheClerkoftheLawCourt,withacopytoallotherparties,iftheadoptingpartydoesnototherwisefileabrief.Apartyadoptinganother’sbrieforpart thereofshalldosoonorbefore theduedate for thatparty’sownbrief. (i) PrintedandElectronicCopies. (1) Number of Printed Copies to be Filed and Served. UnlessotherwiseorderedbytheLawCourt,10printedcopiesofeachbriefshallbefiledwiththeClerkoftheLawCourtand2printedcopiesofeachbriefshallbeservedoneachoftheotherpartieswhoareeitherseparatelyrepresentedorunrepresented. TheClerkof theLawCourtshallnotacceptabrief for filingunless it is accompaniedby acknowledgement or certificate of service upontheotherparties. (2) Electroniccopies.Oneelectroniccopyofeachbrieffiledshallbeemailed(1)totheClerkoftheLawCourtattheemailaddressprovidedbytheClerkinthewrittennoticeissuedpursuanttoRule7(a),and(2)toeachotherpartythathasprovidedaproperemailaddresswithhisorherappearanceontheappeal.Theelectroniccopyshallbeintheformofasinglenative.pdffile

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andmayappearasunsigned.Theelectroniccopyisdueonthesamedateasthe printed copies; however, only the filing of printed copies shall beconsidered in determining compliance with the filing deadlines set in Rule7(b). The filingofanelectroniccopy is inadditionto,anddoesnotreplace,therequired filingofprintedcopiespursuant toRule7A(i)(1). TheClerkoftheLawCourtmay, forgoodcauseshown,relieveapartyofoneormoreoftherequirementsofthisparagraph. (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)afterthe date set for filing the appellee’s brief for an appeal not set for oralargument,thepartymaypromptlyadvisetheClerkoftheLawCourtbyletter,with a copy mailed and emailed to all other parties, setting forth thecitation(s).Thelettermuststatethereasonsforthesupplementalcitation(s),referringtothepageofthebriefaddressedbythenewcitation(s).Thebodyof the letter must not exceed 350 words. Any response must be madepromptlyandmustbesimilarlylimited. AsimilarfilingmayoccurafteroralargumentonlyifinvitedbytheCourtattheoralargument.

RestylingNotes–June2017 Rule7AisarestylingofRule9inthecurrentMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure.ThisadjustmentallowstherulesrelatingtotheformandfilingofthebriefstoappeartogetherintheAppellateRules.Theheadingoftheruleisamendedtoclarifythat itappliestoformandcontentofbriefs,whileRule7relatestoschedulingandconsiderationofbriefs. Rule7A(a)(2)isnewandlistsspecificitemsthatmaynotbeincludedinabrieforanattachmenttoabrief.Thelistingissimilartothelistofitemsthatmay not be included in an appendix. See Rule 8(g)(1)-(3). The listing isdesignedtoprotect 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. Rule 7A(e), addressing amicus briefs, is amended to clarify thatwhenthe Law Court invites amicus briefs on a particular appeal, the filing of an

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amicus brief does not require approval of the parties to the appeal, or thefilingofamotion. In the editing of what is now Rule 7A, the repetitive page limitstatements that appearedwith each typeofbrief addressed in the rules areeliminatedandreplacedwithasinglepagelimitstatementthatnowappearsat Rule 7A(f)(1). The Rule is also amended to allow, in Rule 7A(f)(2), anattachmenttoabrief,notexceeding3pages,toincludecopiesofdocuments,photographs,ordiagramsthatarepartofthetrialcourtrecord.Thoseitemsmaybemarkedtoaddemphasis,eveniftheemphasismarkingsdonotappearontheoriginalitemsinthetrialcourtrecord. In a substantive change, the permitted length of briefs, provided inRule7A(f)(1), is reduced from50pages to40pages forprincipalbriefs andfrom20pagesto15pagesforreplybriefs. Newcategoriesaddedfor(1)anappellee’s brief that also addresses that appellee’s cross-appeal, with a50-page limit, and (2) an appellant’s reply brief that also replies to anappellee’scross-appeal,witha30-page limit. TheFirstCircuitRules,Fed.R.App.P.37(a)(7)(A),havelimitsof30pagesforprincipalbriefsand15pagesforreplybriefs.TheFirstCircuitgenerallyappliesthesamepagesize,spacingand14-pointfontrequirementsasarestatedinRule7A. The revised Rule also includes, as an alternative to page limits, wordlimits of 10,000 for principal briefs, 4,500 for reply briefs, 13,000 forappellee’s briefs that also argue that appellee’s cross-appeal, and 9,000 forappellant’s reply briefs that also respond to an appellee’s cross-appeal.LongerbriefsmaybefiledwithpriorapprovaloftheLawCourtafterfilingofamotiondemonstratinggoodcauseforhavingtofilealongerbrief. TheFirstCircuithasallowedfilingofbriefsmeasuredbywordlimitsforseveral years, with recent changes effective December 1, 2016. See Fed. R.App.P.28.1(e)(2)and32(a)(7)(B). CurrentRule7(c) addressingprintedandelectronic copiesofbriefs ismoved tobecomeRule7A(i). Filing of an electronic copyof a party’s brief,whichisdiscretionaryincurrentRule7(c)(2),isrequiredintherestyledrules.The reference to “native” .pdf is to indicate the .pdf format that allowscut-and-pastingfroma.pdftoaWorddocument.The.pdfdocumentsdonotneedtoindicateanactualsignature,whichcanonlybereproducedusingthe

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.pdfpictureformat.Ascurrently,thefilingofanelectroniccopyofabriefdoesnotaltertheobligationstofileprintedcopiesofthebrief. AprovisionisaddedtoRule7A(g)(1)(A)indicatingthatanattorney’sorparty’ssignatureonthebriefconstitutesarepresentationthatthefilingisingood faith and is in compliancewith the rules governing briefing, includingpage and/or word limits and font size. A specific certificate of compliancewith the word limits is required only if a brief exceeds the specified pagelimits.Rule7A(g)(1)(B)isaddedallowing,subjecttotheconditionsspecifiedin theRule,electronic filingofacertificateof signature inplaceofanactualsignatureonacopyofaprintedbrief. 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”oralargumentorbefore42dayshavepassed following thedate set for filing theappellee’sbrief if acasewillbeconsideredonthebriefs. FilingsafteroralargumentmayoccuronlyifinvitedbytheCourt.

RULE8.APPENDIXTOTHEBRIEFS

(a) ByWhom Filed. In every appeal, the party that files the firstnoticeofappealshallprepareandfileanappendixtothebriefs,exceptthatinchild protection matters, 22 M.R.S. §§ 4001-4071, the State shall beresponsibleforpreparingandfilingtheappendix. (b) NumberofCopies,WhenFiled. (1) Eight copies of the appendix shall be filed with the appellant’sbrief. InTitle22childprotectivecases, theStateshall file theappendixwiththeCourtnolaterthan14daysbeforethedateonwhichtheappellant’sbriefisdue tobe filed. Thepartiesmayagree toa later time for the filingof theappendix without notice to or leave of the Law Court, provided that theappendixshallbefilednolaterthanthedatethattheappellee’sbriefisfiledorisduetobefiled,whicheveroccursfirst.

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(2) WhentheappendixisfiledwiththeCourt,acopyshallbeservedoneachotherpartytotheappeal. (c) Contents, Generally. The purpose of the appendix is to makeavailable to each Justice of the Court those documents from the record thatare essential to the review of the issues on appeal. Duplication must beavoided.Nodocumentshallappearintheappendixmorethanonce. (d) Contents,Mandatory-ALLAPPEALS.Thefollowingdocumentsshallbecontainedintheappendixinthefollowingorder: (1) Atableofcontents. (2) Alldocketentriesfromtheproceeding(s)below. (3) Each trial court decision, ruling, or judgment that will beaddressed in the appeal, including the original final judgment and anysubsequentordersamendingtheoriginalfinaljudgment. (A) If thedecision is inwritten form,a copyof thedecision shallbeincluded; (B) Ifthedecisionorjudgmentincludesmorethanoneorderorsetoffindings,acopyofeachcourtactionthatconstitutesthedecisionorjudgmentshallbeincluded; (C) Ifanypartofthedecisionwasstatedorallyontherecord,acopyofthetranscriptofthedecisionshallbeincluded. Whenadecisionorrulingstated orally on the recordwas preceded by a colloquywith the court, thecolloquy shall be included in the appendix if the colloquy does not exceed20pagesintheappendix. (4) The complaint, indictment, information, petition, motion, orpost-judgmentmotionthatinitiatedtheproceedinginthetrialcourtandanysubsequentamendmenttothedocumentthatinitiatedtheproceeding. (5) Anypre-judgmentorpost-judgmentmotionorpetition thatwassubjecttoanorderorotheractionorinactionbythetrialcourtthatisatissuein the appeal. If the motion or other request to the trial court was made

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orally, a transcript of the on-the-record discussion of the motion or otherrequesttothetrialcourt,includingthecourt’sruling,shallbeincluded. (e) Contents,Mandatory-SPECIFICPROCEEDINGS.Followingthecontentsrequiredbysubdivision(d),theappendixshallcontainthefollowingcontentsforspecificproceedings: (1) SummaryJudgment. Iftheappealrelatestotheentryordenialof a summary judgment, a copy of the parties’ statements filed pursuant toM.R.Civ.P.56(h). (2) StateandLocalGovernmentAdministrativeAppeals. (A) IftheappealaddressesadecisionofaStateorlocaladministrativeagency, includingamunicipality,board,commission,orotheradministrativebody,acopyoftheagency’sdecision,whetherwrittenortranscribed. (B) Iftheagencydecisionwasbasedonamunicipalordinance,aStateorlocalregulation,oraPrivateandSpecialLaw,acopyoftherelevantsectionor sections from thatordinance, regulation,orPrivateandSpecial law, shallbeincluded. Forappealsfromdecisionsofamunicipalagency,acopyofthesectionorsectionsofthemunicipalordinancethatestablishtheauthorityoftheagencytoactonthemattersubjecttotheappealshallbeincluded.CopiesofrelevantsectionsoftheMaineRevisedStatutesshallnotbeincluded. (3) Jury Instructions. If the appeal includes a challenge to a juryinstruction or jury instructions, a copy of the transcript of the juryinstructionsandacopyofanywritteninstructionsgiventothejury,acopyofthetranscriptcontainingthediscussionoforobjectiontotheinstructions,andcopiesofanyrelevantoralorwrittenrequeststothetrialjudgefordifferentinstructionsthanthosegiventothejurybythetrialjudge. (4) Jury Verdict, Special Verdict Form. If the appeal is from ajudgmententeredontheverdictofajury,andthejuryreporteditsverdictonawrittenform,acopyofthatformandatranscriptorcopyoftheobjectionstothatform,ifany.

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(5) Contract,Deed,Lease,Trust,Will,orInsurancePolicy. If theappealrelatestotheinterpretationorenforcementofacontract,deed,lease,trust,will,orinsurancepolicy:acopyofthatdocument. (6) DomesticRelations,Parentage,orChildProtectionMatters.Ifthe appeal is from a decision related to a domestic relations, parentage, orchildprotectionmatter:thechildsupportaffidavits,ifchildsupportisatissueonappeal;atranscriptorrecordingofthetestimonyconcerningtheissuesonappeal;thefinancialstatementsoftheparties,ifpropertydistributionorchildorspousalsupportisatissueonappeal;thereportoftheguardianadlitem,ifany,ifaparentalrightsorparentagedecisionisatissueonappeal. (7) CriminalAppeals. If the appeal is fromadecision in a criminalmatter:thepresentencereport, ifany,ifasentenceisatissueonappeal;thesearchwarrantorarrestwarrantandanyaffidavit insupportof issuanceofthewarrant, if a searchwarrant or arrestwarrant or actions pursuant to asearch warrant or arrest warrant are at issue on appeal; and the AttorneyGeneral’sauthorization,ifrequired,foranyStateappealbroughtpursuanttoRule21. (f) Contents,Discretionary. Thefollowingmaterials fromthetrialcourtrecordmaybeincludedinanappendixbutarenotrequired: (1) Exhibits. If particular exhibits are essential to the Court’sunderstanding of the issues on appeal, the appendix may include copies ofthose exhibits. Copies of exhibits, including photographs, maps, charts, ordiagrams that were presented in color to the trial court or administrativeagencyshallbereproducedincolorbyanymeans,suchasscanningorcolorprinting, that reproduces the exhibit in the appendix to appear as close aspossibletothewaytheexhibitappearedinthetrialcourtrecord. (2) OtherPleadings.Copiesofotherpleadingsorfilingsthatappearinthetrialcourtrecordmaybeincluded,butonlyiftheyareessentialtotheCourt’sunderstandingoftheissuesonappeal. (3) Placement. Documents from the trial court record, other thanthose that are designated “mandatory,” that are essential for understandingthe specific issues on appeal shall be placed in the appendix following thedocumentsrequiredbyRule8(d)or(e).

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(g) ExclusionsfromtheAppendix.Theappendixshallnotinclude: (1) anydocumentsorimagesthatarenotapartofthetrialcourtfileor the record on appeal, other than a supplement of legal authoritiesauthorizedinsubdivision(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 (4) anyportionofthetranscriptfromthetrialcourtotherthanontherecordstatementsordiscussionsrequiredtobe includedintheappendixbysubdivisions(d)or(e)hereof. (h) Failure to Comply with Rules. An appendix that (1) fails toinclude mandatory documents; (2) does not present documents in therequiredorder:firstdocumentsrequiredbysubdivision(d),thendocumentsrequired by subdivision (e), then documents, if any, included pursuant tosubdivision (f); (3) includes duplicate copies of documents; (4) includesdocuments or images excluded by subdivision (g); or (5) otherwise is notpreparedincompliancewiththeseRulesmayberejected,withthepartythatprepared the appendix being required to prepare and file a replacementappendix that complies with these Rules or being subject to anotherappropriatesanction,includingdismissaloftheappeal. (i) Contents, Agreement of the Parties. The parties shall conferand attempt to reach agreement on the contents of the appendix incompliancewiththisRule.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,theappellantshalldelivertotheappelleethe

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listofthedocumentsthattheappellantproposestoincludeintheappendixatleast14daysbeforetheappendixisduetobefiled. (2) If the appelleewishes to have additional documents included intheappendix,theappelleemust,within7daysafternoticeoftheappellant’slist of documents, designate additional documents for inclusion in theappendix, and the appellant shall include those documents in the appendix,unlessotherwiseorderedbythecourt. (j) Content, Costs. Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, theappellantshallberesponsibleforthecostsofproducingtheappendix. Iftheappelleedesignatesdocumentsforinclusionandtheappellantconcludesthatsuchdocumentsarenotessentialtounderstandingoftheissuesonappeal,theappellant shall include such documents in the appendix, but may seekrecovery of the costs for inclusion of such documents after decision on theappeal. Following an appeal in a civil case, anyof the costs incurred in theproduction of the appendixmay be taxed to either party by the Law CourtpursuanttoRule13. (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) Oversize exhibits—such as plans or maps—and electronicexhibitsondiscoranothermediummaybeattached to theappendix inanymethodthatpermitstheappendixtobehandledasaboundvolume.

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(5) No volume of an appendix shall exceed 150 sheets of paperprintedonbothsides,not includingoversizeandelectronicexhibits, andnoappendixshallexceedonevolumewithoutpriorapprovaloftheCourt. (l) FailuretoFileanAppendix. Thefailureto fileanappendix,orthefailuretoincludeintheappendixanydocumentrequiredtobeincludedassetoutinthisRule,mayresultinthedismissaloftheappealorothersanction. (m) Hearing on theOriginalRecordWithout theNecessity of anAppendix.TheLawCourtmay,ongoodcauseshowninamotionfiledpriortothefilingdeadlineforappellant’sbrief,dispensewiththerequirementofanappendix 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 theCourt with a brief supplement, separate from the appendix, containingimportant,relevantlegalauthoritiessuchasstatutesorcourtdecisionsfromother jurisdictions. It is not necessary to provide copies of any or all citedauthorities. Thesupplementoflegalauthoritiesisnotcountedincomputingtheappendixpagelimit.

RestylingNotes–June2017 Despite its relatively explicit language, compliance with therequirements inRule8,by thebarandbyunrepresented litigants,hasbeenless than ideal. Repeated problems have been observed in (1) failure toincludeintheappendixdocumentsthatarerequiredtobeincludedbycurrentRulesubdivisions8(g)and8(h);(2)failuretoplacedocumentsincludedintheappendixintheorderspecifiedbycurrentRulesubdivisions8(c)(5)and8(g);and (3) inclusion of duplicates of documents in the appendix, despite theexplicitprohibition incurrentRule8(c)(4) that“[no]documentshallappearintheappendixmorethanonce.” Toaddresstheseproblems,Rule8isreorganizedtoplacetheseexplicitdirections earlier and more prominently in the Rule. What were formerlyRule8(g)and8(h)arenowRule8(d)and8(e).Inaddition,practitionersmayanticipate that the explicit directions in Rule 8 will be more rigorously

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enforcedthaninthepast,withfailuretocomplywiththeRulemorelikelytoleadtoarejectionoftheappendixandarequirementthatanewappendixbeprepared or another sanction, including dismissal of the appeal, 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 orsexual or sexualized acts, and, except for child protective cases, anydocumentsdeemedconfidentialbystatuteorcourtorder,exceptdocumentsthat are subject to the mandatory inclusion requirements of Rule 8(d) and8(e).BecauseRule8(d)and8(e)speakprimarilytopleadings,docketentries,courtorders,andthelike,itwouldberareforadocumentmadeconfidentialbystatuteorcourtordertobesubjecttomandatoryinclusioninanappendix. The exclusions also extend to transcripts or portions of transcripts,otherthanportionsof transcripts includedasmandatory itemsbyRule8(d)and 8(e). The mandatory items have been expanded to include dialoguebetweenthetrialcourtandthepartiesthatprecedesacourtruling,order,ordecisionthatisatissueonappeal.Anyrelevantportionofatranscriptmay,ofcourse,becitiedand,ifparticularlyimportant,quotedinaparty’sbrief.Withfilingofelectroniccopiesoftranscripts,transcriptsareavailableforreviewbyany Justice. All items excluded from the appendix, includingprint copies oftranscripts, do remain part of the record and are available for Law Courtreviewonappeal. In other changes, the reference to “Family matters” in formerRule8(h)(6), is expanded in restyled Rule 8(e)(6) to include domesticrelations, parentage, and child protection matters. Further, the mandatoryitemsthatmustbeincludedintheappendixareexpandedtoincludepre-orpost-judgmentmotionsthatareatissueonappeal;wills,deeds,leases,trusts,orinsurancepoliciesthatareatissueonappeal;andseveralitemsrelatedtocriminalappeals. Thelistingofdiscretionaryitemsthatmaybeincludedinanappendix,ifessential to the understanding of the issues on appeal, is clarified.Particularly, Rule 8(f)(1) is amended to require that copies of exhibits,

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includingphotographs,maps,charts,ordiagramsthatwerepresentedincolortothetrialcourtoradministrativeagencyshallbereproducedincolorbyanymeans,suchasscanningorcolorprinting, thatreproducestheexhibit intheappendixtoappearascloseaspossibletothewaytheexhibitappearsinthetrial court record. This change should end past practice of including poorquality, copymachine reproducedblackandwhite copiesof colorphotos intheappendix.

RULE9.[RESERVED][MovedtobecomeRule7A.]

RULE10.MOTIONSANDOTHERPAPERSINTHELAWCOURT

(a) Motions.

(1) Unlessanother form isprescribedby theseRules,anapplicationto the LawCourt for an order or other relief shall be bymotion, shall statewithparticularitythegroundstherefor,andshallsetforththeorderorreliefsought.Supportingpapersshallbeservedandfiledwiththemotion.Motionsandsupportingpapersshallbetypewrittenandshallconformtosubdivision(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) Motionswillnotnecessarilybegrantedeven thoughassented tobyotherparties. (4) The Chief Justice, or another Justice designated by the ChiefJustice,mayactonmotionsonbehalfoftheCourt,ormayrefermotionstotheentire Court. All motions will be acted on without oral argument unlessotherwiseordered. Motionsmaybeacteduponatanytime,withoutwaitingforaresponsethereto.

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(b) Certificate of ServiceRequired. Everymotion shall be servedontheotherpartiestotheappealandshallbeaccompaniedbyacertificateofservice upon the other parties. If the certificate is not included with themotion,theClerkoftheLawCourtshallreturnthemotionasincomplete.TheClerkwillnotdockettheattemptedfilingbutwillretainacopyandthenoticeofreturn.Ifthemovingpartyrefilesthemotionwiththepropercertificateofservice,thecompletemotionwillthenbeacceptedanddocketed. (c) Responses. Anyparty that plans to file a response to amotionshalldosowithin7daysafterthemotionisfiled.TheLawCourtmayshortenor extend the time for responding to anymotion andmay act on amotionbefore receiving any response. Any supporting papers shall be served andfiled with the response. Responses and supporting papers shall betypewrittenandshallconformtosubdivision(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. Thetypedmattermustbedoublespacedinat least 14-point font, except that footnotes and quotations may appear in11-pointfont.EachpapershallcontainacaptionsettingforththenameoftheCourt(i.e.,theSupremeJudicialCourtsittingastheLawCourt),thetitleofthecase,theLawCourtdocketnumber,andabriefdescriptivetitleofthepaper.Theoriginalandonelegiblecopyofeverymotion,response,andotherpapershall be filed with the Court. Additional legible copies shall be filed asrequestedbytheClerkoftheLawCourt.


Rule10relatingtofilingofmotionsandotherpapersintheLawCourtother thanbriefs andappendices is subject toonlyminor editing except foronesubstantivechange.Rule10(a)(2)isadoptedtorequirethatanymotionfiledbycounselrepresentingapartythatseeksanextensionoftimeoradelayof more than 7 days or seeks a continuance of a scheduled hearing, oralargument, or other proceeding must be noticed to the party that counselrepresents. The proposed amendment is designed to eliminate or reduceopportunitiesforcounseltoplaceblamefordelaysthattheythemselveshavesoughtontoeithertheCourtorotherparties.

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As with briefs, the amended Rule 10(d) requires that the text ofmotions,otherthanfootnotesorquotations,mustbein14-pointfont.ThisisconsistentwithFirstCircuitpractice.

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. When a request to continue an oral argument is granted, the LawCourt shall have theoptionof considering the appealonbriefswithoutoralargumenttoavoidunduedelayinconsiderationandresolutionoftheappeal. (b) Time Allowed for Argument. Each sidewill be allowed up to15minutes for argument. The appellant may reserve up to 3 minutes forrebuttal.Onmotionfiledatleast7daysinadvanceofthedatescheduledfororalargumentandforgoodcauseshown,theLawCourtmayallowadditionaltimeforargument. (c) Order and Content of Argument. The appellant is entitled toopenandconcludetheargument. (d) Cross-Appeals and Separate Appeals. A cross-appeal or aseparateappeal in thesamecaseshallbearguedwith the initialappealatasingle 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. Ifanappellee fails toappearatoralargument, theLawCourtmayhearargumentonbehalfoftheappellantanddecidethecase

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on thebriefsandargumentheard. Ifneitherpartyappears, thecasewillbedecidedonthebriefsunlesstheLawCourtotherwisedirects. (f) UseofExhibitsatArgument. (1) Disclosure. Anypartyplanning touseanyexhibitordisplayatoralargumentshallnotifytheotherpartiestotheoralargumentandtheClerkof the Law Court of the planned use of the exhibit or display at least onebusinessdaypriortothetimescheduledfororalargument. (2) Display. Anyexhibit ordisplaymustbepresented in amannerthat permits it to be easily seen by each of the Justices without limitingobservationoftheCourtbythepublicoropposingpartiesorcounsel. (3) Removal. An exhibit or display shall be removed uponcompletion of the argument for which it is used unless the opposing partyrequeststhattheexhibitremainavailableforuseinthatparty’sargument. (g) SubmissiononBriefs. (1) The Clerk of the Law Court will advise counsel or anunrepresentedpartywhen theLawCourthasdecided to considera caseonbriefs without oral argument. Within 7 days after the Clerk has sent thisnotice of the decision to consider the case on briefs, a party may file astatementsettingforththereasonswhyoralargumentshouldbeentertainedandrequestingthesame. (2) Inanappealscheduledfororalargument,onmotionjoinedbyallparties and for good cause shown, the Law Courtmay allow the parties tosubmittheappealonthebriefswithoutoralargument.

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

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RULE12.COMPOSITION,CONCURRENCE,ANDSESSIONSOFTHELAWCOURT

(a) ConstitutionoftheLawCourt;ConcurrenceRequired. (1) When sitting as the Law Court to determine questions of lawarising in any civil or criminal action or proceeding, the Supreme JudicialCourtshallbecomposedofthoseJusticesthenavailabletositandqualifiedtoact. Whenanappeal is inorder for conferenceororal argumentand fewerthan three of the Justices are then available andqualified to act, themattershallstandcontinuedtosuchtimeastheCourtshalldetermine. (2) TheCourtshallhearanddeterminesuchquestionsof lawbytheconcurrence of a majority of the Justices sitting and qualified to act. AqualifiedJusticemayparticipateinadecisioneventhoughnotpresentatoralargument. (b) SessionsoftheLawCourt.TheSupremeJudicialCourtsittingastheLawCourtshallholdsessionseachyearatsuchtimesandplacesasshallbedeterminedbytheChiefJustice. (c) DecisionsoftheLawCourt. DecisionsoftheLawCourtmaybereported by several methods, including a signed opinion, a per curiamopinion,oramemorandumofdecision. Amemorandumofdecisiondecidesan appeal but does not establish precedent andwill not be published as anopinionoftheCourtintheMaineReporter.

RestylingNotes–June2017 Rule12issubjectonlytominoreditingforclarificationandadditionalinternalnumberingintherestylingprocess.

RULE12A.THECLERKOFTHELAWCOURT (a)(1) Clerk’sOfficeandFiling.Allpapersorelectronicordigitalcontent required by theseRules to be filedwith the LawCourt orwith anyJusticeoftheLawCourtshallbefiledwiththeClerkoftheLawCourt.Filingshall occur at the office of the Clerk of the LawCourt, 205Newbury Street,Room139, Portland,Maine04101-4125, unless another office is designated

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byorderoftheChiefJustice.TheofficeoftheClerkoftheLawCourtshallbeopen and available to receive filings during such hours as the Chief JusticemaydesignateonalldaysexceptSaturdays,Sundays,legalholidays,andsuchotherdaysastheChiefJusticemaydesignate. (2) After-HoursFilings.TheClerkoftheLawCourtmaynot,unlessauthorized by a Justice of the Law Court, accept filings for other courts oraccept filings, pleadings, or other documents filedwith or left for the Clerkafter normal business hours, except when a Justice of the Law Court hasexplicitly authorized an after-hours filing on a specific date. Any documentfiled after hours without explicit authorization shall be date-stamped anddeemedtobefiledonthenextregularbusinessday.

(3) [Reserved] (4) Electronic Filings and Fax Filings. Except as otherwisepermitted or required by these Rules, filings by electronic transmission ofdataorbymeansof a faxmachineCD,DVD, flashdrive, email, or anyothermethod for electronic or Internet filing in place of the filing of paperdocumentsrequiredbytheseRulesisnotpermitted. (b) Clerk’sAuthority. The Clerk of the LawCourt is authorized totakethefollowingactionsfortheCourt: (1) GrantmotionsfiledpursuanttoM.R.App.P.10to: (A) Enlarge the time for the filing of a brief or appendix for up to7days. (B) With theagreementof theparties, consolidateappeals involvingthesameparties. (2) Dismiss an appeal, pursuant to M.R. App. P. 7(d), when theappellanthasfailedtofiletherequiredbriefwithin7daysafterexpirationofthetimespecifiedbyM.R.App.P.7(b). (3) Dismisssentencereviewproceedings filedpursuanttoM.R.App.P. 20, when the sentence sought to be appealed was less than one year ofincarceration,asaddressedin15M.R.S.§2151.

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Any order entered by the Clerk of the Law Court, pursuant to

paragraphs1,2,or3,above,grantingordenyingamotiontoenlargetimeordismissing an appealmay be reviewed by a single justice of the Law Courtuponthefilingofamotionforreview,filedpursuanttoM.R.App.P.10,within7daysaftertheentryoftheClerk’sorderfromwhichreviewissought.

(4) EnterOrders on Court Actions. After appropriate considerationby the Court, or a panel thereof, the Clerk shall enter orders reflecting theCourt’sactiononmotionsforreconsiderationpursuanttoM.R.App.P.14(b),andpetitionstoallowfullappellatereviewpursuanttoM.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’sauthority to receive filings is expanded to include electronic and digitalcontent,butonlywhenexplicitlyauthorizedorrequiredbytheRulesorbyanorderofaJusticeoftheCourt.Forexample,Rule5(b)(2)(B)(iii)allowsfilingof an electronic recording in certain circumstances; Rule 6(c)(1) requiresfiling of an electronic copy of the reporter’s transcript; and Rule 7A(i)(2)requires filing of an electronic copy of each brief. The prohibitions onelectronic or fax filings in current Rules 12A(3) and (4) are combined intoRule12A(4). TheRule12Aamendment includesonlyonesubstantivechange. ThatchangeamendsRule12A(b)(2) toeliminate thedirection to theClerkof theLaw Court to notify an appellant when that appellant’s brief has not beentimely filed. Instead, the Clerk is directed to dismiss the appeal if theappellant’sbriefisnotfiled7daysafterthefilingdeadline.

RULE12B.PUBLICACCESSTOPROCEEDINGSANDRECORDS (a) Record on Appeal. The record on appeal in each case, or anyportionoftherecordonappeal,shallbeavailableforinspectionandcopyingbyanypersontothesameextentasthatrecordwasavailableforinspectionandcopyinginthetrialcourt.

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(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,orjurorsshallbeavailableforinspectionandcopyingonlytothesameextentasinthetrialcourt. (c) Briefs. Thebriefs filedwith theLawCourt, other thanbriefs inappeals from child protection proceedings, shall be available for inspectionandcopyingbyanyperson. (d) Appendices. The appendix shall be available for publicinspection and copying, except that the appendix shall not be available forpublic inspectionandcopying inthefollowingmatters:(1)anappeal fromachild protection proceeding; (2) proceedings involving an adoption orguardianship or a petition for adoption or guardianship; (3) juvenileproceedingsinwhichtherecordissealedinthetrialcourt;(4)anyproceedingin which the care, custody, and support of a minor child is an issue; and(5)anyproceedinginwhichadocumentthatisconfidentialbystatuteorwasfiledundersealinthetrialcourtiscontainedintheappendix. 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.

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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. The actual cost of printing or otherwise reproducingbriefs,butnotmorethan$5.00perpage,fornotmorethanatotalof70pagesforaninitialbriefand20pagesforareplybrief. (2) The Appendix. The actual cost of printing or otherwisereproducing the appendix, but notmore than $5.00per page, for notmorethanatotalof300pages(150sheetsofpaper,printedonbothsides). (3) AnyTranscripts.Thecostoftranscriptsmadebyareportermaybetaxedattherateactuallypaidtothereporter,butnotexceedingtherateestablishedbyorderoftheChiefJusticeoftheSupremeJudicialCourt. (4) Travel.Travelandattendanceasinthetrialcourt. (5) OtherCosts.Otheritemsofcostsmaybeallowedasdeterminedby theprovisionsofM.R.Civ.P.54(d)-(g),whensuch itemsarerequired toprosecuteordefendtheappeal. (c) FilingBillofCosts. Aparty thatdesires such costs tobe taxedshall state them inaverifiedbillof costs,which thepartyshall filewith theClerkoftheLawCourt,withproofofservice,within14daysaftertheissuanceofthemandate. (d) Clerk to Certify Costs. On request of the prevailing party theClerkof theLawCourtshall certify indetail to the trial court theamountofcoststaxedintheLawCourt.

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(e) Interest on Judgments. When a judgment formoney in a civilcase is affirmed, whatever interest is allowed by law shall be payable asprovidedby law. Whena judgment ismodifiedorreversedwithadirectionthat a judgment for money be entered in the trial court, the opinion shallcontain instructions with respect to allowance of interest if the prevailingparty’sclaimtointeresthasbeenbroughttotheattentionoftheLawCourtbybriefororalargument. (f) Sanctions.If,afteraseparatelyfiledmotionoranoticefromthecourtandareasonableopportunitytorespond,theLawCourtdeterminesthatanappeal,motionforreconsideration,argument,orotherproceedingbeforeitisfrivolous,contumacious,orinstitutedprimarilyforthepurposeofdelay,itmay award to the opposing parties or their counsel treble costs andreasonableexpenses,includingattorneyfees,causedbysuchaction.


Rule13 is subject toediting for clarificationandadditional separationandinternalnumberingintherestylingprocess.Rule13(b)(1)isamendedtolimitrecoverablecostsforbriefsto70pagesforaninitialbriefand20pagesforareplybrief.ThecurrentRule13(b)limitsrecoverablecostsforbriefstoatotalof75pages.

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,with themandate appearing at the end, shall constitutenotice ofthemandate,andnofurthernoticeshallbeprovided. (1) CriminalAppeals. Themandateof theLawCourt ina criminalappealshall issuethedaythatthedecisionresolvingtheappeal ispublishedorthefirstbusinessdaythereafter.

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(2) Civil Appeals. Themandate of the Law Court in a civil appealinvolvinga childprotectivematter, aparental rightsmatter, aguardianship,anadoption,acontempt,oratemporaryorpermanentinjunctionshall issuethedaythatthedecisionresolvingtheappealispublishedorthefirstbusinessdaythereafter. ThemandateoftheLawCourtinanyothercivilappealshallissue14days after thedateofdecisionof theLawCourt, unless the time isshortenedorenlargedbyorderoftheLawCourt. (3) (A) StayoftheMandate. Amotionforastayof themandate,orforastayoftheeffectofamandatealreadyissued,mustbefiledwiththeClerk of the Law Court within 14 days after the date of the decision. Thetimelyfilingofamotionforreconsiderationinacivilappeal,priortoissuanceof themandate,will stay themandateuntildispositionof themotionunlessotherwise ordered by the Law Court. The issuance of themandatemay bestayedortheeffectofamandatealreadyissuedmaybestayedonmotionforgood cause shown, accompanied by an affidavit of themoving party or themovingparty’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) Appeals to the United States Supreme Court. When theissuanceof themandatehasbeenstayedpendingapetition to theSupremeCourtof theUnitedStates forawritofcertiorari, thereceiptby theClerkoftheLawCourtofanordergrantingthepetitionshallbeeffectivetocontinuethe stay until final disposition of the matter by the Supreme Court of theUnitedStates. (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 themovingpartyassertstheCourthasoverlookedormisapprehendedandshall

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containsuchargument insupportofthemotionasthemovingpartydesirestopresent.Anoriginaland7copiesofthemotionandanysupportingpapersshallbefiledandshallconformtoRule10(d). (B) Noresponsetoamotionforreconsiderationshallbefiledunlessrequested by the Law Court. The motion is not subject to oral argumentexceptbyspecificorderoftheCourt. (2) Amotion for reconsiderationwillnotbegrantedunlessorderedbyaJusticewhoconcurredinthedecisionandwhoactswiththeconcurrenceof a majority of the Justices who participated in the original decision andremainavailableandqualifiedtoactonthemotion. (3) If a motion for reconsideration is granted, the Law Court maymakea finaldispositionof thecausewithout re-argument,mayrestore it tothe calendar 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 becurrent practice, the form for motions for reconsideration must follow theform for othermotions filedwith theLawCourt, as specified inRule10(d).ThepreviousRulehadreferencedformerRule9(f),whichaddressedtheformforbriefs,includingcovers. Themandate rule is also clarified to specify that themandate in civilcases involving child protective matters, parental rights matters,guardianship, contempt, or temporary or permanent injunctions shall issuepromptly after decision. As presently, the mandate in other civil appeals

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wouldissue14daysafterdecision.Therulesarealsoclarifiedtoindicatethata stay of the mandate or the effect of the mandate may be sought for anyfurther appeals or reconsideration, so that such appeals or reconsiderationare not barred if requestedwithin 14 days after the date of the Law Courtdecisionatissue.ThecopyofthedecisionprovidedtothepartiesconstitutesthenoticeofissuanceofthemandatethatappearsattheendoftheLawCourtdecision.Nofurthernoticeisprovided.

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) An appeal from a ruling on a motion to correct or reduce asentence,pursuanttoM.R.U.Crim.P.35(a)or(c),whentheappealistakenbythedefendant; (B) An appeal by a person whose probation is revoked, or whoseconditionsofprobationaremodifiedpursuantto17-AM.R.S.§1202(2),whentheappealisauthorizedpursuantto17-AM.R.S.§1207(1); (C) Anappealbyapersonwhosesupervisedreleaseisrevoked,whentheappealisauthorizedpursuantto17-AM.R.S.§1233;

(D) An appeal by a persondetermined 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;

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(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; (H) An appeal from an order on a motion to order DNA analysis,pursuant to15M.R.S. § 2138(6),when the appeal is takenby the convictedpersonorbytheState; (I) An appeal from an order on a post-judgment motion seeking acourtdeterminationoffactualinnocenceandcorrectionofcourtrecordsandrelated criminal justice records or a subsequent vacating of thatdeterminationandrecordcorrection,pursuant to15M.R.S.§2184(1),whentheappealistakenbythepersonwhofiledamotionoronwhosebehalfthemotionwasfiled;and (J) An appeal from a final judgment entered under 15 M.R.S.§2254(5)or(7),pursuantto15M.R.S.§2258(1),whentheappealistakenbythe person who filed the motion for obtaining the special restrictions ondissemination and use of criminal history record information relating to aqualifyingcriminaljudgment. (b) Rules Applicable. The discretionary appeals covered by thisRuleshallproceedinaccordancewiththeMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure,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 theLawCourt, or, if no transcript isordered, within 21 days after filing a notice of appeal, the party filing theappealshall filewith theClerkof theLawCourt8copiesofamemorandumgivingspecificandsubstantivereasonswhytheissueor issuesidentifiedforprosecution of the appeal warrant the issuance of a certificate of probablecauseauthorizingconsiderationoftheappealonthemeritsbytheLawCourt.Thememorandumshallnotexceed20pagesandshallotherwiseconformtotherequirementsofRule7A(g)relatingtotheformofbriefs.Onmotionand

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for good 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. Until the Law Court rules on the request for a certificate of probablecause,nofurtherbriefingpursuanttoRule7or7AshallbesubmittedandnoappendixpursuanttoRule8shallbeprepared. (d) (1) Duty of Reporter to Prepare and File Transcript ofProceeding Subject to Appeal. Unless the Law Court otherwise directs,within56daysafterthedateofthefilingofthenoticeofappealandtranscriptorderform,thereportershallprepareandfileatranscriptofthehearingthatisthesubjectoftheappeal,ifahearingonthematterwasheldandrecorded.The transcript shall be filed in accordance with Rule 6(c). Unless the LawCourt orders otherwise, or a certificate of probable cause issues, no othertranscriptofanyrelatedproceedingshallbepreparedpendingrulingontherequestforacertificateofprobablecause.Thehearingsforwhichatranscriptshallbepreparedpursuanttothissubdivisionare: (A) For an appeal from a ruling on a motion for correction orreduction of sentence, the hearing, if any, on the motion for correction orreductionofsentence. (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 themotion for revocation of supervisedrelease.

(D) Foranappealfromarulingofinexcusablefailuretocomplywithacourt-imposed deferred disposition requirement, the hearing on themotionforterminationoftheperiodofdefermentorthehearingattheconclusionoftheperiodofdeferment.

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(E) For an appeal from a ruling on a motion for revocation ofadministrative release, the hearing on the motion for revocation ofadministrativerelease. (F) For an appeal froma final judgment in apost-conviction reviewproceeding,thehearingonthemotionforpost-convictionrelief,ifany. (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) Foranappealfromanordervacatingtheearlierordercertifyingadetermination of factual innocence and modifying any record correctionearliermade,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,within14daysafterthefilingofthe notice of appeal, prepare and forward to the Clerk of the Law Courtwritten findings of fact upon which the determination of the petitioncontestingextraditionwasbased. (B) Upon a finding that special circumstances exist, which findingsshallbeinwritingandshalldetailthesubstanceofsuchspecialcircumstancesand the necessity for the ordering of a transcript, the trial court, in lieu of

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preparing findings of fact, may order that a transcript of all or part of theproceedingsbepreparedandtransmittedtotheLawCourt.Thepreparationandtransmissionofsuchatranscriptshallbeexpedited. (f) Compensation for Hearing Transcript. Compensation for thehearingtranscriptshallbeasprovidedinRule5(b)(1)(B). (g) Denial of a Certificate of Probable Cause. If the Law Courtdenies a certificate of probable cause, the Clerk of the Law Court shallforthwithsendtoeachpartyawrittennoticeofthatdenial. (h) Grantingof aCertificateofProbableCause. If theLawCourtissuesacertificateofprobablecauseauthorizingconsiderationoftheappealonthemerits,theClerkoftheLawCourtshallforthwithnotifythepartiesandthetrialcourtfromwhichtheappealwastaken. Forpurposesoftimingandtheapplicabilityof theMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure, thedocketing inthe Law Court of an order granting a certificate of probable cause shall betreatedinthesamemannerasthefilingofanoticeofappealpursuanttoRule2A(b)(1). If an appeal is pending pursuant to Rule 2A involving the samecriminaljudgment,theRule19appealshallbetreatedaspartoftheRule2Aappeal. (i) AdditionalTranscriptOrders. (A) Within7daysafterthedocketingbytheClerkoftheLawCourtofthe order granting the certificate of probable cause, the appellant shall filewith the reporter and the Clerk of the Law Court and shall serve on theappelleea transcriptorder foranyother transcriptsorportions thereof,notalreadyprepared, that theappellantdeemsnecessary forprosecutionof theappeal. Within 7 days after receipt of the appellant’s transcript order, theappelleemay order additional transcripts or portions thereof in accordancewithRule5(b)(1)(A). (B) Costs of the transcript shall be paid in accordance withRule5(b)(1)(B). (C) If a non-indigent appellant fails to make appropriatearrangementswiththereporterforpaymentofthetranscriptwithin7daysasprovidedbyRule5(b)(1)(B), theClerkof theLawCourt shall benotified in

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accordancewith Rule 5(b)(1)(B), and the appeal shall proceedwithout anyadditionaltranscript. (j) Clerk’s Record. After docketing of the order granting thecertificateofprobablecauseandnotification to theclerk,any furtherclerk’srecordshallbe filedwith theLawCourt in thesamemannerasprovidedbyRule6. (k) Noticeof Schedule forFilingBriefsand theAppendix. Uponfilingoftherecord,includinganyadditionaltranscripts,theClerkoftheLawCourt shall notify the parties of the schedule for filing briefs in accordancewithRule7.TheappealshallthenproceedasotherappealsundertheMaineRulesofAppellateProcedure.

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. Rule 19(d)(1) is amended to modify the 56-day transcript filingdeadlineasinRule6(c)(1). Rule19(d)(2)(A)isamendedtoallowajudge14daysfromthefilingofthenoticeofappealtofilewrittenfindings. Finally, as part of this restyling, the Rule is amended to addsubparagraphstoRule19(d)(2)andRule19(g).

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RULE20.APPEALOFSENTENCE (a) (1) Application for Leave to Appeal. An appeal to the LawCourtbyadefendantforreviewofsentenceshallbeasprovidedin15M.R.S.§§ 2151-2157 and these Rules. Any defendant qualified under 15 M.R.S.§2151 to seek sentence review may apply to the Law Court by filing anapplicationtoallowanappealofsentencewiththeclerkofthecourtinwhichsentencewasimposed. (2) The application for review of sentence shall conform to theJudicialBranchformforsentenceappeals. Thedefendantorthedefendant’sattorneyshallsigntheapplication. Theclerkof thecourt inwhichsentencewas imposed shallmail a date-stamped copy of the application to the courtreporter. The clerk shall note in the criminal docket the giving of suchnotification,withthedatethereof. (3) Whenacourtimposesasentenceforwhichadefendant,pursuantto15M.R.S.§2151, isqualifiedtoseeksentencereview,thedefendantshallbe advised of the right to seek sentence review. If an unrepresenteddefendantrequests,thecourtshallcauseanapplicationforreviewofsentencetobepreparedandfiledonbehalfofthedefendantforthwith. (b) Time for filinganApplication forLeave toAppeal. The timewithinwhichtofileanapplicationtoallowanappealofsentenceshallbeasprovidedinRule2B(b)(1). (c) Docketing theApplication in the LawCourt. Upon receipt oftheapplicationtoallowanappealofsentence,theclerkofthecourtinwhichsentence was imposed shall forthwith transmit to the Law Court thefollowing: acopyof theapplicationwiththedateof the filing;acopyof thedocket entries, the charging instrument, and the order of judgment andcommitment;acopyoftheM.R.U.Crim.P.32pre-sentencereport,ifany;andacopy of any other material, including documentary exhibits, offered to orconsidered by the sentencing court in connection with the sentencingproceeding.Thecaseshallbemarked“SentenceAppeal,”onthedocket. The court inwhich sentencewas imposed shall takeno furtheractionpendingdispositionbytheLawCourtoftheapplicationforreviewofsentenceand, if theapplication isgranted, shall takeno furtheractionpendingruling

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onthesentenceappealexceptasprovidedinRule3(b),butwiththefurtherlimitation, as reflected in 15 M.R.S. § 2157, that the court may not stayexecutionofsentenceorsetbail. (d) DutyofReporter toPrepareandFileSentencingTranscript.UnlesstheLawCourtotherwisedirects,within42daysafterthedateoffilingof the application to allow appeal of sentence, with notice provided by thedate-stamped copy of the application from the clerk of the court in whichsentence was imposed, the court reporter shall file the transcript of thesentencinghearingwiththeClerkoftheLawCourt. Ifthecourtreporteranticipatesthatthetranscriptcannotbepreparedwithin 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 orsuggestion,direct that a supplemental recordbe transmittedby the clerkofthecourtinwhichsentencewasimposed. (f) Denial of Application for Leave to Appeal. If the SentenceReviewPaneloftheSupremeJudicialCourtdeniestheapplicationtoallowanappealofsentence,theClerkoftheLawCourtshallforthwithsendtotheclerkof thecourt inwhichsentencewas imposedandtoeachcounselofrecordawrittennoticeofthatdenial.Asprovidedin15M.R.S.§2152,adenialoftheapplicationisfinalandsubjecttonofurtherreview. (g) Docketing Sentence Appeal in Law Court. If the SentenceReviewPaneloftheSupremeJudicialCourtgrantstheapplicationtoallowanappeal of sentence, the Clerk of the LawCourt shall forthwith send to eachpartyandtotheclerkof thecourt inwhichsentencewas imposedacopyoftheordergrantingtheapplication, togetherwithawrittennoticeof theLawCourtdocketnumberandthedatewithinwhichanyfurtherrecordonappealmustbefiled. (h) AppealProcessing. Theordergrantingtheapplicationtoallowanappealofsentenceshallhavethesameeffectforappealprocessscheduling

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asanoticeofappealpursuanttoRule2A(b)(1).AsentenceappealintheLawCourt 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 notalreadyinthefileshallfileatranscriptorderformwithin7daysafternoticethat leave to appeal has been granted. If an appeal is pending pursuant toRule2A involving the same criminal judgment, the sentence appeal shall beconsideredaspartofthatappeal. (i) Relief. If theLawCourt,pursuant to15M.R.S.§2156,remandsthecasetothecourtinwhichsentencewasimposedforfurtherproceedingsandresentencingorsolelyforresentencing,anyjusticeorjudgeofthatcourtmayactthereon,unlesstheLawCourtotherwisedirects.


Rule20wasnotsubjecttorevision,exceptforchangingthecalculationof the 42-day deadline for filing a reporter’s transcript to conform to thechange in in Rule 6(c)(1), andminor editing and citation correction, in therestylingprocess.

RULE21.CRIMINALAPPEALSBYTHESTATE

(a) Procedure. Appeals by the State in criminal cases whenauthorizedbystatuteshallbesubjecttothesameprocedureasthatforotherappeals,exceptasprovidedbythisRule. (b) AppealsbytheStateRequiringApprovalofAttorneyGeneral.AstoanyState-initiatedappealrequiringapprovaloftheAttorneyGeneralofMaine, thenoticeofappeal shallbeaccompaniedby thewrittenapprovalofthe Attorney General, which shall become part of the record. The writtenapprovalmaybefiledatalaterdate,providedthattheattorneyfortheStatefiling thenotice of appeal states in thenotice that theAttorneyGeneral hasorallystatedthattheapprovalwillbegranted. (c) DismissalofAppeal. TheLawCourtshall,onmotion,orderthedismissalofanappealbroughtpursuanttothisRuleifitfindsthatsuchappealhasnotbeendiligentlyprosecuted.

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(d) CounselFeesonAppealbytheState. WhenanappealistakenbytheState,theLawCourtshallallowthedefendantreasonablecounselfeesandcostsfordefenseoftheappeal. (e) TollingofAppealPeriod.IftheStatefilesamotionforfindingsof factandconclusionsof lawpursuanttoM.R.U.Crim.P.41A(d), theappealperiod shall be tolled during the pendency of themotion. If themotion isgranted,theappealperiodshallbegintorunonceeither(1)writtenfindingsandconclusionsareenteredor(2)anotationreflectingthatnofindingsandconclusionshavebeenmadeisenteredonthecriminaldocket.

RestylingNotes–June2017 Rule21wasnotsubjecttosubstantiveeditingintherestylingprocess.Rule21(b)regardingthewrittenapprovaloftheAttorneyGeneralforappealswaseditedtocreateaseparatesentencereferencingthesubsequentfilingofawrittenapproval.

RULE22.REVIEWOFRULINGSAND

ORDERSOFTHEPUBLICUTILITIESCOMMISSION (a) (1) Review of rulings and orders of the Public UtilitiesCommission, including applications for relief pending final determination,shallbegovernedbytheseRules. (2) Wheneverastatuteorruleregulatingthetakingofanappealfroma judgment of the trial court in civil actions uses the term “the court,” “theclerk,”orasimilarterm,theyshallforthepurposeofaproceedinggovernedby thisRuleberead, respectively,as “thecommission,” “thesecretaryof thecommission,”orotherappropriateterms. (b) On an appeal from the Public Utilities Commission to the LawCourt, theappellant shallpay the filing feebycheck,payable to theClerkofthe LawCourt, to the secretary of the commissionwhen filing the notice ofappeal, and the secretary of the commission shall transmit that checkrepresenting the filing fee to the Clerk of the Law Court along with thecertifiedcopyofthenoticeofappealpursuanttoRule3(a).

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RestylingNotes–June2017 Rule 22 is subject to minor editing for internal numbering in therestyling process. It includes no substantive changes. The new Rule 6(d)regarding electronic or digital record filing practice will apply to manyRule22appealstotheLawCourt.

RULE23.REVIEWOFDECISIONSOFTHEWORKERS’COMPENSATIONBOARDANDAPPELLATEDIVISION

(a) WhenandHowTaken. (1) ApartyininterestmayseekreviewbytheLawCourtofadecisionof theWorkers’CompensationBoardor itsAppellateDivisionby filingwiththeClerkoftheLawCourtacopyofthedecisionwithin20daysafterreceiptofnoticeof the filingof thedecisionby theAppellateDivisionor theBoard.Thepartypetitioningforappealshallfilewiththecopyofthedecisionanoticeofappealindicatingthepointsintendedtobeaddressedonappeal. (2) ThepetitioningpartyshallalsopaytotheClerkoftheLawCourttherequiredfilingfee. (3) Withintheoriginal20daysafterreceiptofnoticeofthedecisionorwithin14daysafterthedateofthefirstfilingofanoticeofappealwiththeClerkoftheLawCourt,anyotherpartyininterestmayfileanoticeofappealindicatinganyadditionalpointthattheotherpartymaywishtoaddressinanappeal. (4) Whenmorethanonepartyfilesanoticeofappeal,thepartywhofiles the first notice of appeal shall be deemed to be the petitioner forpurposesofapplicationofthisRule. (b) PetitionforAppellateReviewandResponse. (1) FormofPetition. (A) Within20daysofthefilingofthedecisionorthelastfiled,timelynotice of appeal, the petitioner shall file with the Clerk of the Law Court10copiesofapetition forappellatereview,whichshall state theprocedural

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andfactualhistoryofthecase,theerrorallegedtohavebeencommitted,andthe manner in which the petition meets the criteria for granting appellatereviewstatedinRule23(b)(2). (B) Thepetitionforappellatereviewandanyresponseshallbetypedinatleast14-pointfontwithdoublespacingbetweeneachlineoftypeexceptforblockquotations. Thepetitionandanyresponsefiledbyanyotherpartyshallbeinasingledocumentnotexceeding10pages. (2) Review Criteria. The Law Court may grant a petition forappellatereviewwhen: (A) Thecaseclearly raisesan importantquestionof law that shouldbe addressed because (i) the question of law is one that is likely to recurunlessresolved,or(ii)thereisaneedtoconsiderestablishing,implementing,orchanginganinterpretationoflaw;or (B) Thedecisiononappealcontainsasubstantialerroronaquestionof lawresulting insubstantialprejudice tooneormoreof theparties to theBoardortheAppellateDivisionproceeding;or (C) The decision on an appeal is affected by a substantial andprejudicialviolationof thestatutoryordueprocessproceduralrightsofoneormoreofthepartiestotheBoardproceeding. (3) NoAppealofFact-Finding.Asprovidedbystatute,thereshallbenoappealuponfindingsoffact. (4) PetitionAttachments. There shall be appended to thepetitionfor appellate review, a copy of the decision of the Appellate Division orWorkers’CompensationBoard,andcopiesofanyotherrelevantdecisionsofthe Board, the Appellate Division, or the former Workers’ CompensationCommission that are necessary to evaluate the issues raised in the petition.Failure to attach to a petition for appellate review a copy of the challengeddecisionof theAppellateDivisionor theWorkers’CompensationBoardmayresultinasummarydismissalofthatpetition.

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(5) Response. Within 14 days any other party in interestmay filewith the Clerk of the Law Court 10 copies of a response to the petition forappellatereview.Theresponsemaynotexceed10pages. (6) ServiceofCopies.Atthetimeoffilingofapetitionforappellatereviewortheresponsethereto,thepartyfilingthepetitionorresponseshallalso file one copy with the General Counsel of theWorkers’ CompensationBoardandserveonecopyoneachoftheotherpartiesininterest. (c) GrantingorDenying 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) In cases when the legal error is apparent on the face of thedecisionoftheAppellateDivisionortheBoard,theLawCourtmaysummarilymodify or vacate the decision and remand to the Appellate Division or theBoardforfurtherproceedings. (2) WhentheappealisfromadecisionoftheAppellateDivisionoftheWorkers’CompensationBoardissuedpursuantto39-AM.R.S.§321-B: (A) The appellant shall prepare the record on appeal and file therecord with the Clerk of the Law Court within 35 days after the date thepetitionisgranted; (B) Theappellantshallfiletheappendixtothebriefs,andbothoftheparties shall file theirbriefs,within14daysafter 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 the

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Appellate Division, and a copy of the decision and findings of the hearingofficer. (3) WhentheappealisfromadecisionoftheWorkers’CompensationBoardissuedpursuantto39-AM.R.S.§320: (A) TheExecutiveDirectoroftheWorkers’CompensationBoardshallfiletherecordonappealwiththeClerkoftheLawCourtwithin14daysafterthedatethepetitionisgranted; (B) Theappellantshallfiletheappendixtothebriefsandbothofthepartiesshallfiletheirbriefswithin14daysafterthepetitionisgranted; (C) Eitherpartymayfileareplybriefwithin14daysafterserviceofthebriefoftheotherparty; (D) Therecordonappealshallconsistofthehearingofficer’sdocketsheet,allpleadings,transcriptsofallproceedings,allexhibits,allevidenceofwhichthehearingofficerhastakenjudicialnotice,andcopiesofthedecisionandfindingsofthehearingofficerandthedecisionoftheBoard. (4) If after granting a petition for appellate review and afterconsideration of the briefs and any oral argument, the Law Court is of theopinion that the criteria stated in paragraph (b)(2) have not beenmet andthat thepetitionwas improvidentlygranted, theLawCourtmaydismiss theappeal.


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,itisnotchangedtoatimeperiodmeasuredin weekly increments, as is the practice with time limits in the Rules notcontrolled by statute. The transitionprovision adoptedwhen theAppellateDivisionwascreatedin2012iseliminated.

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RULE24.REPORTOFCASES (a) Report by Agreement of Important or Doubtful Questions.Whenthetrialcourtisoftheopinionthataquestionoflawpresentedtoitisof sufficient 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) Report of Interlocutory Rulings. If the trial court is of theopinion that a question of law involved in an interlocutory order or rulingmade by it ought to be determined by the Law Court before any furtherproceedingsaretaken,itmayonmotionoftheaggrievedpartyreportthecasetotheLawCourtforthatpurposeandstayallfurtherproceedingsexceptsuchas are necessary to preserve the rights of the parties without making anydecisiontherein. (d) DeterminationbytheLawCourt.AnyactionreportedpursuanttothisRuleshallbeenteredintheLawCourtandproceedasanyotherappeal,with the plaintiff or the party aggrieved by a reported interlocutory rulingbeingtreatedastheappellant. Inacivilcase,theappellantshallpaythefeeforfilingofanoticeofappealpromptlyfollowingentryoftheorderofreport.

RestylingNotes–June2017 In current Rule 24 regarding report of cases, Rule 24(a) and (b) areessentiallyduplicative. CurrentRule24(a)purportstoaddressimportantordoubtful questions of law; current Rule 24(b) purports to address issues oflaw relating to agreed facts. However, both address reports of what wereessentially questions of law. In the restyling, current Rule 24(a) isreorganized, without substantive change, and the duplication in currentRule24(b)iseliminated.Rule24(c)addressesreportswhenpartiesmaynot

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beinagreementonthereportoftheinterlocutoryruling.Whenfactsarenotindispute,themattercanbesubmittedtotheLawCourtonreport,assumingit otherwise qualifies for consideration. If there are any material facts indispute, the matter cannot be referred to the Law Court until the factualdisputeshavebeenresolvedbyafinaljudgmentinthetrialcourt.

RULE25.CERTIFICATIONOFQUESTIONSOFLAW

BYFEDERALCOURTSTOTHELAWCOURT (a) WhenCertified. When it shall appear to the SupremeCourt oftheUnitedStatesor toanyof theCourtsofAppealsorDistrictCourtsof theUnitedStatesthatthereareinvolvedinanyproceedingbeforeitoneormorequestionsoflawofthisStatethatmaybedeterminativeofthecauseandthatthereisnoclearcontrollingprecedentinthedecisionsoftheSupremeJudicialCourt, such federal courtmay, upon its ownmotion or upon request of anyinterested party, certify such questions of law of this State to the SupremeJudicial Court sitting as the Law Court, for instructions concerning suchquestionsofstatelaw. (b) ContentsofCertificate.Thecertificateprovidedforhereinshallcontainthenameanddocketnumberofthecase,astatementoffactsshowingthenatureofthecaseandthecircumstancesoutofwhichthequestionoflawarises,andthequestionorquestionsoflawtobeanswered.SubjecttootherdirectionbytheSupremeJudicialCourt,thecertificateshallalsospecifywhichpartyshallbetreatedastheappellantintheproceedingsbeforetheSupremeJudicialCourt. (c) PreparationofCertificate. Thecertificatemaybepreparedbystipulationorasdirectedbythecertifyingfederalcourt.Whenpreparedandsignedbythepresiding judgeof the federalcourt,12copiesthereofshallbecertified to the Supreme Judicial Court by the clerk of the federal court andunder its official seal. The Supreme Judicial Court may, in its discretion,require the original or copies of all or any portion of the record before thefederalcourttobefiledwithsaidcertificatewhere,initsopinion,suchrecordmaybenecessaryinansweringanycertifiedquestionoflaw. (d) Costs of Certificate. The costs of the certificate and filing feeshall be equally divided among the parties unless otherwise orderedby theSupremeJudicialCourt.

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(e) HearingBefore the LawCourt. For the purpose ofmeasuringthe time for filing briefs and for holding the oral argument, the filing anddocketingofthecertificateintheSupremeJudicialCourtshallbetreatedthesameasthefilinganddocketingoftherecordonanappealfromthetrialcourtpursuanttoRule7.Fromthefilinganddocketingofthecertificate,themattershallproceedasanyappealpursuanttotheseRules. (f) InterventionbytheState. Whentheconstitutionalityofanactof the Legislature of this State affecting the public interest is drawn inquestion upon such certification to which the State of Maine or an officer,agency, or employee thereof isnot aparty, the Supreme JudicialCourt shallnotify theAttorneyGeneralandshallpermit theStateofMaine to intervenefor presentation of briefs and oral argument on the question ofconstitutionality.

RestylingNotes–June2017 Rule 25 is subject to minor editing for clarification in the restylingprocess.Itincludesnosubstantivechanges.Dated:June6,2017 FORTHECOURT,* /s/ LEIGHI.SAUFLEY ChiefJustice DONALDG.ALEXANDER ANDREWM.MEAD ELLENA.GORMAN JOSEPHM.JABAR JEFFREYL.HJELM THOMASE.HUMPHREY AssociateJustices

* This Rule Amendment Order was approved after conference of the Court, all Justicesconcurringtherein.