Introduction
The Supreme Judicial Court of Maine is the topmost court in the hierarchy of the State’s court structure. In addition, it is the court of final resort in the State. It is one of the special courts that fall under the judiciary wing of the federal government. The beginning of the Court’s operations can be traced back to the year 1820 after Maine gained its sovereignty as a state from Massachusetts. It is headed by the Chief Justice who also presides over the functions of the court. The Governor of the State appoints seven justices who help in the execution of judicial duties in cases brought before the court.
Operations of the Court
The principal aim of the Court is to decide appeals on matters pertaining to the interpretation of the law resulting from matters of both criminal and civil nature. Issues concerning the law are raised before the court when the appealing of a case originates from the court of trial. Parties with vested interests in the case are given an opportunity to present their positions on the matter at hand. This is done in the form of verbal arguments and briefs made in writing highlighting their various positions. The areas of interest are reflected upon by the justices who then issue their resolution in written form. The Court has the power to uphold or revoke the decision made by lower cadre courts that have been presented before it. A short and concise memorandum of association can also be issued to explain the result in a specific case.
Judicial Hierarchy
This Court receives applications of appeals from the ‘United States Courts of Appeal’ for the federal circuit, ‘United States Court of Military Appeals’ and the ‘United States Courts of Appeal’ twelve circuits. The ‘Maine Supreme Judicial Court’, on the other hand, receives appeals from lower cadre courts that fall within the restriction of the state through its appellate division. These courts comprise of the Superior court, District Court, Business and Consumer court, Family Division, Drug Court, Small Claims Court, traffic/ moving. The Court also comprises of departments that facilitate the smooth running of its operations. These include the offices used in the administration of the court system, the Office of Transcript Production, the Alternative Dispute Resolution and the Unified Criminal Docket.
Difference between the Court and the United State Court System
The major difference between the ‘United States Court System’ and the Supreme Judicial Court of Maine is that the latter restricts its jurisdiction to the boundaries of the State, the former overlooks the operation of justice across the entire nation. The court system of the United States seeks to ensure the administration of justice throughout the entire nation. It is designed to ensure that inter-state disputes and international disputes are handled properly. It also outlines the framework within which state courts carry out their operations, which includes the administration of justice.
Exercise of Judicial Power
Judicial power in the United States court system is derived from article three of the constitution. Section one of this article specifically establishes the United States court system. It vests this power upon the congress. On the contrary, state courts such as the Supreme Judicial Court of Maine are created by individual state laws in accordance with the constitution. Under the court system of the United States, the Supreme Court of United States is the most highly ranked institution in the nation’s judicial system. Parties that are not satisfied with the ruling of the ‘Maine Supreme Judicial Court’ may seek justice from alternative courts of appeal.
Conclusion
The Supreme Judicial Court of Maine is part of the court system of the United States. Administration of justice is deeply enshrined in the United States’ Constitution. While the Supreme Judicial Court of Maine has some features that are unique and distinct from those of the court system of the United States, it follows the general rules and regulations that have been developed to ensure the administration of justice all over the nation.
Works Cited
Fallon, Richard H, and Richard H. Fallon. Hart and Wechsler's the Federal Courts and the Federal System. New York, NY: Thomson Reuters/Foundation Press, c2009, 2009. Print.
