The District Court has 22 judges who hold court in 13 districts at 33 locations throughout Maine. This court hears both civil and criminal matters and always sits without a jury. The court also tries cases involving civil violations and Class D and E criminal offenses when the defendant waives the right to a jury trial. In addition, the court hears all juvenile matters. Although some decisions of the District Court may be appealed directly to the Supreme Judicial Court, most cases are appealed to the Superior Court.
Appeals are limited to questions of law.
In Maine, the small claims court is a special session of the District Court held in each district on certain days determined by the Chief Judge of the District Court. In small claims court, the procedure is simplified, hearings are informal, and parties generally appear without attorneys. Appeals from small claims judgments may be taken to the Superior Court. Probate Courts, established in the Maine Constitution in 1820, are courts with jurisdiction over specialized subject matter, such as estates and trusts, adoptions and name changes, guardianship and protective proceedings. These courts also sit without a jury.