reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
14 ME Rev Stat § 153 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 14: COURT PROCEDURE -- CIVIL|Part 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Chapter 7: DEFENSES GENERALLY|14 §153. Mitigation of damages in action for libel

 §153. Mitigation of damages in action for libel The defendant in an action for libel may prove in mitigation of damages that the charge was made by mistake or through error or by inadvertence and that the defendant has in writing, within a reasonable time after the publication of the charge, retracted the charge and denied its truth as publicly and as fully as the defendant made the charge. The defendant may prove in mitigation of damages that the plaintiff failed to notify the defendant of the libel in a timely fashion and that the defendant was therefore unable to lessen damage to the plaintiff's reputation. The defendant may prove in mitigation of damages that the plaintiff has already recovered or has brought action for damages for, or has received or has agreed to receive compensation for, substantially the same libel.   [RR 2009, c. 2, §30 (COR).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1979, c. 663, §74 (AMD). PL 1985, c. 290, §2 (AMD). RR 2009, c. 2, §30 (COR).
14 ME Rev Stat § 153-A (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 14: COURT PROCEDURE -- CIVIL|Part 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Chapter 7: DEFENSES GENERALLY|14 §153-A. Defense in action based on misuse of legal identification

 §153-A. Defense in action based on misuse of legal identification It is a defense to a civil action for monetary damages that the damages arose from the misuse of a form of legal identification and the use of that identification has resulted in the conviction of a person other than the defendant under Title 17‑A, sections 354 and 905-A. The defense may be raised only by the person whose identification was misused.   [PL 1999, c. 190, §1 (NEW).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1999, c. 190, §1 (NEW).
14 ME Rev Stat § 154 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 14: COURT PROCEDURE -- CIVIL|Part 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Chapter 7: DEFENSES GENERALLY|14 §154. Unproved allegations (REPEALED)

 §154. Unproved allegations (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1985, c. 290, §3 (RP).
14 ME Rev Stat § 155 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 14: COURT PROCEDURE -- CIVIL|Part 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Chapter 7: DEFENSES GENERALLY|14 §155. No action on demands discharged by partial payment

 §155. No action on demands discharged by partial payment No action shall be maintained on a demand settled by a creditor or his attorney entrusted to collect it, in full discharge thereof, by the receipt of money or other valuable consideration, however small.
14 ME Rev Stat § 157 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 14: COURT PROCEDURE -- CIVIL|Part 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Chapter 7: DEFENSES GENERALLY|14 §157. Government agencies (REPEALED)

 §157. Government agencies (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1965, c. 425, §§8-A (NEW). PL 1969, c. 428 (RPR). PL 1977, c. 2, §1 (RP). PL 1977, c. 78, §§111,111-A (REEN).
14 ME Rev Stat § 158 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 14: COURT PROCEDURE -- CIVIL|Part 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Chapter 7: DEFENSES GENERALLY|14 §158. Damages for tortious conduct of charitable corporations

 §158. Damages for tortious conduct of charitable corporations A charitable organization shall be considered to have waived its immunity from liability for negligence or any other tort during the period a policy of insurance is effective covering the liability of the charitable organization for negligence or any other tort. Each policy issued to a charitable organization shall contain a provision to the effect that the insurer shall be estopped from asserting, as a defense to any claim covered by said policy, that such organization is immune from liability on the ground that it is a charitable organization. The amount of damages in any such case shall not exceed the limits of coverage specified in the policy, and the courts shall abate any verdict in any such action to the extent that it exceeds such policy limit.   [PL 1965, c. 513, §28 (NEW).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1965, c. 513, §28 (NEW).
14 ME Rev Stat § 158-B (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 14: COURT PROCEDURE -- CIVIL|Part 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Chapter 7: DEFENSES GENERALLY|14 §158-B. Limited liability of charitable organizations

 §158-B. Limited liability of charitable organizations 1.  Liability limited.  A charitable organization or other entity approved pursuant to Title 15, section 3301 or 3314 or pursuant to Title 17‑A, section 2031 is not liable for a claim arising from death or injury to a person or damage to property caused by a juvenile or adult participating in a supervised work or service program, performing community service or providing restitution under Title 15, section 3301 or 3314 or under Title 17‑A, section 2031, including a claim arising from death or injury to the juvenile or adult or damage to the adult's or juvenile's property.   [PL 2019, c. 113, Pt. C, §26 (AMD).] 2.  No effect on other liability or immunity.  Nothing in this section creates liability for any claim or waives any immunity otherwise available.   [PL 1997, c. 619, §1 (NEW).] 3.  Charitable organization defined.  For the purposes of this section, "charitable organization" means any nonprofit institution or organization organized or incorporated in this State or having a principal place of business in this State that is exempt from federal income taxation under the United States Internal Revenue Code, Section 501(a) because the nonprofit organization is described in the United States Internal Revenue Code, Section 501(c)(3).   [PL 2007, c. 275, §1 (AMD).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1997, c. 619, §1 (NEW). PL 2007, c. 275, §1 (AMD). PL 2019, c. 113, Pt. C, §26 (AMD).
14 ME Rev Stat § 159 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 14: COURT PROCEDURE -- CIVIL|Part 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Chapter 7: DEFENSES GENERALLY|14 §159. Social and business invitees, standards of care

 §159. Social and business invitees, standards of care The standards of care for a social invitee shall be the same as that of a business invitee.   [PL 1967, c. 366 (NEW).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1967, c. 366 (NEW).
14 ME Rev Stat § 159-B (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 14: COURT PROCEDURE -- CIVIL|Part 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Chapter 7: DEFENSES GENERALLY|14 §159-B. Limited liability for recycling activities by municipalities and regional associations

 §159-B. Limited liability for recycling activities by municipalities and regional associations 1.  Definitions.  As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.   A. "Premises" means improved and unimproved lands upon which recycling activities are conducted.   [PL 1991, c. 487, §1 (NEW).]B. "Recycling activities" means collection or separation or both of materials in containers:   (1) Owned by a municipality or regional association as defined in Title 38, section 1303‑C, subsection 24; and   (2) Located on the premises of the owner, lessee or occupant under an agreement between the municipality or regional association and the owner, lessee or occupant of the premises.   [PL 1991, c. 487, §1 (NEW).][PL 1991, c. 487, §1 (NEW).] 2.  No remuneration.  The owner, lessee or occupant of the premises may not receive any remuneration from the municipality or regional association for allowing recycling activities to be conducted on the premises.   [PL 1991, c. 487, §1 (NEW).] 3.  Limited liability.  An owner, lessee or occupant of the premises is not liable for personal injury, property damage or death caused by recycling activities within 20 feet of the containers used in recycling activities. The containers used in recycling activities are considered other machinery or equipment, whether mobile or stationary, under Title 14, section 8104‑A, subsection 1, paragraph G for which the municipality or regional association is liable as provided by the Maine Tort Claims Act.   [PL 1991, c. 487, §1 (NEW).] 4.  Limitations.  This section does not limit any liability that may otherwise exist for a willful or malicious failure to guard or warn against a dangerous condition on the premises related to the recycling activities.   [PL 1991, c. 487, §1 (NEW).] 5.  No duty created.  Nothing in this section creates a duty of care or ground of liability for injury to a person or property.   [PL 1991, c. 487, §1 (NEW).] 6.  Costs and fees.  The court may award any direct legal costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, to an owner, lessee or occupant who is found not to be liable for injury to a person or property pursuant to this section.   [PL 1991, c. 487, §1 (NEW).] 7.  Repeal.   [PL 1993, c. 598, §1 (RP).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1991, c. 487, §1 (NEW). PL 1993, c. 598, §1 (AMD).
14 ME Rev Stat § 159-C (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 14: COURT PROCEDURE -- CIVIL|Part 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Chapter 7: DEFENSES GENERALLY|14 §159-C. Liability related to placement of navigational aids in great ponds

 §159-C. Liability related to placement of navigational aids in great ponds 1.  Definitions.  As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.   A. "Great pond" has the meaning given in Title 38, section 480‑B, subsection 5.   [PL 1997, c. 739, §10 (NEW).]B. "Lake association" means a nonprofit organization incorporated under state law whose corporate purpose includes maintenance or improvement of water quality or public safety on a great pond, management of water levels or other social, educational, stewardship or advocacy efforts to benefit users of or the natural environment of a great pond.   [PL 1997, c. 739, §10 (NEW).]C. "Navigational aid markers" means navigational aids that conform to rules governing the State's marking of waterways.   [PL 1997, c. 739, §10 (NEW).][PL 1997, c. 739, §10 (NEW).] 2.  Limited liability.  A lake association that has obtained a permit from the former Department of Conservation or the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to place navigational aid markers in great ponds is not liable for personal injury, property damage or death caused by placement or maintenance of those navigational aid markers as long as the lake association has placed or maintained the markers in conformance with the terms and conditions of the permit.   [PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. D, §12 (AMD).] 3.  No remuneration.  In order to qualify for the immunity granted in subsection 2, a lake association may not receive any remuneration from the State or otherwise for placing navigational aid markers in great ponds.   [PL 1997, c. 739, §10 (NEW).] 4.  Limitations.  This section does not limit any liability that may otherwise exist for willful or malicious actions or failures to guard or warn against a known dangerous condition related to the navigational aid markers.   [PL 1997, c. 739, §10 (NEW).] 5.  No duty created.  Nothing in this section creates a duty of care or ground for liability.   [PL 1997, c. 739, §10 (NEW).] 6.  Costs and fees.  The court may award any direct legal costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, to a lake association against which a tort or related action is brought when the lake association is found not liable pursuant to this section.   [PL 1997, c. 739, §10 (NEW).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1997, c. 739, §10 (NEW). PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. D, §12 (AMD).
14 ME Rev Stat § 159-D (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 14: COURT PROCEDURE -- CIVIL|Part 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Chapter 7: DEFENSES GENERALLY|14 §159-D. Liability related to a bicyclist using a drive-up window

 §159-D. Liability related to a bicyclist using a drive-up window 1.  Limited liability.  An establishment that has a drive-up window is not liable for personal injury, property damage or death caused to a bicyclist who uses that establishment's drive-up window.   [PL 2007, c. 400, §1 (NEW).] 2.  Limitations.  This section does not limit any liability that may otherwise exist for willful or malicious actions or failures to guard or warn against a known dangerous condition related to the use of the drive-up window.   [PL 2007, c. 400, §1 (NEW).] 3.  No duty created.  This section does not create a duty of care or ground for liability.   [PL 2007, c. 400, §1 (NEW).] 4.  Costs and fees.  The court may award any direct legal costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, to an establishment that is found not to be liable for injury to a bicyclist pursuant to this section.   [PL 2007, c. 400, §1 (NEW).] SECTION HISTORY PL 2007, c. 400, §1 (NEW).
14 ME Rev Stat § 160 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 14: COURT PROCEDURE -- CIVIL|Part 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Chapter 7: DEFENSES GENERALLY|14 §160. Certain cases of negligence

 §160. Certain cases of negligence In actions to recover damages for negligently causing the death of a person or for injury to a person who is deceased at the time of trial of such action, the person for whose death or injury the action is brought shall be presumed to have been in the exercise of due care at the time of all acts in any way related to his death or injury, and if negligence of the deceased is to be relied on as a defense, it shall be pleaded and proved by the defendant.   [PL 1967, c. 494, §15-A (NEW).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1967, c. 494, §§15-A (NEW).
14 ME Rev Stat § 161 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 14: COURT PROCEDURE -- CIVIL|Part 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Chapter 7: DEFENSES GENERALLY|14 §161. When lack of privity no defense in action against manufacturer, seller or supplier of goods

 §161. When lack of privity no defense in action against manufacturer, seller or supplier of goods Lack of privity between plaintiff and defendant shall be no defense in any action brought against the manufacturer, seller or supplier of goods under Title 14, section 221 or for negligence, although the plaintiff did not purchase the goods from the defendant, if the plaintiff was a person whom the manufacturer, seller or supplier might reasonably have expected to use, consume or be affected by the goods.   [PL 1973, c. 788, §57 (AMD).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1969, c. 327, §2 (NEW). PL 1973, c. 441, §2 (RPR). PL 1973, c. 788, §57 (AMD).
14 ME Rev Stat § 162 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 14: COURT PROCEDURE -- CIVIL|Part 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Chapter 7: DEFENSES GENERALLY|14 §162. Settlement or release of claims

 §162. Settlement or release of claims Whenever a person seeks to recover against another person for both personal injury and property damage, settlement or release of either the personal injury or property damage claim shall not be a bar to a subsequent action upon the other claim.   [PL 1969, c. 230 (NEW).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1969, c. 230 (NEW).
14 ME Rev Stat § 163 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 14: COURT PROCEDURE -- CIVIL|Part 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Chapter 7: DEFENSES GENERALLY|14 §163. Release of joint tortfeasors

 §163. Release of joint tortfeasors Whenever a person seeks recovery for a personal injury or property damage caused by 2 or more persons, the settlement with or release of one or more of the persons causing the injury is not a bar to a subsequent action against the other person or persons also causing the injury.   [PL 1999, c. 633, §2 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 633, §3 (AFF).]Evidence of settlement with a release of one or more persons causing the injury is not admissible at a subsequent trial against the other person or persons also causing the injury. After the jury has returned its verdict, the trial judge shall inquire of the attorneys for the parties whether such a settlement or release has occurred. If such settlement or release has occurred, the trial judge shall reduce the verdict by an amount equal to the settlement with or the consideration for the release of the other persons. With regard to a settlement in which the plaintiff has entered into an agreement that precludes the plaintiff from collecting against remaining parties that portion of any damages attributable to the settling defendant's share of responsibility, the judge shall reduce the plaintiff's judgment by either the amount determined at trial to be attributable to the settling defendant's share of responsibility, if any was found, or, if no such finding is made, by the value of the consideration given to the plaintiff for the settlement.   [PL 1999, c. 633, §2 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 633, §3 (AFF).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1969, c. 19 (NEW). PL 1999, c. 633, §2 (AMD). PL 1999, c. 633, §3 (AFF).
14 ME Rev Stat § 164 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 14: COURT PROCEDURE -- CIVIL|Part 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Chapter 7: DEFENSES GENERALLY|14 §164. Immunity from civil liability

 §164. Immunity from civil liability Notwithstanding any inconsistent provisions of any public or private and special law, any person who voluntarily, without the expectation of monetary or other compensation from the person aided or treated, renders first aid, emergency treatment or rescue assistance to a person who is unconscious, ill, injured or in need of rescue assistance, shall not be liable for damages for injuries alleged to have been sustained by such person nor for damages for the death of such person alleged to have occurred by reason of an act or omission in the rendering of such first aid, emergency treatment or rescue assistance, unless it is established that such injuries or such death were caused willfully, wantonly or recklessly or by gross negligence on the part of such person. This section shall apply to members or employees of nonprofit volunteer or governmental ambulance, rescue or emergency units, whether or not a user or service fee may be charged by the nonprofit unit or the governmental entity and whether or not the members or employees receive salaries or other compensation from the nonprofit unit or the governmental entity. This section shall not be construed to require a person who is ill or injured to be administered first aid or emergency treatment if such person objects thereto on religious grounds. This section shall not apply if such first aid or emergency treatment or assistance is rendered on the premises of a hospital or clinic.   [PL 1977, c. 69 (AMD).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1969, c. 565 (NEW). PL 1975, c. 452, §1 (RPR). PL 1975, c. 679, §1 (AMD). PL 1977, c. 69 (AMD).
14 ME Rev Stat § 164-A (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 14: COURT PROCEDURE -- CIVIL|Part 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Chapter 7: DEFENSES GENERALLY|14 §164-A. Maine Assistance Program for Lawyers; immunity

 §164-A. Maine Assistance Program for Lawyers; immunity 1.  Definition.  As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following term has the following meaning.   A. "Program" means the Maine Assistance Program for Lawyers established by court order pursuant to Title 4, section 421 to provide help to lawyers and judges who suffer from the effects of chemical dependency or mental conditions that result from disease, disorder, trauma or other infirmity and that impair a lawyer's or judge's ability to practice law or serve in a judicial capacity.   [PL 2003, c. 148, §1 (NEW).][PL 2003, c. 148, §1 (NEW).] 2.  Receive or report information; take or not take action.  A person or an organization receiving information, reporting information, taking action or taking no action on behalf of or in connection with the activities of the program is immune from all civil liability. The immunity provided by this subsection must be liberally construed to accomplish the purposes of the program. The immunity provided by this subsection is in addition to any other immunity provided by law.   [PL 2003, c. 148, §1 (NEW).] 3.  Information confidential.  All proceedings, communications and records, including the identity and treatment of a person seeking or being furnished assistance, connected in any way with the program are confidential and are not subject to compulsory legal process or otherwise discoverable or admissible in evidence in any civil action unless the confidentiality is waived by the affected person. Statistical data not identifying a person involved in the program may be made available for statistical evaluation as a professional aid in furtherance of the goals of the program.   [PL 2003, c. 148, §1 (NEW).] SECTION HISTORY PL 2003, c. 148, §1 (NEW).
14 ME Rev Stat § 165 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 14: COURT PROCEDURE -- CIVIL|Part 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS|Chapter 7: DEFENSES GENERALLY|14 §165. Liability of those who store or distribute natural gas

 §165. Liability of those who store or distribute natural gas 1.  Liability without proof of negligence.  A natural gas company or an intrastate or interstate natural gas pipeline company that stores, transports or distributes natural gas is liable for all acts and omissions of its servants and agents that cause death or injury to persons or damage to property resulting from explosions or fire caused by natural gas escaping from the natural gas storage, transportation or distribution system under its control or from explosions or fire caused by defects in the natural gas storage, transportation and distribution systems under its control.   [PL 1997, c. 222, §1 (AMD).] 2.  Rebuttable presumption.  When there is death or injury to persons or damage to property resulting from explosions or fire caused by escaping natural gas, there is a rebuttable presumption that the gas escaped because of a defect in a portion of the storage, transportation or distribution system under the company's control.   [PL 1997, c. 222, §1 (AMD).] 3.  Exceptions.  The company is not liable for death or injury to persons or damage to property caused by:   A. An act of God or war;   [PL 1995, c. 299, §1 (NEW).]B. Fault of the plaintiff to the extent that the plaintiff's fault bars or reduces the plaintiff's recovery under section 156; or   [PL 1995, c. 299, §1 (NEW).]C. Intervening fault of a 3rd party for whose actions the company is not legally liable. If death or injury to persons or damage to property is caused by the combined fault of the company and other parties, the liability of the company is joint and several with those other parties.   [PL 1995, c. 299, §1 (NEW).][PL 1995, c. 299, §1 (NEW).] 4.  Indemnity.  In the event that the company is exposed to liability under this section because of the negligence of a 3rd party, the 3rd party shall indemnify the company for the company's losses, including any damages awarded or negotiated through settlement to any party, and costs and attorney's fees.   [PL 1995, c. 299, §1 (NEW).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1975, c. 186 (NEW). PL 1995, c. 299, §1 (RPR). PL 1997, c. 222, §1 (AMD).