Maine § 157. - Judges; appointment; salary; expenses; full-time duties
Full text of Maine Maine Revised Statutes § 157. — Judges; appointment; salary; expenses; full-time duties, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 157.. Judges; appointment; salary; expenses; full-time duties
1. Appointment. District Court Judges are appointed as follows.
A. The Governor, subject to review by the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over judiciary matters and to confirmation by the Legislature, shall appoint to the District Court 42 judges, except that, beginning July 1, 2024, the Governor, subject to review by the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over judiciary matters and to confirmation by the Legislature, shall appoint to the District Court 44 judges. At least one judge must be appointed from each district who is a resident of a county in which the district lies, except that in District 3 there must be 2 judges appointed who are residents of a county in which the district lies; in District 6 there must be 2 judges appointed who are residents of a county in which the district lies; and in District 9 there must be 2 judges appointed who are residents of a county in which the district lies. Each District Court Judge has a term of office of 7 years.
B. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court shall designate one of the judges as Chief Judge. The Chief Judge, with the approval of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, shall designate one of the District Court Judges as Deputy Chief Judge who has all the duties, powers and responsibilities of the Chief Judge when the Chief Judge is unable to perform them because of illness, absence or disability. [PL 1993, c. 675, Pt. B, §4 (AMD).]
2. Chief Judge; salary. The Chief Judge of the District Court is entitled to receive a salary, for fiscal year 1998-99 and thereafter, of $94,000, to be paid biweekly.
3. Deputy Chief Judge; salary. The Deputy Chief Judge of the District Court is entitled to receive a salary, for fiscal year 1998-99 and thereafter, of $92,000, to be paid biweekly.
4. Associate judge; salary. Each Associate Judge of the District Court shall receive a salary as follows:
A. For fiscal year 1998-99 and thereafter, $90,000, to be paid biweekly. [PL 1997, c. 643, Pt. M, §9 (RPR).]
B. [PL 1989, c. 596, Pt. C, §§3, 8 (RP).]
C. [PL 1989, c. 596, Pt. C, §§3, 8 (RP).]
D. [PL 1989, c. 596, Pt. C, §§3, 8 (RP).]
E. [PL 1989, c. 596, Pt. C, §§3, 8 (RP).]
4-A. Cost-of-living adjustment. The salaries of the associate judges shall be adjusted as established in Title 4, section 4, subsection 2‑A.
5. Expenses. Each judge must be reimbursed by the State, upon presentation to the State Controller of a detailed statement, for those expenses as established by judicial branch policy, actually and reasonably incurred in attending meetings and sessions of the court. Reimbursement for mileage must be paid at the rate paid state employees under Title 5, section 8.
6. Full-time duties. A District Court Judge shall devote full time to that District Court Judge's judicial duties. During that District Court Judge's term of office, that judge may not practice law or be the partner or associate of any person in the practice of law.
7. Exception. The salary provisions of this section shall not apply to judges who have retired prior to December 1, 1984.
Source: official Maine text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine § 157.
What does Maine Revised Statutes § 157. cover?
Section 157. ("Judges; appointment; salary; expenses; full-time duties") is part of the Maine Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Maine. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maine § 157.?
A common citation format is "Maine Revised Statutes § 157." (Maine). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maine law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maine official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maine attorney.
How does Maine § 157. apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maine can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maine.