Maine Supreme Judicial Court faces significant decision delays

The Maine Supreme Judicial Court is facing significant delays in issuing decisions, leaving many individuals in legal limbo for years. Because Maine lacks an intermediate appeals court, the state's highest court must handle all appeals, contributing to the backlog.

Case studies highlight the human impact of these delays. Zachary Borg was granted bail during a felony assault sentence while awaiting an appeal, only to remain in a tenuous position years later. Similarly, Derric McLain spent three years in prison waiting for a decision on a drug conviction that was eventually vacated by the high court.