Judges won’t be able meet their historical obligations without accepting some brand-new changes.
criminal justice
Governor denies clemency for Maine inmate seeking doctorate
Brandon Brown, serving a 17-year prison sentence for attempted murder, already is the first Maine inmate to receive an advanced degree.
Judge blocks restart of federal executions; administration will appeal
The U.S. district judge’s order came hours before the first lethal injection was scheduled to be carried out at a federal prison in Indiana.
Wheels of central Maine justice system moving slowly due to COVID-19
Some inmates have been released, but advocates say more need be done to prevent outbreaks of the coronavirus at jails and prisons.
Commentary: Protecting Maine inmates from virus could expose abuse victims to harm
Each release plan must assess how the proposed bail modifications or furlough would affect the safety of a given abuse victim.
Our View: Maine should lower the high cost of cash bail
Holding people in jail before trial is hurting taxpayers and incarcerated individuals.
Maine Legislature considers bill to expunge some convictions from public records
The measure would largely apply to nonviolent and low-level felonies and would exclude any crimes against a child or person over age 65.
Maine Compass: Lawmakers should support drug law reform
The writer knows firsthand how a felony charge can ruin lives.
Our View: Harsh state drug laws doing more harm than good
It’s too easy for Mainers struggling with addiction to end up with the burden of a felony conviction.
Theft charge dropped in motor home case
The York County District Attorney’s Office couldn’t prove that Joseph Boldiga had criminal intent when he drove away in a motor home he’d agreed to buy, a prosecutor said.