Me. R. Crim. P. 54

As amended through November 25, 2024

Rule 54 - Courts and Clerks

(a) Court Always Open. The court shall be deemed always open for the purpose of filing any proper paper, of issuing and returning process, and of making motions and orders.

(b) Clerk's Office. The office of the clerk of the Unified Criminal Docket with the clerk or a deputy in attendance shall be open on all days except Saturdays, Sundays, legal holidays, and such other days as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court may designate. The hours of operation shall be designated by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court by way of administrative order.

Me. R. Uni. Crim. P. 54

Amended effective 11/2/2016; last amended effective 4/4/2017.

Advisory Note - April 2017

The amendment makes the following changes to Rule 54(b).

First, the initial reference to the "Clerk's office" in its substance is modified to refer specifically to the "office of the clerk of the Unified Criminal Docket" for clarity.

Second, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court is substituted for "the Chief Justice of the Superior Court or Chief Judge of the District Court" regarding the designating of days, other than Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, that the clerk's office may be closed.

Third, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court is similarly substituted regarding the designating of hours of operation of the clerk's office. In this latter circumstance, as is currently the practice as an exercise of supervision pursuant to 4 M.R.S. §§ 101-A and 164, the Chief Justice opts to address the hours of operation by way of administrative order. See Hours of Operation, Me. Admin. Order JB-05-4 (as amended by A. 9-16) (effective Sept. 6, 2016).