Terms Used In Maine Revised Statutes Title 14 Sec. 1103

  • Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Equitable: Pertaining to civil suits in "equity" rather than in "law." In English legal history, the courts of "law" could order the payment of damages and could afford no other remedy. See damages. A separate court of "equity" could order someone to do something or to cease to do something. See, e.g., injunction. In American jurisprudence, the federal courts have both legal and equitable power, but the distinction is still an important one. For example, a trial by jury is normally available in "law" cases but not in "equity" cases. Source: U.S. Courts
  • in writing: include printing and other modes of making legible words. See Maine Revised Statutes Title 1 Sec. 72
Within 10 days after the service of a complaint or other application in which equitable relief is sought, the defendant, prior to the filing of his answer, may petition in writing for good cause shown to the Chief Justice of the Superior Court for the assignment of a justice to preside on the matter other than the justice to whom the original complaint or application was presented. Upon the receipt of that petition the Chief Justice of the Superior Court may assign another justice to hear the matter. When the Chief Justice of the Superior Court is presiding on the matter, a petition for the assignment of a justice, other than the Chief Justice of the Superior Court, shall be made to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court. Upon the receipt of that petition the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court may assign another justice to hear the matter. [PL 1983, c. 688, §6 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY

PL 1983, c. 688, §6 (AMD).