District Court
In 1839, the Maine state legislature abolished the Court of Common Pleas and created District Courts, which handled civil cases with debts or damages up to $200 and offenses previously managed by the former court. However, District Courts were dissolved in 1852, with their duties transferred to the Supreme Judicial Court. In 1961, legislation established District Courts in Maine, dividing the state into 13 districts. These courts handle civil and criminal cases previously managed by trial justices and municipal courts, sharing jurisdiction with the Superior Court for certain civil matters, divorce, annulment, and specific probate issues. The creation of District Courts abolished the Court of County Commissioners and other lower courts.