Maine Mock Trial Rules

Northeast

ME · Capital: Augusta

Evidence Rules

Maine Rules of Evidence

Citation: M.R. Evid. [rule number]

Maine Rule 803(24) retains a broader catch-all hearsay exception than FRE 807
Rule 702 applies a modified Daubert standard with emphasis on general acceptance within the scientific community
Maine does not follow the FRE rule on learned treatises as substantive evidence under Rule 803(18)
Character evidence rules under Rule 404 are interpreted more restrictively in domestic cases

Rule	Description
M.R. Evid. 803(24)	Residual hearsay exception allowing statements with circumstantial guarantees of trustworthiness not covered by other exceptions
M.R. Evid. 501	Privileges determined by Maine common law and statutory provisions, which differ from federal privilege rules
M.R. Evid. 702	Expert testimony governed by a flexible standard combining Daubert reliability factors with Frye general acceptance

Civil Procedure

Maine Rules of Civil Procedure (M.R. Civ. P.)

Criminal Procedure

Maine Rules of Criminal Procedure (M.R. Crim. P.)

Maine uses an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) requirement before most civil trials proceed
The state employs a Unified Criminal Docket system consolidating felony and misdemeanor proceedings
Maine allows for active judicial case management with early neutral evaluation programs

Civil Jury Size

Criminal Jury Size

Yes

Unanimity Required

Civil jury size can vary from 6 to 12 depending on the type of case and court level
Criminal juries of 12 are required for all felony cases with unanimous verdicts
Parties in civil cases may stipulate to fewer than 6 jurors by agreement

Experience a realistic courtroom simulation using Maine rules and procedures.