Judicial Records

Judicial records are a rich primary source of economic and social history, in addition to the obvious legal content. The case files of the old Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for example, reveal much about the daily live, circumstances, occupations and concerns of citizens. Specific information about wages, salaries, business practices and other economic data is frequently found in the records of the courts; and an investigation of the case files of a single term of court may provide a fascinating insight into the lives of the inhabitants of Maine in a particular time and place.

The Archives maintains three types of court records (dockets, records, and casefiles) from all sixteen counties, beginning in 1636. The history of courts in Maine follows the incorporation of early counties under Massachusetts' jurisdiction, with the Supreme Judicial Court playing a dominant role. Other courts, notable the District and Superior courts, evolved somewhat later, except for the Court of Commom Pleas, which existed in Massachusetts and continued after separation.

Page updated December 8, 2005

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Judicial Records