Press Releases

Superior Court Allows ACLU to Sue ‘State of Maine’ for Systemic Failure to Guarantee Right to Counsel

The court’s order will allow the ACLU to hold the entirety of the state government accountable for systemically denying hundreds of people their right to an attorney.
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform

Supreme Court Rules Cities Can Punish People For Being Homeless Even When Shelters Are Full

The court has opened the door for cities to punish people for trying to survive, but Maine cities must address root causes instead.
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform

Bangor Median Ban Threatens First Amendment Rights

An ordinance passed Monday threatens free speech rights and targets unhoused residents under the guise of public safety.

Supreme Court Denies Challenge to FDA Approval of Abortion Medication

The court unanimously rejected a request by anti-abortion groups to restrict mifepristone nationwide.
Issue Areas: Reproductive Freedom

Amid Black and Indigenous Studies Fights, Education Leaders Come to Maine

Across the United States, communities are fighting over whether and how to teach Black and Indigenous studies in public schools. This week, leading civil rights historian Dr. Hasan Kwame Jeffries is coming to Maine to present Lessons in Hard History.

Bangor Loitering Ban Violates First Amendment

A proposed ordinance before the Bangor City Council would restrict free speech under the guise of public safety.

Court Allows Expanded Lawsuit to Proceed Against State for Failing to Provide Attorneys

The Kennebec County Superior Court will allow the ACLU of Maine to name the Attorney General and sue the state over ineffective assistance of counsel, lack of counsel, and unlawful imprisonment.
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform

Report: Number of People Denied Counsel Skyrockets as Law Court Allows Suit Against State to Proceed

Maine's Highest Court has allowed our lawsuit to return to trial in our case challenging the state's failure to uphold people's Sixth Amendment right to counsel.
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform

Coalition Calls for Final Passage of Wabanaki, African American Studies Bill

The bill would give educators resources to teach Maine’s full history but must receive final votes following Tuesday’s funding approval.
Issue Areas: Indigenous Justice