The ACLU of Maine seeks to end excessively harsh criminal law policies that disproportionately affect poor people and people of color and stand in the way of a just and equal society. We are working to reform police practices, the indigent defense system, disproportionate sentencing and government abuse of authority in the name of fighting crime, as well as drug laws that have failed to improve public safety and health and have put an unprecedented number of people behind bars.
Criminal Legal Reform
Protecting the Right to Counsel – Robbins v. MCILS
March 1, 2022Reining In Unchecked Police Power – Gaul v. York County, et al.
July 31, 2019Smith v. Aroostook County
November 5, 2018
Smith v. Fitzpatrick, et al.
July 26, 2018Ali v. Long Creek, et al.
March 14, 2018Filler v. Kellett (amicus brief)
October 18, 2016
Funding Public Defenders
January 3, 2024Threatening the Right to Assemble
January 3, 2024Expunging Past Cannabis Possession Charges
January 3, 2024
The Latest
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A Radical Supreme Court Term In Review: Democracy, Free Speech, and...
July 3, 2024![](https://www.aclumaine.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_130x110/public/field_image/0u2a9551.jpeg?itok=sRly4HrA)
Solving homelessness demands a human response, not crime and...
July 2, 2024![](https://www.aclumaine.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_130x110/public/field_image/0u2a9738.jpeg?itok=RHy47Fry)
Supreme Court Rules Cities Can Punish People For Being Homeless...
June 28, 2024![](https://www.aclumaine.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_130x110/public/field_image/free-speech-issue-image.jpg?itok=7rE5i9F1)
Bangor Median Ban Threatens First Amendment Rights
June 25, 2024![](https://www.aclumaine.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_130x110/public/field_image/free-speech-issue-image.jpg?itok=7rE5i9F1)
Bangor Loitering Ban Violates First Amendment
June 4, 2024![](https://www.aclumaine.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_130x110/public/screenshot_2023-05-08_at_4.06.48_pm.png?itok=3LZNnmkm)
Court Allows Expanded Lawsuit to Proceed Against State for Failing...
May 24, 2024![](https://www.aclumaine.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_130x110/public/screenshot_2023-05-08_at_4.06.48_pm.png?itok=3LZNnmkm)
Report: Number of People Denied Counsel Skyrockets as Law Court...
May 14, 2024![](https://www.aclumaine.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_130x110/public/screenshot_2023-05-08_at_4.06.48_pm.png?itok=3LZNnmkm)
A Growing Crisis: The Right to Counsel Denied in Maine
April 24, 2024![](https://www.aclumaine.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_130x110/public/scotus-grants-pass-blog.jpg?itok=VgdE_EG6)