For these Maine inmates, parole debate isn’t hypothetical

Some members of the Maine State Prison Debate team are at the heart of stalled legislative efforts to reinstate parole in Maine for the first time in more than 40 years. Many crime victims say the parole process is too traumatizing.

Augusta man’s commencement from special court program highlights reduced sentences, opportunity to rebuild lives

A robbery charge against Jesse D. Nichols was dismissed this week after he completed the Co-Occurring Disorders Court program, which seeks to treat criminal defendants with substance abuse problems and help them get back on their feet.

Changes eyed to strip ‘prisoners’ and ‘inmates’ from Maine’s statute books

Lawmakers aim to replace language considered stigmatizing with gentler alternatives such as 'resident of a jail.'

Emery Community Arts Center hosts exhibit, meetings on mass-incarceration reform and prisoner-advocacy

UMF is hosting a series of Franklin County community action meetings on restorative justice with local law enforcement, organizations, leaders and other state prisoner advocacy and reentry organizations.

Bath man sentenced to 25 years for multiple crimes including sexual assault and burglary

Bill to eliminate cash bail in Maine for minor crimes advances

On a 10-2 vote, the Legislature's Judiciary Committee endorsed a bill that would prohibit jailing suspects who can't pay bail on most misdemeanor charges.

Lawmakers consider bill to eliminate cash bail for minor charges

The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, would allow those charged with Class E misdemeanors like drinking in public to be released from jail without posting cash bail.

District attorney in Lewiston pushes to decriminalize prostitution for victims of sex trafficking

Some worry the move might spur more commercial sex in Maine as pimps tell young exploited women 'you won't get in trouble because it's legal in Androscoggin.'

Bill would seal records of convictions for minor marijuana offenses in Maine

Convictions for minor marijuana possession that is no longer illegal would be sealed from the public and others, and that's drawing opposition from public access advocates.

Judge blocks restart of federal executions; administration will appeal

The U.S. district judge's order came hours before the first lethal injection was scheduled to be carried out at a federal prison in Indiana.