Welcome to the United States District Court for the District of Maine.

The District of Maine was one of the original 13 federal district courts established by the Judiciary Act of 1789. President George Washington appointed the Court’s first judge, David Sewall, on September 26, 1789. You can learn more about our Court’s fascinating history by visiting the Court History page. 

The District of Maine holds court in Bangor at the Margaret Chase Smith Federal Building and Courthouse and in Portland at the Edward T. Gignoux U.S. Courthouse. The Clerk’s Office strives to provide excellent service and timely information to the bar and the general public in both locations.

The Court encourages teachers, students, and other community groups to take advantage of the many educational opportunities in each Courthouse location.  Fieldtrips can be arranged as well as Courthouse tours, talking with Court staff, and observing a Court hearing.  Students can learn about the Federal Court system, jury service, the Constitution, and civics. We will gladly work with teachers to offer learning opportunities that meet the Maine Department of Education's learning standards.

We appreciate the opportunity to engage with you.

For questions, please submit a contact form here (select Category: Education / Outreach)

Ask A Judge! Program for High School Students

The United States District Court is offering the Ask a Judge! Program for high school students.  This program introduces students to federal judges from the United States District Court for the District of Maine.  Students will learn about a judge’s career path and the many pathways to becoming a judge.  Judges will also discuss the Constitution and how it impacts our daily lives.  The program concludes with a question-and-answer session, and we encourage students to come prepared with questions.

The Program lasts approximately 90 minutes, and the Judges will travel to your school.  Large assembly style groups are encouraged, but the Judges can also accommodate individual classrooms.

Scheduling for the 2026-2027 academic year is now taking place.  Please contact Lindsey Tully to reserve your spot.

Lindsey Tully

Lindsey_tully@med.uscourts.gov