Maine chief justice warns of political polarization driving threats, violence against judges

By: Eesha Pendharkar

Outlets: Maine Morning Star

Published: February 12, 2026

Words: 588

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 6 days ago

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During her annual State of the Judiciary address, Maine Chief Justice Valerie Stanfill warned against the increasing threats and violence against judges, which she said has been driven by political polarization.

The head of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court also updated lawmakers on the continued lack of attorneys representing indigent defendants, which a superior court declared a constitutional crisis last year, and highlighted the incremental progress the courts have made in addressing case backlogs …

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