(a) Civil Case Tracks
The Clerk will assign each civil case to one track listed in subsections (b)(1)–
(6) based on the initial pleading. The Court may on its own, or on good cause
shown by a party, change the track assignment of any case.
(b) Definitions
(1) Standard Track. All civil cases, unless otherwise provided for in this
rule, will be assigned to the Standard Track.
(2) Complex Track. Complex Track cases are those that require special
attention because of the number of parties, complexity of the issues,
scope of discovery, or other comparable factors. Cases transferred or
returned to Maine by the Multi-District Litigation Panel will be placed
on the Complex Track.
(3) Administrative Track. Administrative Track cases are those in which
discovery is prohibited unless specific approval is obtained from a judge.
This track includes:
(A) post-conviction challenges filed under 28 U.S.C. §§ 2254 or 2255;
(B) social security disability cases;
(C) government collections of student loans and Veterans Affairs (VA)
benefits;
(D) government foreclosures; and
(E) bankruptcy appeals.
(4) Prisoner Civil Rights Track. This track is for cases filed by prisoners
under 42 U.S.C. § 1983.
(5) Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Track. This
track is for cases filed under the Individuals with Disabilities Education
Act (IDEA), 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.
District of Maine Local Rules
(6) Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) Track. This
track is for cases filed under § 502(a)(1)(B) of the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), 29 U.S.C. § 1132(a)(1)(B).
District of Maine Local Rules
