The Death Penalty in Maine

How Maine law treats death penalty, from the state code and official state agencies.

Short answer: Maine has no state law that provides for the death penalty. The most serious sentence is for murder: life imprisonment or any term of years of at least 25 years. 17-A M.R.S. §§1502(2), 1603(1); 17-A M.R.S. ch. 61 (§§1501-1504)

Death penalty	Maine has no state law that provides for the death penalty. The most serious sentence is for murder: life imprisonment or any term of years of at least 25 years. The list of sentences a court may impose (discharge, fines, probation, imprisonment, supervised release and similar options) does not include death. Reviewed 17-A M.R.S. chapter 61 (§§1501-1504, general sentencing provisions) and §1603 on 2026-10-28; no provision found. §1502: https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/17-A/title17-Asec1502.html. Source: 17-A M.R.S. §§1502(2), 1603(1); 17-A M.R.S. ch. 61 (§§1501-1504)

Death penalty

Maine has no state law that provides for the death penalty. The most serious sentence is for murder: life imprisonment or any term of years of at least 25 years. The list of sentences a court may impose (discharge, fines, probation, imprisonment, supervised release and similar options) does not include death.

Reviewed 17-A M.R.S. chapter 61 (§§1501-1504, general sentencing provisions) and §1603 on 2026-10-28; no provision found. §1502: https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/17-A/title17-Asec1502.html.

Source: 17-A M.R.S. §§1502(2), 1603(1); 17-A M.R.S. ch. 61 (§§1501-1504)

More Maine criminal law

FAQ

Does Maine have the death penalty?

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.