Local Rule Rule 16.1: Case Management Tracks
D. Me. — Civil rule
Rule 16.1 Case Management Tracks
(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.
(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).