Supreme Judicial Court
In 1780, Massachusetts adopted a state constitution that included provisions for the establishment of the Supreme Judicial Court. The legislature set up this court in 1782, effectively abolishing the Superior Court, with the Supreme Judicial Court assuming all of its responsibilities. The Supreme Judicial Court was established with jurisdiction over civil cases, capital cases, and public offenses. In 1828, the power of the Supreme Judicial Court was further clarified to include the ability to function as the Law Court for Maine, allowing it to review all or part of proceedings related to common law.