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Terms Used In Maine Revised Statutes Title 10 Sec. 3861

  • Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Lien: A claim against real or personal property in satisfaction of a debt.
  • Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
  • Verdict: The decision of a petit jury or a judge.
At the request of either party, the following questions of fact shall be submitted to a jury: “What amount claimed in the complaint is due from the defendant to the plaintiff?” and “For how much of such amount has the plaintiff a lien on the vessel attached?” The verdict shall be in answer to these questions. If the parties waive a jury trial, these questions shall be decided by the court on a hearing or report of a referee appointed by the court.