Maine's high court wants to hear from the public on a proposal to hold accountable lawyers who commit harassment and discrimination.
The Maine Supreme Judicial Court will hold a public hearing on Oct. 23 at Cumberland County Courthouse. It's open to the public, including non-lawyers.
The proposal would require lawyers to receive one credit hour each year learning about harassment and discriminatory conduct. The proposal also would count as professional misconduct any harassment or discrimination based on race, sex, religion or other areas.
Christian Legal Society CEO David Nammo says the proposal will chill lawyers' expression on political, social, religious and cultural issues.
Pine Tree Legal Assistance's leaders say the proposal doesn't go far enough to address bias and harassment in the criminal justice system.
