This bill clarifies that a writ of habeas corpus creates a presumption that a person has been deprived of that person's personal liberty under the Maine Civil Rights Act. The bill also authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil action if a person unlawfully deprives another person of personal liberty when the Supreme Judicial Court or Superior Court issues a writ of habeas corpus. Finally, the bill clarifies that there is no bar on any action for damages involving a writ of habeas corpus or for damages related to a writ of habeas corpus pursuant to the Maine Civil Rights Act.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text LD 2176, SP 881: 5.4681, 5.4682, 14.5538