Former York County Superior Court Justice Wayne Douglas was sworn in as an associate justice of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court on Friday by Gov. Janet Mills. Courtesy Photo

AUGUSTA — Former York County Superior Court Justice Wayne Douglas is now an associate justice of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court.

Douglas, 71, took the oath of office from Gov. Janet Mills on Friday.

Douglas joins the Maine Supreme Judicial Court after more than two decades as a member of the Maine Superior Court and the Maine District Court. His nomination to the court was overwhelmingly approved by the Maine Senate and the Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary.

“As an Associate Justice of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court, I will carefully consider each case, treat all with courtesy and respect, and administer justice in a fair and impartial manner, as I have done throughout my more than two decades on the bench,” said Douglas. “I am honored by and grateful for the trust Governor Mills and the Legislature have placed in me to serve the people of Maine.”

Douglas, of Old Orchard Beach, was first nominated to the Maine District Court by former Governor Angus King in 2002 and reappointed by former Governor John Baldacci in 2010. In 2015, former Governor Paul LePage appointed Douglas to the Maine Superior Court.

During his time on the superior court bench, Douglas presided over the York County Treatment and Recovery Court, which provides judicially monitored supervision and treatment to people with criminal charges who are committed to addressing their substance use disorder and mental health issues. He also initiated a Mental Health Docket in York County to expedite consideration of cases involving people experiencing those issues.

Prior to his appointment as a district court judge, Douglas was chief legal counsel to former Gov. King and as associate commissioner of the former Maine Department of Mental Health. He had previously worked in private practice at Pierce Atwood in Portland for more than a decade.

Douglas is a graduate of the University of Maine School of Law and earned his undergraduate degree at Bates College. He lives in Old Orchard Beach with his wife and has two adult children.

Mills nominated Douglas on Feb. 1. He is her fifth nomination to the state’s highest court since taking office.

“The Maine Supreme Judicial Court will benefit from Justice Douglas’ sharp legal mind, measured temperament, and dedication to the fair and impartial administration of the law,” said Mills in a statement. “I congratulate Justice Douglas on joining our state’s highest court, and I am confident that he will be an outstanding Associate Justice.”