1821 Me. Laws 352-53

SEC. 1. [...] That it shall be within the power, and be the duty of every Justice of the Peace within this county, to punish by fine not exceeding five dollars, all assaults and batteries that are not of a high and aggravated nature, and to examine into all homicides, murders, treasons, and felonies done and committed in this county, and commit to prison all persons guilty, or suspected to be guilty of manslaughter, murder, treason or other capital offence; and to cause to be staid and arrested, all affrayers, rioters, disturbers or breakers of the peace, and such as shall ride or go armed offensively, to the fear or terror of the good citizens of this State, or such others as may utter any menaces or threatening speeches; and upon view of such Justice, confession of the delinquent or other legal conviction of any such offence, shall require of the offender to fund sureties to appear and answer for his offence, at the Supreme Judicial Court, or Circuit Court of Common Pleas, next to be held within or for the same county at the discretion of the Justice, and as the nature or circumstances of the case may require; and for his keeping the peace, and being of the good behaviour, until the sitting of the Court he is to appear before; and to hold to bail all persons guilty or suspected to be guilty of lesser offences which are not cognizable by a Justice of the Peace; and require sureties for the good behavior of dangerous and disorderly persons; and commit all such persons as shall refuse so to recognize, and find such surety or sureties aforesaid; and take cognizance of, or examine into all other crimes, matters and offences, which by particular laws are put within his jurisdiction.