News and Noteworthy

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  Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Kimberly S. Budd Speaks of Need for Increased Civil Legal Aid at Talk to the Hill Event

  In remarks delivered today at Talk to the Hill for Civil Legal Aid, Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Kimberly S. Budd spoke of the need for increased state funding for organizations that provide civil legal aid to vulnerable low income Massachusetts residents, a need made more urgent during the pandemic. Walk to the Hill, an annual event in its 22nd year, was renamed Talk to the Hill this year and held virtually due to the pandemic. Read Full Article
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  Massachusetts Trial Court to Launch $2M Grant to Expand Springfield Drug Court Services

  At a virtual event on Monday, January 25, the Massachusetts Trial Court will launch its MISSION-Springfield Grant, a $2 million, five-year grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to significantly expand services offered by the Springfield District Court Drug Court. MISSION-Springfield will offer evidence-based wraparound case management and peer recovery support to participants in the Springfield Drug Court who have substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health issues. Read Full Article
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  Did You Miss the First Two Evidence Webinars? Both Are Now Available Online!

  On Wednesday, January 13, 2021 the Social Law Library hosted the first webinar in a four part series - Evidence Webinar 1: Admissibility of Evidence from Personal Electronic Devices and Evidentiary Issues Involving Self-Represented Litigants. Read Full Article
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  NOTICE OF PUBLIC FORUMS CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES TASK FORCE SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENT

  Federal law and regulations require that each state review its Child Support Guidelines at least every four years. To comply with the federally required review, Trial Court Chief Justice Paula M. Carey has appointed a Task Force to review the Child Support Guidelines that became effective on September 15, 2017, as amended June 15, 2018. Read Full Article
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  Brighton Division of Boston Municipal Court to Reopen

  Trial Court Chief Justice Paula M. Carey today announced that the Brighton Division of the Boston Municipal Court (BMC) at 52 Academy Hill Road will reopen for business on Tuesday, January 19, 2021. Read Full Article
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  Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission Announces Seven New Members

  The Supreme Judicial Court today announced the appointments of seven new members to the Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission. First established by the Supreme Judicial Court in 2005, the Access to Justice Commission seeks to improve access to justice for people who are unable to afford an attorney for essential civil legal needs, such as cases involving housing, consumer debt, and family law. Read Full Article