Supreme Judicial Court Commences Search for Next Chief Justice of the Trial Court

With Chief Justice Jeffrey Locke retiring in December 2023, the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) has commenced the process to select his successor by issuing a notice inviting applications and nominations for the position of Chief Justice of the Trial Court. Read Full Article

Peabody Essex Museum and Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Announce Return of Historic Salem Witch Trial Documents (1/12)

SALEM, MA & BOSTON, MA – Today, the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) and the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) of Massachusetts begin the transfer of court documents from the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. PEM’s Phillips Library has been the temporary repository of this collection of 527 documents since 1980. The documents now return to the Judicial Archives following the expansion and modernization of the Massachusetts State Archives facility in Boston. Read Full Article

Supreme Judicial Court Pro Bono Committee Honors Attorneys for Outstanding Commitment to Pro Bono Legal Services ​

Supreme Judicial Court Justice Kimberly S. Budd presented Adams Pro Bono Publico Awards to three attorneys and the inaugural Ralph D. Gants Award for Extraordinary Leadership in Pro Bono Service to a fourth attorney for their exceptional dedication to providing volunteer legal services for persons who cannot afford an attorney for their essential legal needs. Read Full Article

Supreme Judicial Court Issues New Order ​Regarding Jury Trials and Operation of Courts (9/17)

The Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) today issued an updated order regarding the operation of Massachusetts state courts and courthouses during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The order goes into effect immediately. Read Full Article

Supreme Judicial Court to Hold Special Sitting in Barnstable on October 2

The Supreme Judicial Court will hear oral arguments in four cases during a special sitting at the Barnstable Superior Court. The special sitting provides an opportunity for students, media, and residents of the local community to view the work of the highest court of the Commonwealth outside of the John Adams Courthouse in Boston, where cases are normally heard. Read Full Article