JNC seeks applications
The Judicial Nominating Committee seeks applications for two
positions: one at the Appeals Court and one at the Land Court. The
application deadline for the Appeals Court vacancy is Friday, April
15, and the application deadline for the Land Court vacancy is
Friday, April 8.
SJC seeks comments on proposed amendments to Rules of
Criminal Procedure
The Supreme Judicial Court's Standing Advisory Committee on the
Rules of Criminal Procedure invites comments on proposed amendments
to Rule 7 of the Massachusetts Rules of Criminal Procedure.
There are two major revisions to the rule. One eliminates the
initial appearance as a step prior to the arraignment. The other
eliminates the procedure that allows defendants who have retained
counsel to avoid appearing at their arraignment. The committee was
not unanimous in its recommendations, and this notice also includes
two dissenting statements.
By April 15, comments should be directed to: The Standing Advisory
Committee on the Rules of Criminal Procedure, c/o Senior Attorney
Barbara Berenson, Supreme Judicial Court, John Adams Courthouse,
One Pemberton Square, Boston, MA 02108.
SJC seeks comments on proposed amendments to Rules of
Civil Procedure
The Supreme Judicial Court's Standing Advisory Committee on the
Rules of Civil Procedure invites comments on proposed amendments
dealing with discovery of electronically stored information. The
committee is considering amendments to Mass. R. Civ. P. 16, 26, 34,
37 and 45. The committee solicits and welcomes comments from the
bar prior to presenting its recommendation to the SJC's Rules
Committee.
By May 13, comments should be directed to: Christine Burak,
Supreme Judicial Court, John Adams Courthouse, One Pemberton
Square, Boston, MA 02108.
SJC issues annual report for fiscal 2010
Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Roderick L. Ireland has
forwarded the Fiscal Year 2010 Annual Report on the state of the
Massachusetts Court System to Gov. Deval Patrick, Senate President
Therese Murray and House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo, pursuant to G.L.
ch. 211B, § 9.
"My colleagues across the Massachusetts court system have achieved
an impressive array of accomplishments amid these challenging
times," Ireland noted in his transmittal letter. "I am very proud
of their achievements, which are highlighted in this report."
Chief Justice for Administration & Management Robert A.
Mulligan said, "On behalf of the departmental chief justices, I
extend our highest regard and appreciation for the dedication of
judges, clerks, probation and other court staff to ensure the
delivery of justice across the state. The annual report summarizes
many noteworthy accomplishments that reflect significant personal
and professional commitment in very difficult circumstances."
Justices testify before Ways and Means Committee
Supreme Judicial Court Justice Francis X. Spina, Appeals Court
Chief Justice Phillip Rapoza and Trial Court Chief Justice for
Administration and Management Robert A. Mulligan presented
testimony on Feb. 25 to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means on
fiscal 2012 funding for the judicial branch. Spina, the senior
justice of the SJC, spoke on behalf of Chief Justice Roderick L.
Ireland, who was unable to attend.
"Justice in the Balance: Budget Overview for the Massachusetts
Judiciary," was provided to committee members. Mulligan focused his
remarks on specific examples provided by chief justices, judges,
clerks and court staff on the challenges faced daily in courthouses
statewide as a result of the fiscal crisis.
Spina and Mulligan also advocated for keeping the Probation Dept.
under the control of the judiciary. The judges all emphasized that
trial court staff at all levels are at a breaking point in terms of
managing caseloads.