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News from the Courts

Issue May 2014

SJC invites comment on proposed Criminal Procedure Rule 23

The Supreme Judicial Court's Standing Advisory Committee on the Rules of Criminal Procedure invites comments on proposed Rule 23 of the Massachusetts Rules of Criminal Procedure. This new rule would require that any stipulation to an essential element of a charged offense entered by the parties before or during trial be in writing and signed by the prosecutor, the defendant and defense counsel. This rule would additionally require that any such stipulation shall be read to the jury and may be introduced into evidence.

The committee welcomes all comments pertaining to the issues raised and will make recommendations to the Supreme Judicial Court after reviewing the comments submitted.

Comments should be directed to The Standing Advisory Committee on the Rules of Criminal Procedure, c/o Senior Attorney Barbara Berenson at Supreme Judicial Court, John Adams Courthouse, One Pemberton Square, Boston 02108 on or before June 30, 2014. Comments will be made available to the public. Visit www.mass.gov/courts for the proposed reporter's notes to Rule 23.

Amendment to SJC Rule 4:02

The Supreme Judicial Court has approved changes to Rule 4:02 of the Rules of the Supreme Judicial Court effective July 1, 2014. Visit www.mass.gov/courts to read the notice.