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News from the Courts

Issue March/April 2016

Proposed amendments to SJC Rule 3:10

The Supreme Judicial Court's Committee on Indigency invites comments on proposed amendments to SJC Rule 3:10: Assignment of Counsel. To review the proposed amendments and to examine other issues related to determinations of indigency, the justices appointed a committee on indigency in January 2015. The committee met throughout 2015 to consider and revise the proposed amendments, and now solicits comments on its recommendations for amendments.

The committee will make its recommendation with respect to Rule 3:10 to the justices of the Supreme Judicial Court following receipt and review of public comments. Comments should be directed to Maureen McGee, Supreme Judicial Court, John Adams Courthouse, One Pemberton Square, Boston, MA 02108 on or before April 30.

Probation commissioner appoints six new chief probation officers

Commissioner of Probation Edward J. Dolan recently appointed six new chief probation officers in District and Boston Municipal courts across the state.

The new chiefs include Donelle Gomes-Talley of Fall River District Court, Jean Curtin of Worcester Superior Court, G. Joseph Pennucci of Lynn District Court, Jeffrey Jarasitis of Brookline District Court, Kelly Hamilton-Welzel of Taunton District Court and Michael Dube of Boston Municipal Court - Brighton.

2016 edition of the Massachusetts Guide to Evidence now available

The Supreme Judicial Court and its Executive Committee on Massachusetts Evidence Law have announced the release of the 2016 edition of the Massachusetts Guide to Evidence. The justices of the Supreme Judicial Court recommend use of the guide by the bench, bar and public.

The 2016 edition is the eighth annual edition of the guide. It is available without charge on the court's website (www.mass.gov/courts), where it can be searched and downloaded. The official print edition of the 2016 edition of the Massachusetts Guide to Evidence is available for purchase from the Flaschner Judicial Institute, which is again providing a complimentary copy to every sitting judge in the commonwealth. The Massachusetts Guide to Evidence assembles existing Massachusetts evidence law in an easy-to-use document organized similarly to the Federal Rules of Evidence. The guide includes extensive explanatory notes and citations to pertinent authorities.

Amendments to Rule 3:07 of the Rules of the Supreme Judicial Court

The Supreme Judicial Court has approved amendments to Rule 3:07 of the Rules of the Supreme Judicial Court, effective May 1, 2016.  Visit www.mass.gov/courts for more information.