Mission Statement

The Massachusetts Appeals Court is committed to providing justice under the law by rendering thoughtful, well-reasoned appellate decisions in a timely and efficient manner, treating all those who come before the court fairly and impartially.

Welcome

Welcome to the official Web site of the Massachusetts Appeals Court. We are pleased that the Internet provides us the opportunity to inform the public about our court and how it functions. In this way, we hope to promote a better understanding of not only the Appeals Court, but also the judicial system of which it is a part.

This Web site was also established to enhance the ability of the Appeals Court to provide important and timely information to litigants and attorneys. Similarly, it is intended to serve as a resource for the media, educators and students. We trust that this electronic initiative will make our court more accessible to the public that we serve.

Chief Justice Phillip Rapoza

Appeals Court Sits in Counties around the Commonwealth

As part of the Appeals Court's continuing outreach program, the Court will hear oral arguments in several locations outside of Suffolk County and beyond the walls of the John Adams Courthouse in Boston, where the court ordinarily sits. 
As in Boston, the sessions are open to the public with seating allotted on a first-come, first-served basis. Unless otherwise noted, sittings begin promptly at 9:30 a.m.  A three judge panel generally hears six cases during each session and arguments take approximately thirty minutes per case.

Check the Appeals Court online calendar regularly to find a sitting in your area and to access public docket information about the cases once they are assigned.   

Scheduled sessions outside of Boston in 2012-2013:

Hampshire Superior Court, 15 Gothic St., Northampton
July 13, 2012

Western New England School of Law, 1215 Wilbraham Rd., Springfield
October 3, 2012

New England Law, 154 Stuart St., Boston
November 5, 2012

UMass School of Law, 333 Faunce Corner Rd., No. Dartmouth
November 6, 2012

Massachusetts School of Law, 500 Federal St., Andover
November 15, 2012  

Western New England School of Law, 1215 Wilbraham Rd., Springfield
April 1, 2013

Worcester Regional Judicial Center, 225 Main St., Room 22, Worcester
May 1, 2013 

Future dates to be announced.

Student groups:  Teachers and high school students are invited to observe all or part of a sitting and may contact Tina LaFranchi, at tina.lafranchi@appct.state.ma.us or 617-626-7914, to arrange for group seating and an informal educational discussion with the panel members and/or a volunteer attorney.

Media representatives:  The SJC Rule for cameras in the courtroom will apply.  Interested media representatives should contact Tina LaFranchi, at tina.lafranchi@appct.state.ma.us, in advance of the sitting.