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.

As you explore our Web site, please feel free to provide us with suggestions for improvement at webmaster@appct.state.ma.us.

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. 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, 2009-2010:
Berkshire Community College,  Pittsfield
September 21, 2009

Barnstable Superior Court, Barnstable  
October 2, 2009

Western New England College School of Law, Springfield  
October 22, 2009

Massachusetts School of Law,  Andover   
November 10, 2009

Brockton Superior Court, Brockton   
March 18, 2010

April - TBA

Bristol Community College,  Fall River   
May 3, 2010

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 court attorney.

Media representatives:  The SJC Rule for cameras in the courtroom will apply.  Interested media representatitves should contact Alex McNeil, at alex.mcneil@appct.state.ma.us, in advance of the sitting.