Joint Statement on Court Reorganization Legislation
from Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Roderick L. Ireland and
Chief Justice for Administration & Management Robert A. Mulligan

July 29, 2011

          We are pleased that the legislation passed by the Massachusetts House and Senate today retains the office of Probation in the Judiciary and addresses the court management structure in an effort to improve the administration of justice. The legislation adds an office of court management within the Trial Court, headed by a court administrator, to support judicial functions, performance and management of the Trial Court. Various court reorganization studies in past years have included recommendations that a court administrator be appointed.

          The Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Senate President, and the joint Conference Committee members should be commended for their commitment to make court reorganization a priority this year and for their diligent efforts in this regard.

          Court reorganization studies, including the 2003 Monan Report and more recent Court Management Advisory Board reports, have envisioned a court system with modern management practices and operations. During the past several years, the Trial Court, through the Chief Justices and their staffs, has made great strides in implementing extraordinary reforms. We look forward to building on these efforts and working with other branch leaders to continue to improve the administration of justice and service to the people in the Commonwealth.

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