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MASSACHUSETTS
SUPERIOR COURT TO ESTABLISH
NEW
BUSINESS LITIGATION SESSION
Boston—In an effort to establish
an efficient, innovative forum for the resolution of business
disputes for both corporations and individuals, Superior Court
Chief Justice Suzanne V. DelVecchio today announced the creation
of a new Business Litigation Session in Suffolk County Superior
Court, beginning on October 1, 2000.
"This
session will be conducted on a pilot basis, subject to close
scrutiny and evaluation," said Chief Justice DelVecchio.
"The goals are to develop a predictable body of law governing
business disputes, and to provide a steady, efficient forum
for the resolution of business litigation."
Pending
consultation with judges and members of the bar in the Worcester
area, Chief Justice DelVecchio said she is also considering
the establishment of a Business Litigation Session in Fitchburg
where the Worcester Superior Court holds some sessions now.
"The
concept of a Business Litigation Session is evolutionary,
not revolutionary," said Chief Justice Delvecchio. "We
are striving to make the courts friendly and accessible to
all our constituencies, and this is a step in that direction.
Successful implementation will require extensive input from
lawyers, as well as a willingness by the Superior Court to
make necessary adjustments. Form will follow function."
Although
details of the pilot project are expected to emerge over the
next several weeks, Chief Justice DelVecchio said that she
will designate one judge to preside over the Business Litigation
Session for a period of two years. She will also appoint an
advisory committee to develop evaluation criteria to measure
the Session’s efficacy and progress.
Chief
Justice DelVecchio said that she has already added a session
for the adjudication of civil cases that are not appropriate
for a Business Litigation session.
Other
jurisdictions which have successfully implemented designated
sessions for the adjudication of commercial disputes include
New York State, Philadelphia County, Connecticut, Chicago,
and North Carolina.
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