Procedure for Emergency or Weather-Related Cancellation of Court
In the event that severe weather conditions or other emergency circumstances require consideration of closing the Supreme Judicial Court, the Executive Director, in consultation with the Chief Justice will determine whether a closing is indicated.
In making the decision regarding closing, any announcements by the Governor relative to the declaration of a state of emergency will be taken into account. Such a declaration does not automatically lead to court closing. In the event that the Governor declares a state of emergency pursuant to the Civil Defense Act, the courts must close.
Once a decision is made regarding closing the Supreme Judicial Court, a general announcement will be provided on 617-557-1000. Any parties who need to leave an urgent message will be directed to either the Clerk for the Commonwealth for Full Court matters at 617-557-1020, or the Clerk for Suffolk County for Single Justice matters at 617-557-1180. On days when a Full Court or Single Justice session is planned, the Clerk for the Commonwealth or Clerk for Suffolk County will leave a message on their respective general numbers, whenever necessary, indicating whether the session will be held.