Court orders, rules, and laws about transcripts and disclaimers

The most frequently asked questions that we receive relate to access to court records, appeals, transcript contents, and costs. Some of the laws and rules about transcripts are organized below by subject.

You can visit the Trial Court’s Law Libraries’ website to learn more about Massachusetts rules of court and standing orders and Massachusetts law about state courts.

Access to court records

• Court audio and transcripts available to the public subject to Court Rules and Laws
  • Rule VIII: Uniform Rules on Impoundment Procedure
  • Rule XIV: Uniform Rules on Public Access to Court Records
  • Supplemental Probate and Family Court Rule 201: Recording of court proceedings
  • District Court & Boston Municipal Court: The Complaint Procedure (PDF)

Appeal transcripts

• Rules of Appellate Procedure Rule 8: The Record on Appeal
• Trial Court Administrative Order 19-1: Transcription Procedures for Appellate Review

Required format and content of transcripts

Trial Court Administrative Direction #1-08 Uniform Transcript Format (PDF)

Transcript costs

• Per-Page Rate (General Laws, Chapter 221, Section 88)
• How to file for indigency or waiver of court fees
• Indigency or waiver of court fees law (General Laws, Chapter 261, Sections 27A-27G)
• CPCS Court Cost Vendor Manual for CPCS Staff and Assigned Counsel Rule VIII: Uniform Rules on Impoundment Procedure

Website content disclaimer

Read The Office of Transcription Services' website content disclaimer.