Massachusetts rules of court and standing orders

Court rules and orders that are followed in Massachusetts courts.

Massachusetts court procedure is governed by a series of rules and orders, which are further explained in guidelines and standards. Not all Massachusetts rules of court are available online. Efforts have been taken to ensure accuracy in all rules contained on this website.

If there are discrepancies between the electronic versions of the rules found on this website and the official print versions that appear in a volume such as Massachusetts Reports, the print version should be considered authoritative.

Civil, criminal and appellate procedure

Supreme Judicial Court and Appeals Court

Trial Court

Additional rules

Rule changes and invitations to comment

Includes notices inviting comment on new rules or proposed changes to existing rules, and announcements of approved rule changes.

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