Overview
The Massachusetts Trial Court Waste, Fraud and Abuse Hotline has been established to report only incidents of waste, fraud and abuse. It will not be used to address personnel issues or grievances. Any concerns regarding wages, work schedules, performance evaluations, or merit raises may be reported directly to the Trial Court Human Resources Department or the employee’s local bargaining unit.
The Waste, Fraud and Abuse Hotline is not to be used to appeal a judicial decision, or to submit general complaints regarding the Massachusetts Trial Court. Parties must pursue whatever appellate remedies are available to them within the time periods required by court rules and statutes. For other matters which are not included in the scope of this hotline as set forth in the definition of waste, fraud and abuse, other available reporting channels are listed below with links to the websites of the appropriate agency.
Other available avenues for complaints
Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General
The Office of the Inspector General is an independent agency that promotes good government by preventing and detecting the misuse of public funds and public property. The Office conducts confidential investigations, improves transparency in government, helps government run more effectively, and educates government employees and the public.
Massachusetts Office of Jury Commissioner
In accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 234A, §5, the Office of Jury Commissioner (OJC) is a department within the judicial branch under the supervision and control of the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC). The OJC is responsible for summoning jurors to the jury courts in the state and investigating complaints of jurors whose employers have allegedly harassed or refused to compensate them for jury duty.
Executive Office of the Trial Court - Diversity Office
The Trial Court established a Diversity Office since it is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment in all aspects of Trial Court employment. Complaints alleging discrimination or harassment will be promptly and impartially investigated by the Diversity Office. Employees and non-employees also have the right to file complaints with their courts administrative office, the Human Resources Department, or any other management employee, who shall then refer the complaint to the Diversity Office.
Commission on Judicial Conduct
The Massachusetts Commission on Judicial Conduct (CJC) is the state agency responsible for investigating complaints alleging that a state court judge has engaged in judicial misconduct or has a disability preventing him or her from properly performing judicial duties. The CJC is also responsible for pursuing, when it is appropriate, remedial action or discipline against state court judges.