Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC)

A chief justice and six associate justices make up the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC). The seven justices hear appeals on a broad range of criminal and civil cases from September to May and issue written opinions that are posted online. The SJC also supervises the judiciary and the bar, makes or approves rules for court operations, and gives advisory opinions, upon request, to the governor and the legislature.

On Monday, September 14, 2020, the Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court announced the death of Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Ralph D. Gants. An In Memoriam page honoring the late Chief Justice is on the court's website.

News & Updates

Supreme Judicial Court Posts Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (updated July 30, 2020)

• The SJC has posted Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Supreme Judicial Court During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Access to the John Adams Courthouse (updated July 16, 2020)

• In light of continuing public health concerns arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, the John Adams Courthouse is currently open only to attorneys, litigants, and other members of the public attending in-person court proceedings; conducting in-person business with a clerk's office; or conducting business at other offices that are open to the public and housed in the courthouse.
• Persons seeking entry will be subject to a screening process and required to wear masks or cloth face coverings that cover their nose and mouth at all times while in the courthouse.

If you have an emergency matter with the Appeals Court, please call 617-723-1527 or email MACClerkEmergency@jud.state.ma.us.