Clerk's guide for preparing cases for argument before the Supreme Judicial Court

A guide to help parties better understand the process of arguing before the Supreme Judicial Court

This guide is designed to assist attorneys and self-represented ("pro se") litigants (those representing themselves in court) to prepare for an argument before the highest court. It is not a substitute for the Massachusetts Rules of Appellate Procedure. 

For those who are appearing before the court for the first time, you may call the Clerk to arrange for a tour of the courtroom in advance of argument and an opportunity to become comfortable with the podium. 

Please note that the use of “counsel” below refers to either attorneys or pro se litigants.

Participants in the courtroom

Justices: The Justices enter the courtroom through the curtain behind the bench. They enter in order of seniority, the Chief Justice entering first. They also sit on the bench in order of seniority with the Chief Justice in the middle, and the others alternating from left to right, ending with the most junior Associate Justice on the far right as you face the bench.

Clerk: The Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court sits to the lower left of the bench. The Clerk's responsibilities in the courtroom include providing the Justices with materials about the cases, ensuring that attorneys scheduled to argue cases are signed in and present in the courtroom, timing the oral presentations, and recording the arguments.

Law Clerks: Each Justice employs two law clerks, who are law school graduates, to assist in legal research. The law clerks are often present in the courtroom for oral arguments.
 
Court Officers: The court officers sit in the designated court officer's boxes in the courtroom. Usually there are two court officers present in the courtroom during regular sessions. The court officer's role is to call the court to order, maintain decorum in the courtroom, and assist in seating of counsel and spectators.

How a case is placed on the list for argument

Notice and order of argument; Counsel's obligations and options: Oral arguments are normally conducted during the months of September through May. The Court typically sits during the first full week of the month for three days. As early as two months before the scheduled argument date the Clerk will send a Notice of Argument by email. The notice requires a response regarding counsel's availability. If counsel has conflicting Trial Court obligations, longstanding professional or personal commitments, or for some reason cannot appear for oral argument on any date in the Notice of Argument, these matters should be called to the Clerk's attention. To the extent possible, the Clerk will schedule the oral argument to avoid conflicts. No later than three to four weeks prior to the sitting, the Clerk enters the Order of Argument on the docket, placing the case on the oral argument list for a specific day of the Court's sitting. Please note that after the Order of Argument is entered on the docket, the Clerk cannot make changes, except by motion supported by affidavit.

Why is a case noticed for more than one sitting:  The needs of the Court to conduct its business and the conflicts identified by counsel often make it necessary for a case to be noticed for argument for more than one sitting. Cases that are not ordered during the sitting after the first notice will be re-noticed and scheduled in a subsequent month.

What happens if an emergency arises: If you are involved in an emergency that would preclude oral argument, contact the Clerk's office immediately. The Clerk will make every effort to reschedule your case.

What happens on the day of argument

What do I do upon arrival: The Clerk and Assistant Clerk are available in or near the courtroom before argument to answer questions concerning protocol and procedures. Arguing counsel and counsel sitting with them must sign in on the sheet posted outside the courtroom. Counsel must sign in with their case name, docket number, and order in which counsel will argue no later than 8:45 a.m. This is the only means by which the Clerk can know that you are present. Except for members of the media who are registered under SJC Rule 1:19, cell phones, pagers, and personal computers must be turned off before entering the courtroom. Food and beverages are not allowed in the courtroom. Water is provided at counsel tables.

When do I need to be in the courtroom: Counsel for the first two cases on the list should sign in by 8:30 a.m. Counsel for the first two cases must be in the courtroom before the opening cry. Counsel for the first case must be at the counsel table when court opens. 

In what order are cases called: The cases are called in the order posted on the list by the sign-in sheet; however, circumstances come up that require a late change in the order of cases. Please check with the court officer or Clerk to confirm the order of argument. Between four to six cases may be scheduled on the daily list. All cases scheduled for a particular day will be called on that day.

Courtroom seating: All oral arguments are open to the public, but seating is limited.  Standing is not permitted. However, if the main courtroom is full, accommodations will be made for viewing a live broadcast in a nearby courtroom. Visitors should plan ahead and be aware that cases may attract large crowds. Please inform the Clerk or the court officer of any necessary accommodations to enable court personnel to make arrangements ahead of time. The district attorneys' offices and the criminal defense bar should contact the Clerk's office (either through the victim or defendant's assistance advocate) to plan for any accommodations that may involve security issues or victim-witness assistance issues.

Where do I sit while waiting for my case to be called: Counsel should wait in the courtroom if arguing the first or second case on the list. If your case is after the second case on the list, the attorneys' room is available for waiting. The arguments are broadcast in the attorneys' room or in a nearby courtroom. Be aware that cases may end earlier than planned or may start sooner than expected. If you must leave the courtroom, please notify the court officer. If your case is the next case on the list, you should be present in the courtroom and prepared to go to the counsel table when the case is called.

Argument

The Clerk will announce your case. Counsel who will argue first should immediately go to the podium. The Chief Justice will indicate that your case will now be heard. After the conclusion of argument in a case, counsel in the following case will have a brief moment to set up at counsel table after their case is announced. 

At which counsel table do I sit: The counsel table for the appellant is on the left when facing the bench; counsel table for the appellee is on the right. The designation of appellant and appellee never changes. 

Who argues first: The appellant argues first.

How do I address the members of the Court: The usual opening address is "Chief Justice and Associate Justices, may it please the Court.” It is appropriate to introduce yourself and state whom you represent for the record.

How does the timer operate; what do the lights indicate: There are two timers in the courtroom: one facing the podium and one facing the bench. The Clerk operates the timers and begins them at the Court’s indication, or when counsel begins to speak. The green light is on for the first fourteen minutes of argument, the yellow light indicates one minute remaining, and the red light indicates the end of the time allotted. When the red light appears, counsel should conclude the argument, unless actively engaged in responding to a question from the bench.

How much time is allowed; is there rebuttal: In all cases (except appeals of convictions of murder in the first-degree where the time allotted is twenty minutes) each side is allowed fifteen minutes for argument. Requests for additional time may be allowed in certain circumstances and must be made in advance of argument by written motion. There is no rebuttal argument; requests for rebuttal are routinely denied.  There is an opportunity to file post-argument letters: if opposing counsel has raised issues not previously addressed, if there has been a misstatement of the record, or if the Justices have so requested.

May I split my time: Splitting time among more than two attorneys per side is discouraged.  A comprehensive and cohesive single argument is the better practice.  Where there are multiple appellants or appellees, the parties must inform the clerk’s office how the allotted time will be shared.

How does the microphone operate: The microphone is preset to amplify and record. Do not attempt to adjust the microphone. During argument, you should speak in a clear, distinct manner so that your voice will be audible to the Justices and will be clearly recorded. You should avoid having notes, books, or your hands touch the microphone since this interferes with the recording process.

Exhibits/Transcripts—Who has them and where are they on argument day: In civil cases, the rules place the obligation on the appellant to designate the record on appeal, including transcripts and exhibits. Those documents are reproduced in the record appendix, as well as in transcript and exhibit volumes.  In criminal cases, the transcript is part of the assembled record on appeal transmitted by the trial court. Exhibits remain in the Trial Court unless or until called for by the Clerk's Office.