Over a hundred courthouses serve cities and towns in Massachusetts, dealing with issues as diverse as criminal law, civil suits, family law issues, land court, and wills and estates. You can find a guide to the courthouses of Massachusetts on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts website. …Continue Reading Massachusetts Courthouses
The US Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts recently issued Standing Order 2014-02: Refund Policy for Duplicate Electronic Filing Fees. The order says, in part, “The Judicial Conference of the United States, which has had a longstanding policy of not refunding filing fees (JCUS-MAR …Continue Reading Bankuptcy Court Refunds Duplicate Fees
As a resident of Massachusetts, you can access the Boston Public Library’s catalog of streaming movies, television episodes, music, and audio books through Hoopla. To start streaming today, you need to get your FREE eCard, be using a supported web browser or mobile device, and sign up for …Continue Reading What’s all the hoopla about Hoopla?
The District Court Committee on Criminal Proceedings has recently revised several model jury instructions, as well as preparing six new Criminal Model Jury Instructions. The new instructions are: Failure to Have Ignition Interlock Device, Disabling an Ignition Interlock Device, Wilful Interference with a Fire Fighting …Continue Reading Criminal Model Jury Instructions for Use in the District Court
Governor Patrick recently signed into law (Chapter 254 of the Acts of 2014) a bill that will allow a litigant or their attorney to question prospective jurors in criminal and civil cases tried in the Massachusetts Superior Courts. The court may grant additional time or impose reasonable limitations …Continue Reading Governor signs bill changing voir dire in Superior Court
Governor Patrick signed Senate Bill 2249 on Aug. 6. It is Chapter 225 of the Acts of 2014. The law clarifies adult guardianships and conservatorships when multiple jurisdictions are involved. Massachusetts is the 39th state to adopt the UAGPPJ. For additional resources from the Uniform …Continue Reading Mass. has adopted the Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act (UAGPPJ)
Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 94C, section 47 provides for civil forfeiture of property involved in the violation of the Controlled Substances Act, Mass. General Laws, Chapter 94C. Unlike many other civil actions, this action is in rem, that is “directed against property itself….or it seeks …Continue Reading Massachusetts Controlled Substances Act Civil Forfeiture
Although real-life courtrooms aren’t run like movie courtrooms, an impressive group of contributors came up with 12 movie scenes that provide useful lessons for lawyers. ABAjournal.com has created a gallery of these selected scenes that provide entertainment AND education. Check out the list and gallery …Continue Reading Movie lessons for lawyers
Legislation was recently passed establishing a domestic workers bill of rights in Massachusetts. (Chapter 148 of the Acts of 2014) A domestic worker includes persons paid to do house cleaning, cooking, or laundering or to be a home companion, a nanny, or a caretaker for the …Continue Reading Massachusetts Domestic Workers Gain More Protections
“ss.” appears like a sentinel after the name of a Massachusetts county in the caption of a pleading or at the commencement of a notary’s acknowledgment. COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Franklin, ss. …Continue Reading What does ss. mean?
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