Massachusetts Trial Court

Last week, the Massachusetts Probation Service swore in Lilliana “Lilli” Sauer, Marlborough resident and high school senior, as “Co-Commissioner for the Day.” Lilli was recognized for her academic achievements, artistic talent, and community service work.

Trial Court Chief Justice Heidi E. Brieger administered the ceremonial oath to Lilli during a ceremony with her family and court staff. Lilli is the fourth student leader to be appointed “Co-Commissioner” as part of MPS community engagement efforts.

Read more: https://www.mass.gov/news/metrowest-teen-is-honored-by-probation-commissioner

Starting June 1, 2026, all Massachusetts Trial Court departments will have new orders that allow more hearings and court events to happen remotely.

The Trial Court’s new Remote Hearings webpage makes it easier to:
• Find standing orders
• Request a remote hearing
• Get general information about remote hearings

Learn more: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-trial-court-guide-to-remote-hearings

This year marks 35 years of the Boston Judicial Youth Corps (JYC) program, a six-week summer program that pairs high school students with lawyers, judges, clerks, probation officers, and other court personnel to teach them about the jobs they do and the role of the courts in the communities they serve.

At the John Adams Courthouse on Tuesday, Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Kimberly S. Budd, retired Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Roderick L. Ireland, and Boston Judicial Youth Corps Educational Director Gerald Howland, Esq. celebrated the 900+ students who have participated in the Boston JYC program and gone on to become lawyers, judges, and more, with the overwhelming majority living and working in Massachusetts.

Registration for the Court Officer Entrance Exam closes on Friday, May 8.

Start your career with the Trial Court Security Department. We’re looking for individuals dedicated to ensuring public safety, access to justice, and the highest level of service to all who use our courts.

Learn more: Mass.gov/courtofficerexam

The Worcester Court Complex is closed for the remainder of today, Tuesday, May 5, due to a sprinkler activation incident.

The Supreme Judicial Court's May sitting week begins Monday, May 4.

For information on the calendar of cases, visit: https://www.ma-appellatecourts.org/calendar/fc/

Oral arguments will begin at 9 a.m. and will be streamed live at: https://boston.suffolk.edu/sjc/

The Trial Court recently released the Annual Court System and Diversity Reports from the last fiscal year. Together, they provide a snapshot of the work taking place across the court system, highlighting key data, trends, and innovative court programs.

Learn more: https://www.mass.gov/doc/fy2025-annual-report-of-the-court-system/download

https://www.mass.gov/doc/massachusetts-trial-court-annual-diversity-report-fiscal-year-2025/download

The Supreme Judicial Court Standing Committee on Pro Bono Legal Services is seeking nominations for the 2026 Adams Pro Bono Publico Awards.

Named for attorneys John Adams and John Quincy Adams, the Adams Awards honor Massachusetts lawyers, law students, law firms, and legal organizations that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to providing pro bono services for the benefit of individuals of limited means.

The deadline for nominations is June 30, 2026. Learn more: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-the-adams-pro-bono-publico-awards

Over 100 judges visited nearly 200 schools & community groups for Judicial Outreach Month!

Throughout March, judges and court employees engaged with students and communities across Massachusetts to share insights into the work of the courts, help people better understand the justice system, and highlight the importance of the rule of law.

Thank you to all who participated this year!

Visits are available year-round. Learn more: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-judicial-speakers-bureau

The Supreme Judicial Court's April sitting week begins Monday, April 6.

For information on the calendar of cases, visit: https://www.ma-appellatecourts.org/calendar/fc/

Oral arguments will begin at 9 a.m. and will be streamed live at: https://boston.suffolk.edu/sjc/