Blogs

Explore the Boston Municipal Court’s history, 1866 founding, eight divisions, courthouse addresses, criminal and civil jurisdiction, and public services.

Learn what nolle prosequi means in Massachusetts, Rule 16 requirements, its distinction from an acquittal, and separate record-sealing considerations.

Understand a continuance without a finding in Massachusetts, court conditions, dismissal and record sealing, and potential immigration consequences.

Massachusetts recently made headlines with the signing of a significant new law aimed at protecting the welfare of exotic animals. This landmark legislation, signed by Governor Maura Healey, bans the use of animals such as big cats, bears, primates, giraffes, and elephants in traveling exhibits and performances throughout the state. This new law, which will take effect on January 1, 2025, is being hailed as a major victory for animal rights advocates who have campaigned tirel

The Massachusetts Parentage Act is enacted law, not a proposal awaiting the Governor's signature. Governor Maura Healey signed the Act on August 9, 2024, and the changes to the state's parentage laws took effect on January 1, 2025. Families should use the enacted law and current procedures when assessing their rights. The law concerns more than terminology The legislation updated how Massachusetts establishes and recognizes parent-child relationships. The Massachusetts Trial

The pandemic-era Title 42 border order ended on May 11, 2023. Earlier reporting that anticipated an end on May 23, 2022 described a proposed timetable, not the date on which the policy ultimately ended. This article explains that history and the limits of using it to understand a present-day immigration case. What Title 42 referred to The border policy relied on public-health authority during the COVID-19 emergency. It allowed expulsions under that framework and became the su

Many times in both our business dealings and our personal dealings, we think we can handle our own affairs. To a great extent, we are right. Well, how many times have you simply signed something without reading it fully? Or signed something you don’t fully understand? The situation may seem so innocuous, common, and straightforward that we don’t take the time to think about it. We grab the pen and sign away. The matters seem so unimportant. Leases? Sure, we all sign the