Judicial Branch
Massachusetts Judicial Branch
Understanding the Massachusetts Judiciary
The Massachusetts Judicial Branch interprets state law and delivers justice through a court system led by the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC). The SJC is the oldest continuously functioning appellate court in the Western Hemisphere, established in 1692. The system includes trial and appellate courts that serve every region of the Commonwealth.
Learn more at the Massachusetts Judicial Branch website.
The Massachusetts Court System
- Supreme Judicial CourtThe highest court in the Commonwealth. Reviews major constitutional and legal issues.
- Appeals CourtReviews decisions from trial courts and state agencies.
- Superior CourtHandles serious criminal cases, civil actions, and medical malpractice suits.
- District CourtHandles misdemeanors, civil claims, and small claims across the Commonwealth.
- Boston Municipal CourtHandles criminal and civil matters within the City of Boston and the Town of Winthrop.
- Juvenile CourtHandles care and protection, delinquency, and child welfare cases.
- Probate & Family CourtHandles divorce, child custody, wills, and estates.
- Land CourtResolves land title disputes and zoning appeals.
- Housing CourtFocuses on landlord-tenant matters, housing conditions, and code enforcement.
Judicial Leadership
Chief Justice of the SJC: Kimberly S. Budd
SJC Associate Justices: Frank M. Gaziano, Scott L. Kafker, Dalila Argaez Wendlandt, Serge Georges, Jr., Elizabeth N. Dewar, and Gabrielle R. Wolohojian
Chief Justice of the Appeals Court: Amy Lyn Blake (the first woman to lead the court, appointed 2024)
The SJC sits at the John Adams Courthouse, One Pemberton Square, Boston.
Explore the full Massachusetts court system, find a courthouse, or look up case information.
MassCivics last checked this page on September 28, 2026.
Sources
- State government: Office of the Governor, Governor administers ceremonial oath to Amy Lyn Blake as Chief Justice of the Appeals Court (January 28, 2025), as of November 14, 2024.