{"id":373913,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:32","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/massachusetts-law\/boston-courthouses.html"},"modified":"2016-06-20T19:48:30","modified_gmt":"2016-06-21T00:48:30","slug":"boston-courthouses","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/massachusetts-law\/boston-courthouses.html","title":{"rendered":"Boston Courthouses"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Boston Courthouses<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

As home to about 7.5 million residents, Boston is one of the most densely populated regions in America. Deeply rooted in history and tradition, the \u201cCradle of Liberty\u201d played a critical role in the founding of our nation.  Boston boasts two world-class universities in Harvard and M.I.T., but locals know you have not truly experienced Boston traditions until you catch a glimpse of the Green Monster inside the legendary Fenway Park.
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\nJust as Greater Boston consists of countless interconnected neighborhoods, its courthouses are numerous and scattered. Knowing which court is appropriate for your particular issue and location is critical to your success, so here is a useful guide to the Boston court system.<\/p>\n

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State Superior and Appellate Courts<\/h2>\n \n \n \n \n
  • \n

    \n \n Suffolk County Superior Court\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    Three Pemberton Square<\/p>\n \n

    \n Boston,<\/span>\n MA<\/span>\n 02108<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (617) 788-8160\n \n |\n \n Fax: (617) 788-7798\n <\/p>\n

    \n

    Note: Also known as the \u201cJohn Adams Courthouse,\u201d this building houses the highest trial state-level courts in Boston, the Superior Court, along with the Land Court, Appeals Court and the Supreme Judicial Court. The Court Caf\u00e9 is small and cash-only, but there are thankfully other food options<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    Superior Court Department<\/a><\/u><\/p>\n

    (617) 788-8130 (civil cases)<\/p>\n

    (617) 788-8160 (criminal cases)<\/p>\n

    On the civil side, the Superior Court has jurisdiction in civil actions over $25,000, when injunctive relief is sought and in actions involving labor disputes. On the criminal side, it has jurisdiction over all felony matters, including exclusive original jurisdiction in first degree murder cases.<\/p>\n

    Land Court Department<\/a><\/u><\/p>\n

    (617) 788-7470<\/p>\n

    Note: The Land Court Department has jurisdiction over the registration of title to real property and over all matters and disputes concerning such title after registration.<\/p>\n

    Massachusetts Appeals Court<\/a><\/u><\/p>\n

    (617) 725-8106<\/p>\n

    Note: The Appeals Court reviews decisions made by lower courts. The Appeals Court has twenty-five justices who review cases in rotating panels of three.<\/p>\n

    Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts<\/a><\/u><\/p>\n

    (617) 557-1000<\/p>\n

    Note: The Supreme Judicial Court is the highest court in the state and generally gets the final word in all state legal matters. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/li>\n

  • \n

    \n \n Suffolk Probate and Family Court (Edward W. Brooke Courthouse)\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    24 New Chardon St.<\/p>\n \n

    \n Boston,<\/span>\n MA<\/span>\n 02114<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (617) 788-8700\n \n \n <\/p>\n

    \n

    (617) 788-8600 (Criminal Cases)
    \n(617) 788-8400 (Civil Cases)
    \n(617) 788-8411 (Small Claims)
    \n(617) 788-8571 (Juvenile)<\/p>\n

    Note: The Edward W. Brooke Courthouse is the primary building for the Boston Municipal Court system. The cases handled here are typically criminal misdemeanors, small claims court and relatively small civil lawsuits here.  Parking is conveniently located right across the street from the courthouse, but it is absurdly expensive. There is a small food stand but no cafeteria, so you should consider bringing a sack lunch. Also, bring a sweater in the winter because the building gets cold! The courthouse also contains three specialized departments: the Boston Housing Court Department<\/a>; the Juvenile Court Department of Suffolk County<\/a>; and the Probate and Family Court<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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    Municipal Courts<\/h2>\n \n \n \n \n
  • \n

    \n \n Brighton Division, Boston Municipal Court Department\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    52 Academy Hill Rd.<\/p>\n \n

    \n Brighton,<\/span>\n MA<\/span>\n 02135<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (617) 782-6540 ext. 111\n \n \n <\/p>\n

    \n

    Note: This municipal court has jurisdiction over the towns of Allston and Brighton.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/li>\n

  • \n

    \n \n Charlestown Division, Boston Municipal Court Department\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    3 City Square<\/p>\n \n

    \n Charlestown,<\/span>\n MA<\/span>\n 02129<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (617) 242-5400\n \n \n <\/p>\n

    \n

    Note: This municipal court has jurisdiction over the town of Charleston.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/li>\n

  • \n

    \n \n Dorchester Division, Boston Municipal Court Department\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    510 Washington Street<\/p>\n \n

    \n Dorchester,<\/span>\n MA<\/span>\n 02124<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (617) 288-9500\n \n \n <\/p>\n

    \n

    Note: This municipal court has jurisdiction over the town of Dorchester.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/li>\n

  • \n

    \n \n East Boston Division, Boston Municipal Court Department\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    37 Meridian Street<\/p>\n \n

    \n East Boston,<\/span>\n MA<\/span>\n 02128<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (617) 569-7550\n \n \n <\/p>\n

    \n

    Note: This municipal court has jurisdiction over the towns of East Boston and Winthrop.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/li>\n

  • \n

    \n \n Roxbury Division, Boston Municipal Court Department\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    85 Warren St.<\/p>\n \n

    \n Roxbury,<\/span>\n MA<\/span>\n 02119<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (617) 989-9500\n \n \n <\/p>\n

    \n

    Note: This municipal court has jurisdiction over the town of Roxbury.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/li>\n

  • \n

    \n \n South Boston Division, Boston Municipal Court Department\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    535 East Broadway<\/p>\n \n

    \n South Boston,<\/span>\n MA<\/span>\n 02127<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (617) 268-9292\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    Note: This municipal court has jurisdiction over the town of South Boston.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/li>\n

  • \n

    \n \n West Roxbury Division, Boston Municipal Court Department\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    445 Arborway<\/p>\n \n

    \n Jamaica Plain,<\/span>\n MA<\/span>\n 02130<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (617) 971-1200\n \n \n <\/p>\n

    \n

    Note: This municipal court has jurisdiction over the towns of West Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, Hyde Park, Roslindale, parts of Mission Hill and the Mattapan Sections of Boston.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/li>\n

  • \n

    \n \n Chelsea District Court\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    120 Broadway<\/p>\n \n

    \n Chelsea,<\/span>\n MA<\/span>\n 02150<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (617) 660-9200\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    Note: This municipal court has jurisdiction over the town of Chelsea.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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    Federal Courts<\/h2>\n \n \n \n \n
  • \n

    \n \n U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit (John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse)\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    1 Courthouse Way<\/p>\n \n

    \n Boston,<\/span>\n MA<\/span>\n 02210<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (617) 748-9152\n \n \n <\/p>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/li>\n

  • \n

    \n \n U.S. District Court for District of Massachusetts (John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse)\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    1 Courthouse Way<\/p>\n \n

    \n Boston,<\/span>\n MA<\/span>\n 02210<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (617) 748-9152\n \n \n <\/p>\n

    \n

    Note: The John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse hosts both the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts<\/a> and the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit<\/a>. The building\u2019s architecture is a gorgeous<\/a><\/a> embodiment of justice and civic virtue, and it is located on possibly the best chunk of waterfront real estate in the entire Boston metropolitan area. Oddly enough, Sebastian’s Caf\u00e9 is quite delicious and affordable compared to other court caf\u00e9s (try their Buffalo Chicken Wrap on Wednesdays).  <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/li>\n

  • \n

    \n \n U.S. Bankruptcy Court (John W. McCormack Post Office and Court House)\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    5 Post Office Square, Suite 1150<\/p>\n \n

    \n Boston,<\/span>\n MA<\/span>\n 02109<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (617) 748-9650\n \n \n <\/p>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/li>\n

  • \n

    \n \n Boston Immigration Court (John F. Kennedy Federal Building)\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    15 New Sudbury St Ste. 320<\/p>\n \n

    \n Boston,<\/span>\n MA<\/span>\n 02203<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (617) 565-1086\n \n \n <\/p>\n \n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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