The unresolved issue of the 40 vacant judgeships in Massachusetts state courts continues to be a cause for concern among attorneys in the region. These lingering vacancies pose significant problems such as litigation delays, resulting in rising tension particularly in time-sensitive matters. Notably, this issue has been felt most acutely in criminal cases, product liability cases, and medical malpractice disputes – areas where a swift path to trial is crucial.
One recent case in point was an exchange that occurred when Massachusetts Superior Court Justice Rosemary Connolly was engaged in setting trial dates for a group of lawyers embroiled in tobacco litigation. The incident is emblematic of the wider issue at hand, as attorneys navigate a stretched court system in desperate need of additional judges.
While the authorities grapple with resolving this pressing dilemma, Massachusetts lawyers are left wrestling with increasing challenges in their practice. Most agree that the expedited appointment of judges will significantly alleviate these systemic issues pressing the Massachusetts court system.
For a more detailed account of the ongoing issue, refer to this article.