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Guide to Law Online: U.S. Massachusetts

Judicial

In Massachusetts, the judiciary has four general levels. The District Court, Juvenile Court, and Probate & Family Court are the lowest level courts, focusing on cases involving specific subject matter, including misdemeanors, small claims, juvenile matters, and probate matters. The Superior Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction; the Boston Municipal Court, Housing Court, and Land Court also hear specific cases at this level. The Massachusetts Appeals Court acts as the intermediate appellate court. The Supreme Judicial Court is the highest court in the state.