I just had the pleasure of being called for jury duty at the new Lowell Justice Center. The…read morebuilding is brand spanking new and in excellent condition. The waiting area for the jurors was clean, well kept, and generally comfortable. There were even several hepa air filters running in the waiting area. Bathrooms are inside the waiting area and we're squeaky clean and updated. The people working here were fantastic and very communicative about the process. As an added bonus there's a small store/coffee shop in the lobby. The store even sells lottery tickets if you need a scratch ticket fix. Overall this a great place if you're stuck here for jury duty. The only let down was the lack of free parking for jurors. I ended up parking at a garage down the street for $7.50.

My small claim got brought in front of clerk magistrate, Janelle Amadon.As a civilian we rely on…read morethe court to make an educated decision based off of facts and receipts.Janelle Amadon did not. I bought a car from Donald St John $5300 who was selling the truck for his uncle. Come to find out he left paper work in the car of the person who sold him the vehicle (it was not his uncle)and the bill of sales that states everything wrong with the car.A few days after the purchase the transmission went. Of course Donald would not take back the car.So I reached out to the previous owner who forwarded text messages of him and Donald and how he bought the car for $2000. She asked is there any reason for me to believe this is not your number Donald. He replied no, that is my number. If magistrates cannot make an educated decision/ and have some level of common sense, then it should go in front of a judge.

I exercised my civic responsibility performing jury duty. The courthouse had a special room where…read moreall the juror's congregated. They showed us a video before we were sent to a courtroom for evaluation. They filled the jury before they reached me so I never had to sit as a juror. They had plenty of parking which is key If one has to do jury duty, I find this courthouse preferable since it is right off the highway, nice facilities, and interesting cases..

There are lots of very informative reviews here! I wanted to add that those reviews are still…read moreaccurate in 2025, and definitely helped me out as a first-time juror. Just a few notes: 1. There is Wi-Fi. Strong signal, fast connection. The reminder email warns that "most courts do not have wifi," but this one does. Phone signal was fine, too. 2. If you fill out the online Confidential Juror Questionnaire, don't forget to sign it after printing it out. They also have paper copies at the courthouse, but you may lose your place in line while you're filling it out. 3. The "jury pool" is a big lecture-style conference room (i.e. rows of chairs). There are outlets along the right-hand wall, so arrive a bit early if you want one of those. The chairs seemed pretty new and were reasonably comfortable, but next time I'll probably bring one of those $15 portable cushions. 4. Echoing the other reviewers, everyone really was exceptionally pleasant! They genuinely make you feel that you're performing an honorable service that's deserving of respect, whether you're eventually chosen or not.

I've never reviewed a courthouse before, so five stars?!…read more I came here and attended the case on Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard College back in 2018. So I can only speak about the experience here for the bench trial. Security is strict, and you must leave your cellphone with the front desk. After you tell them which courtroom you are going to, you then go through security. It's airport style, and make sure you have your photo ID with you. If I remember it correctly, the bench trial was on the fifth floor. The elevators were pretty fast. The bathrooms were clean. Actually during one of the days, the fire alarm went off so we had to exit through the side staircase. Outside the room, you get a beautiful waterfront view, it's very pretty! I heard such good things about the cafeteria and now I wish I had a chance to try it. That said, Seaport has transformed so much and there are endless options these days! Love it!

iawtc. I've been on…read moretwo "field trips" as it were to this courthouse for law school so far this year and there's so much to talk about. The court rooms are bright, pretty, with stenciled wall motifs and domed ceilings and colorful carpeting and light wood. They're not intimidating at all and have an old-school town hall meets grandma's living room feeling. I think the idea is to create a sense of community, the idea of a place where the people's voices are heard. Hard to articulate it better than that. It's literally an architectural embodiment of all the floofy ideals they keep telling us in law school that nobody actually listens to. It fits, of course, that all the judges I've met so far (and that's considerable since one of our field trips was a Q&A panel sponsored by the First Circuit in which a bunch of the circuit's top judges talked to us) are magnanimous, paternal and...sweethearts. I can't believe it. Not intimidating at all. It was very much, "You're welcome to come by and watch a trial in my courtroom any time!" Of course, they're all also scary brilliant and classy and composed and articulate like whoa. My second field trip was a sentencing and I think I witnessed the first experience of my life where I've literally seen someone "be merciful." It was even heartwarming. My friend and I had to hold back tears at the end and, keep in mind, we're LAW STUDENTS. LAW STUDENTS AREN'T SUPPOSED TO HAVE SOULS. Then again, the federal courts are supposed to be the "ivory tower" of the American justice system. But, all in all, my experiences at Moakley have been nothing if not refreshing. When I walk in there I really do feel like this is a house of justice. And Brandeis p0wns. Even the US Marshals manning the metal detectors are adorable. I hope if I'm ever indicted in federal court I get to be a defendant at Moakley! Also, subsidized Sebastian's cafeteria is delicious and this building may very well have the best chunk of waterfront real estate in the entire Boston metropolitan area.

This is a review for the Suffolk Probate and Family Court…read more I've sat in Suffolk Family Court long enough to recognize the soundtrack. It's the shuffle of papers, the sighs, the clock that never moves, and the quiet sound of people's lives getting billed by the hour. You want to know what went wrong? I watched it. Day after day. Same hallway. Same fear. Different families. Judges? Overworked. Exhausted. Politicized. Good people once, now just trying to get through a docket like it's TSA on Thanksgiving. Lawyers? They don't fight for justice. They fight for extensions. Every motion is a revenue stream. Every delay is a vacation home getting closer. They drain savings accounts with straight faces and sleep just fine knowing the kids are collateral damage. And the guardians....don't get me started. Some of them shouldn't be guarding a goldfish. No grasp of psychology. No understanding of trauma. Enormous power. Minimal oversight. That's not protection, that's roulette. This system doesn't listen. It processes. It grinds families down until everyone's too tired to keep going, then calls that resolution. I left because I couldn't watch it anymore. Too many parents breaking. Too many kids learning early that adults in robes don't always mean safety. There's a sadness in those courtrooms you can feel in your chest. And if you're not careful, it teaches you to shrink. To comply. To shut up. Don't. Strength doesn't always look like winning. Sometimes it looks like enduring without losing yourself. Teach your kids to trust their instincts, even when adults in authority fail them. You have to walk in strong. Eyes up. Spine straight. Because intimidation is baked into the architecture. These people should not have the power they have. Not without real oversight. Real training. Real accountability. To the Governor of Massachusetts, the Governor's Council, the Chief Justice, and those charged with oversight of the Probate & Family Court: Families are trapped in this system for months and often years, waiting for decisions that directly affect children's safety, stability, and development. These delays are not administrative inconveniences--they cause real and lasting harm. Without rigorous review, nothing changes. Immediate intervention, transparency, and reform are required, including a comprehensive review of judicial performance and court operations to address the human cost of prolonged inaction. Family court shouldn't feel like punishment for loving your kids. And when it does, when it breaks families instead of protecting them that's not justice. That's rot. And anyone paying attention knows it. Tell your story. Silence is how this stays hidden.

HIGHLIGHTS FOR JURY DUTY: (1) phones and laptops ARE allowed past security, (2) you can buy food…read moreand drinks at the little cafe and credit cards are accepted, (3) limited wifi is available in the break room, (4) outlets are available in both rooms (though more of them are in the break room) I gotta say, this is about as well-organized a process as jury duty gets. Here is a brief rundown of my day (as others have also shared), with some tips along the way. Instructions mailed to me say to show up by 8am at the Suffolk County Courthouse at 3 Pemberton Square. Finding the courthouse is a little tricky. Most people will probably be coming from the Cambridge Street/Tremont Street side of the plaza, so just walk through the tunnel under the "Center Plaza" sign next to Caffe Nero at the intersection of Court Street and Tremont. Go past Caffe Nero on the right and walk up the stairs. When you get to the brick courtyard/parking area, follow the row of parked cars to the right and you will see the entrance to the courthouse. Once I entered the courthouse, here's how the day unfolded... 7:45 go through security (very short line of 2 people in front of me - security officers were very pleasant) 7:48 directed to take elevator to 2nd floor and go to Room 218 (easy to find, right near elevators) 7:50 check in and submit juror questionnaire (first one on line) 7:55 grab coffee and breakfast sandwich at "Court Café" (credit cards accepted) - sandwich was hot, fresh, and pretty good (tasted home made) 7:55-8:30 wait in main jury pool room or break room (break room is much smaller but has better AC and gets wifi; main room does not) 8:30-9:00 general instructions read, video about jury service shown, and judge speaks to jury pool 9:00-11:00 continue waiting in jury pool room with periodic announcements that they are waiting to hear from judges upstairs 11:00 the last trial reached a plea deal, so no one is needed today!!! Everyone leaves quickly before they change their minds! LOL At several points, we were reminded that we should receive a jury service certificate in 7-10 days in the mail. This will enable us to be excused from jury service again for 3 years.

If I could give less than one star I would. I was recently in Derry District Court trying to get…read moreinformation on a "mock" custody hearing that I was included in after I was human trafficked for my twins in 2010. My grandparents and Mother were also in the courtroom and my Public pretender said that she hated me which I know someone else told her to say that. When I went in recently I asked for info on the hearing and was told they had nothing on a custody hearing for me but they did have current domestic violence disputes between myself and Michael McManus! I said to her...I'm a married woman and not to Michael McManus and if I am correct Michael McManus has a steady girlfriend! So idk why the state of NH is using our names in some fake case! SOMEONE THERE BETTER FIND THE CUSTODY HEARING RECORDS ASAP!

The family division clerks are different breed. Been there three times. First to file a claim…read moreagainst my ex-wife, second for the actual hearing, and the third time to get a copy of the docket. All three times these clerks were the WORST ever. They come with an attitude even though I do my best to be nice to them and speak nicely. They are literally sick and very rude. Wish I can submit a claim against them.

Was there only once and was surprised about service, despite a ton of complains. Starting from the…read moreguard and finishing with the court gentleman - everybody was kind and polite. I did not use an attorney, and it was a challenge for me to get through entire process, but with those people there it was so easy, I am so satisfied!

I had jury duty at Waltham District Court. Jurors arrive earlier than everyone else and are the…read moreonly ones allowed in past security from 8-8:30am. If you arrive earlier than 8am the door is closed and you must wait outside. The parking lot was fairly empty this early in the morning. When you enter the building, there are signs prohibiting cell phone use, food, and drinks, but the security guard told us that these rules don't pertain to the jury pool room (although you must silence your phone). After bag scan, the jury must take the elevator (not the stairs) up to the jury pool room. The door to the jury pool room closes at 8:55am at which point John the bailiff shows an introductory video - if you aren't in the room at this time, you have to come back a different day. Of 21 potential jurors called, only 15 reported. One of my fellow potential jurors was 80 years old and didn't realize jury duty is optional for senior citizens. The jury pool room is fairly small for 22 people and consists of about 25 chairs which are passably comfortable (for the first hour or so). In the jury pool room there is a bathroom with two toilets and two sinks, but only one potential juror is allowed to use the bathroom at a time. The bathroom was not particularly clean, but not ridiculously filthy. For amenities, the room has a water cooler, a microwave, a refrigerator, and a toaster, but power outlets are rare. There is a table which fits about 4 people. There are many different magazines you can read while you wait. John the bailiff helped pass some of the time by telling courtroom anecdotes, his point being that things don't always go as scheduled in the courtroom so potential jurors need to be flexible. I tried to nap during my wait, but couldn't find a relaxed position in the chairs and kept getting distracted by the bathroom door opening and closing. In the Waltham courthouse there is only one courtroom. Although the jurors arrived at 8am, the judge didn't show up until noon, at which point we had already all been waiting there for 4 hours. They told us this was unusual - on normal days the jury's role starts at 11:30am. They didn't explain why we have to be there 3.5 hours before we are potentially needed. There were 6 cases on the docket, but only one went to trial. We were told that only 1% of the court's cases end up with a jury trial. We were also told that jury pools are called only 50 times a year (one day a week), and that a trial only occurs 60% of those times. That means that out of the 50*21=1050 potential jurors which are called to the court in a given year, approximately 30*7=210 (20%) actually find themselves impaneled on a jury. On our day there was a trial but I was not impaneled. At about 12:45, all potential jurors were brought into court with the judge, clerk, defendant, attorneys, witnesses and another bailiff, Joe. There was no bathroom availability in the courtroom but I didn't ask what happens if someone has to use the bathroom once they are in the courtroom. At this point, the judge and attorneys go through each juror's survey and ask relevant questions to establish impartiality. Potential jurors are questioned in private (away from other jurors) at the judge's sidebar. At this point, I was briefly placed on the jury, but then immediately removed, perhaps as one of the two juror vetoes allowed by each side's attorneys. I was not told why I was removed or by whom. After the jury was chosen, the courtroom broke for lunch, after which the trial proceeds with 5-7 jurors. On my day, only 6 potential jurors out of the 15 who reported were needed for jury duty. Everyone else (including me) was dismissed at this point because our services were unneeded. When I was able to go home it was 1:15pm, which means I was sitting at the courthouse for 5-1/4 hours. Other than a parking lot, there was not much in the area of the court house. Across the street is a Dunkin Donuts, a CVS, a Petco, and a gasoline station. If you don't have a car, and don't want lunch from Dunkin Donuts, then you should bring your own lunch.

This review is based solely on the fact that I had to do Jury Duty here this past week, I have…read morenever been to this courthouse for any other reasons, and never intend to be. Okay, lets get started. So, I was selected to do my civic duty of Jury Duty this past week at Dedham District Court. Yay!! Not really. Anyways it was the day after the major snowstorm and I called the night before to make sure that I was still on for Jury Duty, which of course I was. I got there at 8am, parked in the rear of the building going through the exit (which I didn't know at the time because it was covered in snow). When I got inside the place was packed with people. The Court Officers were very pleasant and nice. We watched a video on Jury Duty and than the Judge came in and welcomed and thanked us for being there. She informed us that her case would not be heard today and that the majority of people would go home. I didn't get to, instead the remanding people went over to the district courthouse. Went into two cases and wasn't selected for either, and then we were released from our duties. Pros: Super friendly staff and Court officers. WiFi in the Registry of Deeds building. Paid day off (for me at least). Cons: Paying for parking. No WiFi once inside the District Courthouse. Not much fun.

The Salem Trial Court is a beautiful piece of architecture…read more The city has just redone the entire building inside and out. The outside of the building a monstrous compared with the other building in Downtown Salem some of which are 400+ years old. The city was kind enough to keep the original lamp posts from the old building which are mounted on large pedestals on each side of the front stairs leading up to the entrance of the Court House. Upon entering the Court House and walking though its hallways once you go through security, you will notice the immaculate polished granite floors and walls which give the interior of this building a majestic feel. The nicest part of the interior to me and a sight to see is the original elevator polished and easily taking all the glamour away from the polished halls with its Art Deco brass finish that draws your eyes directly to it. It seems as if they retrofit this elevator with new mechanical parts but keeping all the original appearance pieces. Kudos to the designer of this beautiful building. A wonderful addition to the City of Salem. I give The Salem Trial Court a Solid 5 Stars.

After being granted an order of protection against a neighbor, I sought a brief extension of that…read moreorder. The judge deemed that there was not to be an extension, which I have no quibble with. However, the rude and aggressive behavior of the bailiffs, and the abruptness of the judge herself, after waiting 2.5 hours was very uncalled for. These folks need to be reminded that they are there to serve the victims. Not everyone in the room is a perpetrator. Be respectful and kind to the victims who wait for hours to be heard.

Courthouse, sad place. No one is happy, well, because, they are in court before a judge that you…read morecan barely hear or understand.

It is hard to review a courthouse, but here goes. The old Cambridge court house used to be so easy…read moreto get to, just off Lechmere on the green line. Now located in Medford, on the Mystic Valley Pkway, not as easy to access. (Bus only). Very limited parking for the amount of traffic they handle. We arrived at 9AM to find a full parking lot, so we had to drive up a few blocks and park in 2 hour parking. Staff is not the friendliest or most helpful ( I do not hang out in court houses so sorry if I need to ask for directions). As we waited in a very crowded waiting area (too small and not enough chairs for the amount of people waiting for traffic court), we saw many, stressed out people that were running late for court because there was NO parking. Great move to Medford, thumbs up!!!

:( For a court that…read moreserves so many communities, this one sure is a BITCH to get to. If I have to use the "Doctors appointment" excuse one more time, my boss is going to think I have terminal illness! With the commute aside, the court isn't all that bad. Constructed in the mid 70s, and furnished with many broken benches and archaic decor, the building is located in the heart of the WORST city, ever. You are about a 3 minute walk to such sites to see as Dunkin Donuts, Family Dollar, and I think there was a store that accepted WIC cards. Dress Code: It is not necessary to show up in your Sunday's best. I decided on a Claiborne suit, and was quite out of place. Basically, there is no need to dress for a black-tie function, if you are ending up at Chuck E. Cheese. Most of the other patrons were dressed in track suits, tank tops, faux Juicy Couture pants, Hooter's t-shirts, and I saw a few ankle bracelets for added flare (/ safety). :( The Staff: The probation officers are sincere and friendly, and the judges seem pretty nice, too (as long as you don't "act a fool" like some of the more aggressive clientele). Also, there is a mean, short woman in the clerk's office. Her and I will NEVER be BFFs. Basically there is no such thing as "guilty" in Massachusetts. You may plead guilty, but they will forgive you, and tell you "no probz. just try not to do it again, plz?" and then you are on your way back to the Red Line for the LONGEST ride home, EVER. I would have given 4 stars if there were a cafeteria present, like the one on TV's 'Night Court'. :'(

The staff and law enforcement are vigilant to keep staff and visitors safe and protected at all…read moretimes!