Instant Access to Civil and
Criminal Court Records

Massachusetts Court Records

The Massachusetts Courts website is intended to help the general public understand how the Massachusetts judicial system works and how to interact with it effectively. This page is ideal for individuals seeking a general overview of the court system, as well as for those wanting to learn the proper procedures for accessing court records. 

The judiciary in Massachusetts follows a tiered system beginning with local trial courts, such as the District Courts and the Superior Court, then ascending to the Appeals Court, and culminating in the Supreme Court, the state's highest legal authority. Unlike some other states, Massachusetts has only one municipal court: the Boston Municipal Court, located in Suffolk County. Most cases are handled at the trial level and may proceed to appellate review if a decision is challenged.

Access to court records in Massachusetts is governed by common law and court rules, rather than the state's Public Records Law, which applies to executive agencies. Nevertheless, court records are generally considered public and accessible, with certain restrictions applying to specific types of records. While this portal serves as a general informative guide, its content is not a substitute for legal advice and should not be considered official records.