Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court

The highest court in Massachusetts has ruled that the wording of a ballot question for a proposed “millionaire tax” constitutional amendment is legal and the measure can go before voters in November. The amendment would impose a 4% surtax on the portion of an individual’s annual income that exceeds $1 million. It had been challenged by a business group and…

An initiative petition seeking to change state liquor-licensing laws remains alive after the Supreme Judicial Court on Monday ruled that Attorney General Maura Healey correctly certified it to appear before voters on November’s ballot. The high court rejected a challenge to Healey’s certification, which argued the question did not meet the Constitutional requirement that initiative petitions contain only matters...

The disappearance of Harmony Montgomery and the events leading up to it are under investigation.

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court is ordering a review of the case surrounding the disappearance of 7-year-old Harmony Montgomery, who was last seen in 2019 after a juvenile court being placed in the custody of her father. In a letter dated Jan. 21, SJC Chief Justice Kimberly S. Budd informed New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu of the review. A few…

The mother of Harmony Montgomery, the young girl missing since 2019, is trying to obtain records in the child’s custody case.

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu is accusing officials in Massachusetts of failing Harmony Montgomery, the young girl last seen in 2019.

Gov. Chris Sununu says courts in Massachusetts are to blame for the disappearance of Harmony Montgomery in 2019.

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu placed the blame for the disappearance of 7-year-old Harmony Montgomery squarely at the feet of the Massachusetts court system in a letter released Tuesday. In the letter, which was sent to Kimberly Budd, chief justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, Sununu expressed “grave concerns” about the ongoing investigation into the missing girl. He cited…

The disappearance of Harmony Montgomery, a young New Hampshire girl last seen in 2019, remains under investigation.

A recent ruling by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court could impact you if you’re a vehicle owner, who is in an accident where you’re not at fault. Here’s what you need to know.

The highest court in Massachusetts has vacated the murder convictions of two men found guilty of fatally shooting a bystander in 2007 because the trial judge improperly allowed prosecutors to dismiss at least one Black person from the pool of prospective jurors. The Supreme Judicial Court’s decision Monday vacated the convictions of Antwan Carter and Daniel Pinckney, who were convicted…

The highest court in Massachusetts on Tuesday struck down a state law making it illegal for people to ask for money for their own support on public roads. A decision from the Supreme Judicial Court found that the law violated free speech rights because it prohibited people from requesting money for personal support on roadways but specifically allowed the sale…

Gov. Charlie Baker on Tuesday nominated Appeals Court Associate Justice Dalila Argaez Wendlandt to a seat on the Supreme Judicial Court, paving the way for her to become the first Latina to serve on the high court bench. In a press conference, Baker highlighted Wendlandt’s thoughtfulness, collegiality and judiciousness in tapping her for the seat, one of two on...

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court was scheduled to hear arguments Monday on a case out of Fall River that challenges a law that makes it illegal for people to ask for money on public roads.

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court will hear arguments challenging a law that makes it illegal for people to ask for money on public roads Monday.

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court will hear arguments challenging a law that makes it illegal for people to ask for money on public roads Monday. The American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts filed a lawsuit against Fall River in March of last year, arguing the city was aggressively enforcing the state law. They also argue the law itself is unconstitutional….

For the first time, a Black woman has been nominated to become the chief justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.

Gov. Charlie Baker on Wednesday nominated Associate Justice Kimberly Budd as the next chief justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, paving the way for her to become the first Black woman to lead the body. In a press conference at the State House, Baker repeatedly highlighted Budd’s ability to listen to others and collaborate, saying such qualities were...

In a touching speech, Gov. Charlie Baker honors the memory of Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Ralph Gants, who died suddenly on Monday.

Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Ralph Gants has died, the associate justices of the court announced Monday. Their statement did not give any details about when or how Gants had died. “It is with deep sadness that the Associate Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court announce the death of Chief Justice Ralph D. Gants. Our hearts and prayers are…