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.

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 court and its judges are top notch! I was more than impressed by the very professional but…read moresensitive way in which they handled my case. Hats off!

Absolutely the WORST courthouse in Suffolk county. They all ego tripping on their titles. When…read moreasked if anyone would be hardship for today I was completely ignored even after putting my hand up with my juror card. The judge made it clear court hours are 8:30-4:30 and he was making sure we served an entire 8 hour shift. When 4:30 came I was still in jury check-in room which was locked from the outside. I had to call 2 times to get someone to let me out. Finally court officer came and said judge would like to see you. I explained to judge of situation of family member who was in hospital and failure to thrive. Judge finally dismissed me at 5PM. Courthouse was empty. No clerks. No employees. No security. As I left I got call person hard passed away. I absolutely hate this place. I hope the judge and court employees burn in hell.

Nice modern building with free Wi-Fi. Jury waiting room is comfortable with restrooms right there…read more Dunkin' is across the street, and Katz bakery up the street.

I respect Chelsea court because this beautiful woman saved my daughter's life ,she took a seizure…read moreand my daughter said,"mom please my face feels tight and already she was not feeling well .i just want to say Thank you Ms.Karen your amazing and I wish all the Justices to the clerk's office to probation everyone was kind to me and I felt justice today .I like that in 23 or more years one thing when I raise my right hand I know the truth will utter the most truth will utter from my lips. GOD Bless all the good people in Chelsea District Court.

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!!!

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 is a court left back in time…read more The woodwork is amazing.. The stairs and the men's room not so much.. It's on the smaller size especially being in Boston. It's comprised of a few smaller offices, a Clerks office and a court room. There is absolutely zero parking unless you get lucky with a street spot (unlikely) or you walk 5-10 blocks. This court house has great character and must have seen some great cases in the past. FYI, The court room is located on the second floor and the elevator only goes up the first flight of stairs which puts you on the first floor. The staff are extra nice, at least the women I spoke to (Kudos to them for being very polite and professional). Anyone reading this, I hope your only reading my review for minor traffic incidents, if not, I hope you have a good Attorney. I give East Boston District Court 4 Stars...

I went here for jury duty. It was very easy to find, although traffic was heavy and it took me 1…read morehour to get there from Natick and an hour and a half to get home. As another reviewer correctly stated, parking is plentiful and free of charge. It states on their website that the court does not have Wi-Fi, but I had no difficulty navigating the internet from my cell phone which helped pass the time. Overall, everything was well organized, and as the court officer and judge promised, they did their best to get the group out of there as soon as possible.

SO I have an appeal date for an Insurance Claim... I get there & park all the way across the…read moreParking Lot & walk in - (keeping in mind it was 90' this am and Im 7+ months pregnant) I get in only to find out that CELL PHONES NEED TO BE KEPT IN YOUR CAR. So I walk ALL THE WAY back to my car and leave the phone there. Then get back in, am pointed in the direction of the stairs, where there is a BIG SIGN that says "For Insurance Appeals, please go down stairs - Take a Seat, BE PATIENT, BE QUIET,and wait to the Clerk call your name. As I get down the bottom of the stairs there are 2-4 more signs that say the same message. Then walking down the hallway and where the benches are, again 3-5 more of the same previously mentioned signs.. I sit down & as per the sign WAIT... This snotty lady comes in & begins to talk to everyone sitting there about how she couldnt find the place and all I keep thinking was "DID SHE MISS THE SIGNS" she then starts asking all about the process, and how do they know who was here next, and are our appts all the same time? Just not taking notice that NO ONE else is talking... We are all just sitting here minding our own business... So she gets up & proceeds to walk to the area where the clerk was and ask to Check In, to which she was told "Read the Signs, Go Sit Down" several minutes pass and the Clerk comes out to check us all in & starts by saying.. FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO CLEARLY DIDNT READ THE SIGNS, IM TAKING POINTS OFF YOUR APPEAL - THE SIGNS ARE HERE FOR A REASON AND MAYBE YOU SHOULD HAVE READ THEM! I agree a little harsh - but it was completely warranted as there are signs EVERYWHERE... Then when the clerk walked away, same snotty lady then comments on how Rude Clerk was & that was not needed... WTF do you expect - YOU DIDNT READ THE 1,439 signs... It was then my turn with the clerk (sat for 10 mins or so) and was told I would receive my notice in around 4 weeks. In & Out... Was cool enough in there so I was able to be comfy. Hope I dont have to spend much more time in a court house! Ample Parking and for those that cannot find this place... It is DIRECTLY across the street from Christmas Tree Shop!