Council Confirms Two New District Court Judges
The Governor's Council unanimously approved Michael Callanan and Kristen Varsames Tysonis for seats on the Massachusetts District Court.
Massachusetts Criminal Justice News
Criminal justice coverage in Massachusetts follows the justice system as a whole — courts, sentencing, incarceration, bail, prosecution and the reform efforts that move through the legislature and courts. Reporting reaches Boston, Worcester, Springfield and Cambridge.
Recent news
November 4, 2026
Perkins Wins Norfolk County District Attorney RaceDemocrat Djuna Perkins defeated independent Joe Pagliarulo to succeed longtime District Attorney Michael Morrissey.
October 30, 2026
Massachusetts High Court Upholds Foreclosure Filing BanThe Supreme Judicial Court affirmed restrictions on a litigant who repeatedly challenged a 2010 Nantucket foreclosure.
October 28, 2026
Massachusetts Court Rules on Trade Secret InjunctionsThe state supreme court clarifies that plaintiffs must prove irreparable harm to secure a preliminary injunction.
October 25, 2026
Massachusetts Court Dismisses Case Over Delayed ServiceThe state appellate court ruled that late service of an original complaint cannot be cured by filing an amended version.
October 25, 2026
Court Backs Massachusetts Correction Agency in Vaccine CaseA federal court dismissed a lawsuit brought by a former officer against the Massachusetts Department of Correction.
October 23, 2026
Massachusetts Firearms Law Enforcement Faces Legal ScrutinyDefense attorneys allege that confusion regarding state gun statutes leads to wrongful felony arrests.
October 22, 2026
Commission Files Charges Against Retired Massachusetts JudgeThe state's conduct commission alleges a retired judge lacked a factual basis for ordering an attorney into custody.
October 21, 2026
Massachusetts Agrees to $10 Million Settlement in DeathThe state settles a lawsuit alleging systemic failures by the Department of Children and Families in the death of 14-year-old David Almond.
October 21, 2026
Massachusetts SJC Upholds Civil Contempt DenialThe state's highest court affirmed a decision denying extraordinary relief for a Housing Court contempt judgment.
October 20, 2026
Massachusetts Court Reverses Gun Conviction RulingThe Appeals Court ruled that the state failed to prove a defendant knew his firearm was loaded while intoxicated.
More in Criminal Justice
This section follows court proceedings and sentencing outcomes, prison and jail conditions, prosecutorial policy changes, wrongful conviction reviews and the reform legislation that moves through the State House. The state's higher education and biotech sectors, alongside its New England heritage, shape a civic culture that generates sustained legislative attention to criminal justice reform questions. Bail reform and pretrial detention practices have drawn extended coverage, as have the implementation challenges that follow any legislative change. The Suffolk County district attorney's office, given its Boston jurisdiction, draws disproportionate statewide attention to its charging and prosecution decisions.