Massachusetts Appeals Court

[6][7] The Appeals Court also hears appeals from final decisions of certain Massachusetts administrative agencies, including the Department of Industrial Accidents, the Appellate Tax Board, and the Commonwealth Employment Relations Board.

For example, an appeal from a conviction of first degree murder goes directly to the Supreme Judicial Court.

[14] In addition to its panel sittings, the Appeals Court runs a continuous "single justice" session, with a separate docket.

The single justice may review interlocutory orders and orders for injunctive relief issued by certain Trial Court departments, as well as requests for review of summary process appeal bonds, certain attorney's fee awards, motions for stays (postponement) of civil proceedings or criminal sentences pending appeal, and motions to review impoundment orders.

[15] Appeals are heard from September through July at the John Adams Courthouse as well as at special sessions held at various locations such as law schools throughout Massachusetts.