How long do Massachusetts judges serve?
lifetime appointments
Judges serve lifetime appointments, with mandatory retirement at age 70. (Originally, in 1780, the Massachusetts Constitution gave judges lifetime appointments with no age limit. In 1972 an amendment to the Massachusetts Constitution [Article XCVIII, scroll down to it] made retirement mandatory at age 70.)
How many judges are there in Massachusetts?

Founded in 1692, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court is the state’s court of last resort and has seven judgeships….State supreme court.
Judge | Appointed By |
---|---|
Frank M. Gaziano | Charles D. Baker (R) |
Scott L. Kafker | Charles D. Baker (R) |
Dalila Wendlandt | Charles D. Baker (R) |
Who is Massachusetts Chief Justice?
Chief Justice Kimberly S. Kimberly S. Budd became the 38th Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court on December 1, 2020 when she was sworn in by Governor Charlie Baker. She was appointed as an Associate Justice on the Court on August 24, 2016.
How many Superior Court judges are there in Massachusetts?
About the Superior Court The court’s 82 justices sit in 20 courthouses in all 14 state counties.

Who is the chief justice of the United States now 2021?
Honorable John G. Roberts, Jr.
Nine Justices make up the current Supreme Court: one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. The Honorable John G. Roberts, Jr., is the 17th Chief Justice of the United States, and there have been 103 Associate Justices in the Court’s history.
Who are the federal judges in Massachusetts?
District Judges
- District Judges.
- Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV.
- Gorton, Nathaniel M.
- Stearns, Richard G.
- Saris, Patti B.
- Casper, Denise J.
- Hillman, Timothy S.
- Talwani, Indira.
How many district court judges are there in Massachusetts?
There are two current vacancies on the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, out of the court’s 13 judicial positions.
Who is on the Massachusetts Supreme Court?
Although it was historically composed of four associate justices and one chief justice, the court is currently composed of six associate justices and one chief justice….Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.
Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts | |
---|---|
Website | Official website |
Chief Justice | |
Currently | Kimberly S. Budd |
Since | December 1, 2020 |
At what age must a judge retire in MA?
age 70
32, §§ 65A-65J and the Massachusetts Constitution. All judges are required to retire at age 70.
How long is a term for a Massachusetts Supreme Court Justice?
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts | |
---|---|
Judge term length | Mandatory retirement at 70 years of age |
Number of positions | 7 |
Website | Official website |
Chief Justice |
How are judges usually selected?
Superior court judges serve six-year terms and are elected by county voters on a nonpartisan ballot at a general election during even-numbered years. Vacancies occurring during those terms—due to retirements, deaths, or other departures—are filled through appointment by the Governor.
How can a Supreme Court Justice be removed from the court after being appointed?
The Constitution states that Justices “shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour.” This means that the Justices hold office as long as they choose and can only be removed from office by impeachment.
How many federal judges are in Massachusetts?
13
United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts | |
---|---|
Appeals to | First Circuit |
Established | September 24, 1789 |
Judges | 13 |
Chief Judge | F. Dennis Saylor IV |
Who is the newest Supreme Court justice?
Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson
The Senate confirmed Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court, making her the first Black woman to serve on the top U.S. court. The 53-47 final vote tally showed bipartisan support for Jackson, with three Republicans joining all Democrats to elevate the 51-year-old federal judge to a lifetime appointment.
What do judges do after retirement?
Since Supreme Court judges are barred from practising law in court after they have retired, they seek other avenues for work. This mostly includes positions that are controlled by the Central government, such as heading tribunals and commissions.