Rule 3 – Commencement of Action

A civil action is commenced by (1) mailing to the clerk of the proper court by certified or registered mail a complaint and an entry fee prescribed by law, or (2) filing such complaint and an entry fee with such clerk. Actions brought pursuant to G.L. c. 185 for...

Rule 2 – One Form of Action

There shall be one form of action to be known as “civil action”.Mass. R. Civ. P. 2Effective July 1, 1974.Reporter’s Notes: “Merger” of Law and Equity, refers only to the procedure involved, i.e., the manner of framing and trying the...

Rule 1 – Scope of Rules

These rules govern the procedure before a single justice of the Supreme Judicial Court or of the Appeals Court, and in the following departments of the Trial Court: the Superior Court, the Housing Court the Probate and Family Court in proceedings seeking equitable...

Rule 23 – Stipulations

(a) Essential Elements. Any stipulation to an essential element of a charged offense entered by the parties before or during trial shall be in writing and signed by the prosecutor, the defendant, and defense counsel. Any such stipulation shall be read to the jury...