Massachusetts Law Updates

Official Blog of the Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries
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What is a Mechanic's Lien If Not For Mechanics?  

12/02/2024 Trial Court Law Libraries

The term "mechanic's lien" is often a source of confusion as it sounds like it should be related to cars--but it's not! Learn more about this type of lien and where its name comes from.

Construction worker holding a yellow hardhat and wearing a tool belt.

Sealing Eviction Records: Coming in May 2025  

11/18/2024 Trial Court Law Libraries

A street with mixed housing in the Boston area

Now Available Through the Law Libraries: ABA and Matthew Bender eBooks  

11/14/2024 Trial Court Law Libraries

Learn more about the Trial Court Law Libraries' latest acquisition of ABA and Matthew Bender eBooks and how to access them.

Flyer with information and graphics about ABA and Matthew Bender eBook titles.

The Invisible Halloween Laws of Massachusetts  

10/29/2024 Trial Court Law Libraries

Did you know you can't own a werewolf in MA? Or that you have a right to know if your next housemate is a ghost? Learn more about spooky laws in MA just in time for Halloween.

Trick-or-treaters approaching a home decorated with tall pumpkin-headed figures and orange lights for Halloween.

The Quabbin Reservoir and the Laws That Shaped It  

10/16/2024 Trial Court Law Libraries

The Quabbin Reservoir, one of the largest man-made water supplies in the U.S., is a major source of drinking water for metropolitan Boston. Learn more about the Quabbin's legal history, as well as its social and environmental impact on the region.

Map of Massachusetts with focus on the Quabbin Reservoir

The Great Fire That Nearly Destroyed the Berkshire Law Library  

7/22/2024 Trial Court Law Libraries

A fire in 1869 almost destroyed all the books in the Berkshire Law Library. Many rare books were saved, and the library has two old catalogs from the 19th century that list books that may have been endangered or lost.

Berkshire County Courthouse in 1871

Safeguarding Our Commonwealth’s Waterways: Laws, Programs, and Prevention Tips  

6/21/2024 Trial Court Law Libraries

Learn more about state laws, programs, and guides that are aimed at preserving Massachusetts bodies of water, the local ecosystems, and the native species populations.

A man fly fishing on the Housatonic River, with trees in the background changing to autumn colors

Preserving Berkshire's Natural Beauty: A Guide to Section 39A  

4/22/2024 Trial Court Law Libraries

In honor of Earth Day on April 22, we take a look at MGL Section 39A: the "Berkshire Scenic Mountain Act". Learn more about this act and how it is used to preserve the scenic beauty of Berkshire County.

View of Adams, Massachusetts from Mount Greylock.

Cinema of Law: 2024 Film Series  

3/08/2024 Trial Court Law Libraries

A four-film series will be shown at the Berkshire Athenaeum over three weeks in March.

Cinema of Law: 2024 Film Series logo

New Septic System Regulations to Mitigate Nitrogen Pollution on Cape Cod  

2/27/2024 Trial Court Law Libraries

Changes in the Title 5 regulations will require homeowners and/or municipalities in some areas on Cape Cod to address problems related to nitrogen pollution. Help to pay for expenses related to installing new septic systems is available.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has published a map of properties affected by new regulations intended to reduce nitrogen pollution.