Stacey J. Fortes at a glance
- Current role
- Chief Justice
- Court
- Massachusetts District Court
- Jurisdiction
- Massachusetts · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Stacey J. Fortes
Chief Justice · Massachusetts District Court
Available research
Courtroom rules and guidance
Remote Hearings
Massachusetts District Court lists specified non-evidentiary, scheduling, status, civil-management, and other proceedings that may be held remotely unless the presiding judge or clerk-magistrate orders otherwise.
The following events may be held remotely unless otherwise ordered by a judge or clerk-magistrateJoint Standing Order 1-26: Order on remote court hearings ↗
Remote Recording
Photographing, recording, or electronically transmitting a Massachusetts District Court remote or hybrid hearing requires prior authorization from the supervising judge or clerk-magistrate.
No person shall take any photographs, or make any recording or transmission by electronic means, of a remote or hybrid court hearing, without prior authorization from the judge or clerk magistrateJoint Standing Order 1-26: Order on remote court hearings ↗
Recording And Photography
In Massachusetts courts, photography, recording, or electronic transmission in a courtroom or related judicial space requires prior authorization from the judge or magistrate supervising that place, subject to Rule 1:19's separate provisions for registered news media.
No person shall take any photographs, or make any recording or transmission by electronic means, in any courtroom, hearing room, office, chambers or lobby of a judge or magistrate without prior authorizationSupreme Judicial Court Rule 1:19: Electronic access to the courts ↗
Sources
Massachusetts Court System official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · checked July 25, 2026
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/district-court-judgesJoint Standing Order 1-26: Order on remote court hearings
Judge research source · HTML · checked July 26, 2026
https://www.mass.gov/districtmunicipal-court-rules/joint-standing-order-1-26-order-on-remote-court-hearingsSupreme Judicial Court Rule 1:19: Electronic access to the courts
Judge research source · HTML · checked July 26, 2026
https://www.mass.gov/supreme-judicial-court-rules/supreme-judicial-court-rule-119-electronic-access-to-the-courts