The Supreme Judicial Court seeks your assistance in responding to the
questionnaires being sent to attorneys to evaluate the performance of Trial
Court judges in Massachusetts. The purpose of the SJC's Judicial
Performance Evaluation program is to enhance judicial performance and the
quality of the judicial branch. Crucial to this effort is the full
participation of the bar. All trial court judges in Berkshire, Hampden,
Hampshire and Franklin Counties will be evaluated starting February 14 by
attorneys, court employees, and jurors. Any attorney that receives a
questionnaire should take the time to complete it, as the more responses
received, the more accurate the judicial evaluations will be. The Supreme
Judicial Court's evaluation program is the best opportunity for attorneys to
voice their opinions of the members of the judiciary. Attorneys who have
appeared in these courts in the last two years will receive questionnaires. The
great majority of questionnaires will be sent electronically, with attorneys
receiving an email linking to the evaluation website. As required by
statute, the evaluations are confidential and anonymous. The results of
the evaluation will be transmitted to the judge, the Chief Justice of the
relevant court department, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, and
the Chief Justice of Administration and Management.