Public Policy > Our Policy Positions

Our Policy Positions

Our Positions

  • Access to Justice

    Access to justice means ensuring adequate funding for both civil legal services for the poor and for the courts, so that those who need to turn to the justice system to protect their rights or resolve their disputes will find the sufficient staff and resources to assist them.

  • Criminal Justice

    The BBA believes that the primary concern of a criminal justice system should be promoting public safety and ensuring fair treatment for all citizens. In pursuit of this goal, the BBA has a long history of advocating for policies which are consistent, fiscally responsible and guarantee that the administration of justice in Massachusetts is impartial.

  • Civil Rights & Civil Liberties

    The Massachusetts Constitution — the nation's first and oldest — stands as a beacon for fair and equal treatment under the law for every citizen. It is fitting, then, that the BBA has a long record of voicing opposition to and mobilizing resources against threats to civil rights and civil liberties. Our work in this area spans affirmative action, the right to vote, and same-sex marriage. It also includes the right to privacy, freedom of speech, the balance between liberty and security.

  • Practice of Law

    The BBA inspires the vigorous pursuit of ideas, critical analysis and civic engagement in order to advance the practice of law as a business and a profession and has always worked to integrate opportunities for dynamic change and to exercise judgment and creativity in offering solutions for problems.

  • Children & Families

    The BBA is attentive to legislative matters regarding the care, protection, and support of children, as well as other family-related legal issues. Our vibrant Family Law Section frequently concerns itself with procedural and administrative matters relating to the Probate and Family Court and maintains a continuing dialogue with its judges.

Check out the Stats for Legal Aid Funding through FY 2014

The Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation, historically civil legal aid’s largest funding source in Massachusetts, has suffered significant losses during the recent economic downturn. This fact sheet illustrates the severity of the problem and details the impact of the funding dearth. While MLAC has been granted state funds in incremental increases over the past few years, funding falls far below the needs of civil legal aid organizations in Massachusetts.  Consequently low-income residents who depend on civil legal aid programs to provide them with their basic necessities are at risk.  The annual Walk to the Hill will be held on Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at the State House.  

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As a well-known innovator and opinion leader, the BBA is at the forefront of promoting justice and improving access to the legal system in Massachusetts. The Business Litigation Session of the Superior Court, the Uniform Probate Code, and our successful argument asserting the First Amendment rights of private parties, including bar associations, found in the R.E.B.A. v. N.R.E.I.S amicus brief are just three of the positive changes we have helped make a reality.