Massachusetts Legal Overview: New Bedford The New Bedford metropolitan area in Massachusetts is defined by the Census Bureau as covering parts of Bristol and Plymouth counties. Other parts of both counties come under either the Boston MSA or the Brockton MSA. All three MSAs are a part of the Greater Boston CSA or combined statistical area, which has a total of 10 such MSAs spread over four states. Each county has a superior court, which acts as the main trial court with general jurisdiction. Listed below are the main cities and towns in the New Bedford metro area.
Top Massachusetts cities for Legal Issues: New Bedford
1. The Bristol Superior Court has locations in Fall River, Taunton and New Bedford. These courts handle everything from felony prosecutions to large civil disputes. There are four district courts in Bristol County, with one each in Atteboro, Fall River, Taunton and New Bedford. The New Bedford District Court has limited jurisdiction over local ordinance violations, misdemeanors, small claims below $7,000, and civil lawsuits not amounting to more than $25,000. Disputes involving larger amounts are under the jurisdiction of the superior court.
Trending Legal Topics: Trial court verdict appeals in Massachusetts are sent to the Appeals Court in Boston. The Supreme Judicial Court is the highest court in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Federal cases in the New Bedford metro area must be filed with the Boston Division of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Bankruptcy petitions are likewise to be filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland. All federal appeals go to the U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals. |