Section 19A. The justices of the superior court may appoint for a term of five years, and may at any time for cause remove, a special master, who shall receive from the commonwealth a salary of five thousand dollars. He shall perform such administrative duties pertaining to the court and shall hear and dispose of such interlocutory matters relating to the assignment, postponement, continuance and order of trial of cases, at such times and places as the chief justice of said court may determine. Every order or decision of said master shall be subject to appeal to the court and the appellant shall be granted an immediate hearing.

Terms Used In Massachusetts General Laws ch. 212 sec. 19A

  • Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
  • Continuance: Putting off of a hearing ot trial until a later time.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
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