Navigating the legal system can be daunting. This guide simplifies the process for anyone interacting with the Brockton Courthouse in Massachusetts, covering the District, Superior, and Housing courts.
Understanding the Brockton Courts
The Brockton Courthouse complex houses several crucial courts, each serving distinct functions within the legal system. Understanding these differences can streamline your experience.
Brockton District Court: Handling Everyday Matters
The Brockton District Court, located at 215 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301 ([map link if available]), manages a wide array of cases, from traffic violations and misdemeanors to small claims and landlord-tenant disputes. It also handles some housing and juvenile cases. The court serves Abington, Bridgewater (East and West), Brockton, and Whitman. You can reach them at (508) 587-8000 or via fax at (508) 583-3118. Regular business hours typically align with standard weekday office hours, but it’s always best to confirm directly. The court is accessible to those with disabilities. For specific case information, online resources like MassCourts or The Court Direct may be helpful. Remember to consult the official Massachusetts Trial Courts website for the most up-to-date information.
Brockton Superior Court: Addressing Complex Cases
The Brockton Superior Court, situated at 72 Belmont Street, Brockton, MA ([map link if available]), handles more serious offenses, including felonies and grand jury indictments. This court has jurisdiction over all of Plymouth County. You can contact them at (508) 583-8250. Free parking is available, offering a significant convenience.
Metro-South Housing Court (Brockton Session): Resolving Housing Concerns
For housing-related legal issues like evictions and landlord-tenant disputes, the Metro-South Housing Court – Brockton Session is conveniently co-located with the District Court at 215 Main Street. They can be reached at (508) 894-4170. It’s crucial to check with the Court for specific location and accessibility information. This court’s jurisdiction covers residential property disputes in a designated region (specific towns served require further research for precise detail).
Reaching the Brockton Courthouse
Several transportation options make accessing the courthouse relatively easy:
- MBTA Commuter Rail: The Kingston/Plymouth and Middleborough/Lakeville lines stop at Brockton Station, about a half-mile walk from the courthouse.
- Brockton Area Transit (BAT) Bus: Route 8 likely provides a more direct route; checking the BAT schedule is recommended.
- Driving: While driving is an option, parking near the courthouse can be limited, especially during peak hours. Planning ahead and considering alternative transportation may be beneficial.
Key Information at a Glance
Court | Address | Phone Number | Typical Case Types |
---|---|---|---|
Brockton District Court | 215 Main St, Brockton, MA | (508) 587-8000 | Traffic violations, misdemeanors, small claims, landlord-tenant disputes, some juvenile and housing matters |
Brockton Superior Court | 72 Belmont St, Brockton, MA | (508) 583-8250 | Felonies, serious offenses, grand jury indictments |
Metro-South Housing Court | 215 Main St, Brockton, MA | (508) 894-4170 | Evictions, landlord-tenant disputes, other housing-related legal matters |
Additional resources include the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office and the Brockton Police Department website, although these primarily focus on law enforcement rather than court procedures. For related courthouse information, you might also find our articles on the Biddeford Courthouse and the Brazoria County Courthouse useful.
Brockton District Court Jurisdiction: Towns Served & Case Types Explained
This section delves into the specifics of the Brockton District Court’s jurisdiction, providing clarity on the towns it serves and the types of cases handled.
Defining Jurisdiction
“Jurisdiction” refers to a court’s authority, both geographically and by subject matter. The Brockton District Court’s primary geographical jurisdiction covers six towns in Plymouth County: Abington, Bridgewater, Brockton, East Bridgewater, West Bridgewater, and Whitman. There’s some debate about whether its jurisdiction extends into parts of Norfolk County, a point requiring further investigation through official sources like the Massachusetts Trial Court website.
Types of Cases
The court handles:
- Criminal Cases: Misdemeanors and some felonies (more serious felonies usually proceed to Superior Court).
- Civil Cases: Contract disputes, personal injury claims, landlord-tenant disagreements.
- Housing Cases: Specifically, evictions and some landlord-tenant disputes.
- Juvenile Cases: Cases involving minors under a certain age (research required for specific age range).
- Mental Health Cases: The specifics of the court’s involvement in these cases require further research.
Accessibility and Further Information
The courthouse is located at 215 Main Street in Brockton. Public transportation via the MBTA Commuter Rail (Kingston/Plymouth and Middleborough/Lakeville lines to Brockton Station) and Brockton Area Transit are available. Parking can be limited.
Brockton, MA: A City of Champions in Plymouth County
Brockton, located in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, serves as one of the county’s two seats, alongside Plymouth. The city is home to the Brockton District Court and the Probate & Family Court, both situated conveniently at 215 Main Street. Public transportation via the MBTA commuter rail (Kingston/Plymouth and Middleborough/Lakeville lines) makes the courthouse readily accessible. A public parking garage across the street offers convenient parking. Plymouth County has four district courts: Brockton, Hingham, Plymouth, and Wareham. Brockton, the sixth-largest city in Massachusetts, is known as the “City of Champions” due to its rich boxing history, with iconic figures like Rocky Marciano and Marvin Hagler adding to its legacy. As of the 2020 US Census, Brockton’s population was 105,643.
Navigating the Brockton, MA Court System: A Simple Guide
Brockton has various court divisions, including the District Court, Superior Court (Brockton session), Metro-South Housing Court (Brockton session), and Juvenile Court.
- Brockton District Court (215 Main St): Handles less serious offenses for six communities: Abington, Bridgewater, Brockton, East Bridgewater, West Bridgewater, and Whitman. Contact: (508) 587-8000.
- Plymouth County Superior Court (72 Belmont St): Manages serious criminal and civil cases for all of Plymouth County. Contact: (508) 583-8250. Free parking is available.
- Metro-South Housing Court (Brockton Session): Addresses residential property disputes within a defined region (requires further research for specific towns served).
- Plymouth County Juvenile Court: Handles cases involving minors within Plymouth County.
All these courts are accessible via public transport (MBTA and BAT). Remember to consult the Massachusetts Trial Courts website (Mass.gov) for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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