Massachusetts First explores elected positions often overlooked by voters
In Massachusetts, the Clerk of Courts is pivotal in the judicial system but is often overlooked by voters. This position is not just a bureaucratic role but a crucial one that ensures the smooth operation of the state’s courts. They are responsible for a wide range of duties, all of which contribute to the efficient operation of the justice system.
Clerk of Courts Duties
Case Management: Clerks maintain all court records, from filing fees to case documents. They schedule hearings, notify parties involved, and track case progress, ensuring efficient operation and avoiding delays.
Public Access: Clerks are the primary point of contact for the public. They answer questions about court procedures, provide access to case information (within privacy limitations), and guide individuals through the filing process. This promotes transparency and makes the court system more user-friendly.
Fees and Fines: Clerks collect court fees, fines, and other associated costs. They manage these funds and ensure proper disbursement according to state regulations. This financial responsibility is crucial for the court’s operation.
Jury Management: Clerks play a key role in jury selection. They maintain juror lists, summon individuals for jury duty, and ensure a fair and impartial jury pool for each case.
Judicial Officers: Clerks may preside over initial hearings and small claims sessions, where they exercise judicial discretion within the scope of their authority. This judicial function underscores the significant trust placed in Clerks to contribute to the fair administration of justice.
One of the key aspects of the Clerk’s responsibilities is to uphold the Code of Professional Responsibility for Clerks of the Courts. Clerks must perform their duties without bias, maintaining public confidence in the judicial system.
About the Massachusetts Superior Court System
“The Superior Court is a trial court of general jurisdiction for Massachusetts, and is committed to delivering high-quality justice with dignity and speed. The court’s 82 justices sit in 20 courthouses in all 14 state counties.
The Superior Court has exclusive original jurisdiction of first-degree murder cases, and has original jurisdiction of all other crimes, civil actions over $50,000, matters where parties are seeking equitable relief, and actions including labor disputes where parties are seeking injunctive relief.
The Superior Court also has exclusive authority to convene medical malpractice tribunals, has appellate jurisdiction over certain administrative proceedings, and may hold naturalization sittings in any city or town.”
Each county has at least one court, with multiple courts in more populous counties. There are twenty Superior Court locations in all. Each county has one Clerk of Courts. The current Clerks of Court are listed below:
Barnstable Superior Court
Scott W. Nickerson
Berkshire Superior Court
Deborah S. Capeless
Bristol Superior Court
Jennifer A. Sullivan
Dukes Superior Court
T. George Davis
Essex County Superior Court
Thomas H. Driscoll
Franklin Superior Court
Susan K. Emond
Hampden Superior Court
Laura Gentile
Hampshire Superior Court
Harry Jekanowski
Middlesex Superior Court
Michael A. Sullivan
Nantucket Superior Court
Mary Elizabeth Adams
Norfolk Superior Court
Walter F. Timilty
Plymouth Superior Court
Robert S. Creedon, Jr.
Suffolk Superior Court
Clerk of Court for Civil Business: John Powers
Clerk of Court Criminal Business: Maura A. Hennigan
Worcester Superior Court
Dennis P. McManus
Upcoming Massachusetts Elections
The November 5, 2024, election will see more than just the Presidential Election. Several candidates filed papers with the OCPF to run for Clerk of Courts. Below is a list of candidates as of 06.10.2024:
| Name | Office | Incumbent |
| Nickerson, Scott | Clerk of Courts, Barnstable County | ✔ |
| Moran, Susan | Clerk of Courts, Barnstable County | |
| Denault-Viale, Lisa | Clerk of Courts, Berkshire County | |
| Santos, Marc | Clerk of Courts, Bristol County | |
| Sullivan, Jennifer | Clerk of Courts, Bristol County | ✔ |
| Davis, Toye | Clerk of Courts, Dukes County | ✔ |
| Driscoll, Thomas | Clerk of Courts, Essex County | ✔ |
| Angilly, Todd | Clerk of Courts, Essex County | |
| Simanski, Benjamin | Clerk of Courts, Franklin County | |
| Gentile, Laura | Clerk of Courts, Hampden County | ✔ |
| Carey, Daniel | Clerk of Courts, Hampshire County | |
| Sullivan, Michael | Clerk of Courts, Middlesex County | ✔ |
| Timilty, Walter | Clerk of Courts, Norfolk County | ✔ |
| Jubinville, Robert | Clerk of Courts, Norfolk County | |
| Creedon, Robert | Clerk of Courts, Plymouth County | ✔ |
| Doyle, Maura | Supreme Judicial Clerk of Courts, Suffolk County | ✔ |
| Cartwright, Allison | Supreme Judicial Clerk of Courts, Suffolk County | |
| Murphy, Erin | Supreme Judicial Clerk of Courts, Suffolk County | |
| McManus, Dennis | Clerk of Courts, Worcester County | ✔ |
| Doherty, James | Clerk of Courts, Essex County | |
| Gibson, Charles | Clerk of Courts, Nantucket County | |
| Whelden, Colleen | Clerk of Courts, Nantucket County |
We will update the list if any new candidates file papers.
By Citizens for Truth Contributor
Sources
Massachusetts First 
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