Massachusetts Rules of Appellate Procedure – 2026
The Massachusetts Rules of Appellate Procedure govern appeals to the Supreme Judicial Court and the Appeals Court, covering the notice of appeal, the record, briefs, oral argument, and post-decision proceedings.
Browse all 35 rules of the 2026 edition below. Each rule includes the full text, a plain-English summary, committee notes, amendment history, and cross-references to related rules. Use the search box to find rules by keyword or number.
Rule 1
Scope of Rules: Definitions
Rule 2
Suspension of Rules
Rule 3
Appeal - How Taken
Rule 4
Appeal - When Taken
Rule 5
Report of a Case for Determination
Rule 6
Stay or Injunction Pending Appeal
Rule 7
Disability of a Member of the Lower Court
Rule 8
The Record on Appeal
Rule 9
Assembly of the Record; Reproduction of Exhibits; Notice of Assembly; And Transmission of Documents from the Lower Court
Rule 10
Docketing the Appeal
Rule 11
Direct Appellate Review
Rule 11.1
Transfer from Supreme Judicial Court
Rule 12
Proceedings Involving an Indigent Party
Rule 13
Filing and Service
Rule 14
Computation and Extension of Time
Rule 15
Motions
Rule 16
Briefs
Rule 17
Brief of an Amicus Curiae
Rule 18
Appendix to the Briefs: Contents, Cost, Filing, and Service
Rule 19
Filing and Serving of Briefs, Appendices, and Certain Motions
Rule 20
Form and Length of Briefs, Appendices, and Other Documents
Rule 21
Protection of Personal Identifying Information
Rule 22
Oral Argument
Rule 23
Notice of Decision; Issuance of Rescript; Stay of Rescript
Rule 24
Justices' Participation
Rule 24.1
[Rescinded]
Rule 25
Appellate Attorney’s Fees and Costs
Rule 26
Costs in Civil Cases
Rule 27
Motion for Reconsideration or Modification of Decision
Rule 27.1
Further Appellate Review
Rule 28
Procedure in Lower Court Following Rescript
Rule 29
Voluntary Dismissal of Appeal or Other Proceeding
Rule 30
Substitution of Parties in Civil Cases
Rule 31
Duties of Clerks
Rule 32
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