Statutory Duties

The Reporter of Decisions is appointed by the Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court. The authority and duties of the position are governed by G. L. c. 221, §§ 63-68.

This statute requires the Reporter to:

• Make true reports of decisions upon all questions of law argued by counsel, prepare them for publication with suitable headnotes, tables of cases, and indexes.
• Furnish them to the publisher and superintend their correction, proof reading, and publication.
• Contract for printing and binding of reports.
• Attend sittings of court unless excused (The Reporter presently attends primarily on ceremonial occasions).

In 1836, the Legislature established the position of Deputy Reporter to attend the court's sitting and to take notes in the Reporter's absence. The duties of the present Deputy Reporter are to assist the Reporter.