A time-honored authority, Appellate Practice in Massachusetts examines the appellate process at every level and court in the Commonwealth, in both civil and criminal matters. It covers the appellate process and offers valuable insight into the art of effective appellate advocacy in civil and criminal cases. This manual includes practical information on how to assess the decision to appeal, how alternative dispute resolution works at the appellate level, standards of review and the mechanics of appeal in the various courts. In-depth guidance is offered on how to draft appellate briefs. The role of the amicus brief, oral advocacy and post-decision practice are featured, as is single justice practice.
Also featured, and previously available only to Massachusetts courts, is an Appendix containing selected Massachusetts cases on the standards of appellate review. This list of selected cases is an invaluable aid for researching key legal issues in cases where appellate review turns on error of law, abuse of discretion and prejudice.
