Edgartown District Court
Dukes County Courthouse
PO Box 1267
Edgartown, MA 02539
508-627-3751
The District court has jurisdiction over all criminal cases including felonies, misdemeanors, domestic violence, and violation of town ordinances. Also under the jurisdiction of the District Court are all civil and small claims cases. The judges and clerks are appointed by the governor. The probation officer and support staff are state employees.
Superior Court
Dukes County Courthouse
PO Box 1267
Edgartown, MA 02539
508-627-4668
The Superior court has jurisdiction over all civil, criminal, and equity cases. The judge is assigned by the Chief Justice of Massachusetts. The Clerk is elected for a six year term. The jury is selected at random by computer from the street listing census and voting lists submitted by each town clerk. There are no exemptions from jury duty for professionals, for homemakers with minor children, for law enforcement officials, or for students. If a day is inconvenient, a juror may apply to postpone the date of jury duty up to one year. An extended trial of over three days may allow some changes. A person will not be called for jury duty more than once every three years in Dukes County.
Juvenile Court
Barnstable County/Town of Plymouth Div
PO Box 550
(12 Mariner's Way, Unit 4)
Edgartown, MA 02539
508-627-8983
508-627-3709 (fax)
The juvenile Court has jurisdiction over all criminal cases involving children between the ages of 7 and 17 years old, Care and Protection cases, and Child in Need of Services (CHINS) petitions. The judges and clerks are appointed by the governor. The probation officer and clerical assistants are hired state workers.
Probate and Family Court
Dukes County Courthouse
PO Box 237
Edgartown, MA 02539
508-627-4703
Probate and Family Court has jurisdiction over wills and estates, guardianship of the insane and minors, the commitment of the insane and cases dealing with adoption and divorce. The judge is appointed by the governor. The Register of Probate is elected for a six year term.
Probation Department
Dukes County Courthouse
Edgartown Division
PO Box 1291
Edgartown, MA 02539
508-627-4291
Officer in Charge: John H. Mezzetti
Cape and Islands District Attorney
Edgartown Courthouse
C/O Po Box 455
Barnstable, MA 02630
508-627-7780
508-362-8113 (Barnstable)
The Office of the District Attorney prosecutes criminal matters within the Cape and Islands.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Martha’s Vineyard Mediation Program
C/O Edgartown District Court
PO Box 1284
Edgartown, MA 02539
The Martha's Vineyard Mediation Program offers mediation as an alternative approach to the resolution of disputes. This volunteer, non-profit program helps people involved in small claims matters, martial problems, parent-child issues, and community relations problems. For information call Gayle Stiller at 508-627-3751
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