Retired Massachusetts Superior Court Justice Dennis Curran will discuss the behind-the-scenes process by which judges make their decisions: how bail is set, how sentencing decisions are made, how a criminal trial works, whether Massachusetts juries are “giving away the store,” how judges are selected, the difference between appointed versus elected judges, how jurors are chosen, specialty courts (such as drug and gun courts), and the challenges of being fair while also adhering to the law.

Dennis J. Curran served as a Massachusetts judge for 16 years, including in the Superior Court from 2006 to 2018. Prior to his time on the bench, Curran worked as an Assistant District Attorney and First Assistant Legal Counsel to the Governor, in addition to work in private practice. A graduate of Boston Latin School, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Virginia School of Law, Curran has taught law at Tufts University, Roger Williams University School of Law, and Brown University.

This program is held in collaboration with the Bacon Free Library and the Tewksbury Public Library.

Register here for the Zoom link.

RECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program.