Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has nominated Judge Joanna Rodriguez and Lisa Core as her latest picks to join the District Court bench. With years of legal experience behind them, these two women could soon become the newest faces delivering justice in the Commonwealth’s courtrooms. The announcement, made yesterday, is now under consideration by the Governor’s Council—the body responsible for confirming such appointments.
“Judge Rodriguez and Attorney Core are highly-qualified nominees, and their decades of experience in our courts will be incredibly valuable on the District Court,” Governor Healey said in a statement. Her lieutenant governor, Kim Driscoll, echoed these sentiments, “Both of these nominees are exceedingly qualified to serve on the District Court, and I am excited to work with the Governor’s Council to advance their nominations.”
The District Court where Rodriguez and Core may soon preside deals with a diverse set of cases — from criminal to civil, and includes specialized areas like housing, juvenile, mental health, among others. Its jurisdiction spans all felonies punishable by up to five years, select felonies with more severe penalties, misdemeanors, and city or town ordinance violations. Civil matters also find a hearing here, especially when the damages do not exceed $50,000 as well as smaller claims that go up to $7,000. These courts are dispersed throughout Massachusetts, with 62 in total…