Rule 1-85. Consolidation of related civil cases pending in more than one division (pursuant to G.L. C. 223 § 2A)

Standing Order 1-85

General Laws c. 223, s. 2A

, as amended by

St.1985, c. 221

, assigns to the administrative justice of each department of the Trial Court the power to consolidate related civil cases pending in more than one division of that department. Section 2A formerly provided for such consolidations only within the District Court, and gave such authority to the Appellate Division of the District Court, established pursuant to

G.L. c. 231, s. 108

.

In order to expedite the judicial business of the District Court, and in accordance with the authority granted by

G.L. c. 211B, s. 10

, I hereby delegate severally to the presiding justices of the districts of the Appellate Division of the District Court and to their successors as presiding justices, or to any justice of the Appellate Division of the District Court designated by such presiding justices, the responsibilities and powers assigned to me as Administrative Justice of the District Court by G.L. c. 223, s. 2A, as amended by St.1985, c. 221.

The procedure for such motions to consolidate is contained in Dist./Mun.Cts.R.Civ.P. 42(a).