For the first time in the history of the commonwealth, women sat on the jury of state court as superior court convened in Edgartown Tuesday for a three-day September term. Women were represented on both of the juries impaneled at the session.
Women have sat on juries in federal courts in this state, but so far as any state court is concerned, the Vineyard this week made history. Both Judge Vincent Brogna of Newton, who presided, and District Attorney Maurice M. Lyons of New Bedford, made formal recognition of this fact.
On Wednesday the Court of County Commissioners for Dukes, met at the Selectmen’s Room in the Town Hall. Hon. Thomas H. Lambert, having taken the customary oath, took his seat with the board. Hon. Benjamin Davis was re-elected Chairman.
The following order was passed and the read by the Clerk: -
Dukes County, ss. In Court of County Commissioners, November Term, by adjournment, to February 3d, 1858.
The Hon. Gary Nickerson’s journey has taken him to the district attorney’s office, the U.S. attorney’s office, private practice and personal injury lawyer, and finally a judgeship.
At the Edgartown courthouse, access for people with handicaps is severely lacking. The only wheelchair ramp is in disrepair. The wheelchair lift on the stairs leading to the courtroom has been broken for months.
Fire protection problems at the Edgartown courthouse have been known since at least 2001, when a state report recommended upgrades to increase safety in the 1856 brick building.
An inspection at the Edgartown courthouse has turned up serious deficiencies in fire safety, including an emergency exit door that was locked and impassable.
A man and woman charged recently with sleeping in Ocean Park, a violation of Oak Bluffs law, came before the Dukes county district court judge Herbert E. Tucker, Jr. and were ordered to pay a $25 fine. They told Judge Tucker they needed until 1 p.m. that afternoon to pay.
At 1 p.m., the couple did not appear. They had gone home to Fairhaven.
After 21 years, Dianne Powers will retire this fall from the Edgartown registry of deeds. Lately she has been sharing her office with Honey Bee, the youngest of her four Great Danes.
After nearly 30 years on the bench, the Hon. Barbara J. Rouse, chief justice of the Massachusetts superior court, retires in December. Her farewell tour included a stop last week on the Vineyard, where she spoke with high school history students.
