State courts (both trial and appellate courts) usually have local rules of court that include detailed requirements for proceedings in the court—including the assignment of cases to judges, filing and serving documents, securing hearings before the court, and communicating with opposing parties and court personnel.

And federal courts (United States district courts and courts of appeals) also frequently prescribe local rules governing practice and procedure in their courts. Such rules must be consistent with both Acts of Congress and the Federal Rules of Practice and Procedure, and may only be prescribed after notice and an opportunity for public comment. A federal court's authority to prescribe local rules is governed by both statute and the Federal Rules of Practice and Procedure. See 28 U.S.C. §§ 2071(a)-(b); Fed. R. App. P. 47; Fed. R. Bankr. P. 9029; Fed. R. Civ. P. 83; Fed. R. Crim. P. 57.

State and federal courts usually post local rules on their websites.

In Massachusetts, both state and federal courts have established local rules of court to govern various aspects of legal proceedings. For state courts, including trial and appellate courts, these local rules cover the assignment of cases to judges, the filing and serving of documents, scheduling hearings, and communication with opposing parties and court personnel. These rules are designed to ensure the efficient and fair administration of justice within the state's legal framework. On the federal level, the United States district courts and courts of appeals in Massachusetts also have their own set of local rules. These rules must align with Acts of Congress and the Federal Rules of Practice and Procedure. They are enacted following a period of public notice and comment, as required by 28 U.S.C. §§ 2071(a)-(b) and various Federal Rules including Fed. R. App. P. 47, Fed. R. Bankr. P. 9029, Fed. R. Civ. P. 83, and Fed. R. Crim. P. 57. Both state and federal courts typically make their local rules available on their official websites, providing attorneys and the public with accessible information on procedural requirements.